Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Diphthongs-and-Special-Combinations

Modern Greek (1453-) Grammar → Introduction to Greek Alphabet → Diphthongs and Special Combinations

As a Modern Greek (1453-) language teacher, I am excited to introduce you to the beauty of the Greek language. Greek is rich in tradition, culture, and literature, and it is also an important language in the fields of science, mathematics, and philosophy. In this lesson, we will focus on diphthongs and special letter combinations, which are an essential factor in mastering the pronunciation of the Greek language.

Diphthongs: Pronunciation and Examples

Diphthongs are two vowel sounds pronounced within one syllable. The combination of the two vowels creates a unique sound. In Greek, there are four diphthongs:

Greek Alphabet	Pronunciation	English
αι	[e]	eight
ει	[i]	tree
οι	[i]	coin
υι (obsolete)	[i]	ski

• "ai" pronounced [e] sounds like the "e" in "eight."
• "ei" pronounced [i] sounds like the "ee" in "tree."
• "oi" pronounced [i] sounds like the "oi" in "coin."
• "yi" pronounced [i] sounds like the "ee" in "ski."

It is important to remember that when the letters "αι" and "οι" are stressed, they are pronounced as separate syllables. For example, αυτοκίνητο (car) is pronounced as "af-to-ki-ni-to," and not "af-tok-nee-to."

Special Letter Combinations: Pronunciation and Examples

Greek is a language with a rich history, and throughout the years, its alphabet has undergone several transformations. As a result, some Greek letters are pronounced similarly to two or more Latin letters or have their unique pronunciation, making it different from modern English or other languages.

Here are the most common examples of special letter combinations in Modern Greek (1453-):

Γγ:

In Modern Greek, the letter Γ (γάμμα) is pronounced like "g" in "gorilla." However, when Γ is followed by specific vowels, it is pronounced differently.

• Γγ before ε, η, ι, ϋ or υ is pronounced like "y" in "yes."

Example: μέγιστος (greatest) is pronounced as "mé-gi-stos."

• Γγ before α, ο, ω, or ου is pronounced like "g" in "go."

Example: αγόρι (boy) is pronounced as "a-gó-ri."

Ξξ:

The letter Ξ (ξι) stands for the sound similar to "ks" in "box." It is always pronounced this way, no matter what kind of sound follows it in the word.

Example: ξοδεύω (to spend) is pronounced as "xodé-vo."

Ζζ:

The letter Ζ (ζήτα) is pronounced like "z" in "zoo." However, in Modern Greek, when it is followed by vowels: ε, ψ, or ξ, it is pronounced differently.

• Ζ before ε or ι is pronounced like "d" in "day."

Example: εζήτησα (I asked) is pronounced as "ezítissa."

• Ζ before ψ or ξ is pronounced like "ps" in "lampsι : shine,flash ."

Example: ψιθύρισα (I whispered) is pronounced as "psy-thî-ri-ssa"

Χχ:

The letter Χ (χι) is pronounced like "ch" in "church," but when it is followed ι, η or υ, it is pronounced more like "sh" in "shell."

Example: ήχος (sound) is pronounced as "ée-shos."

It takes time and dedication to familiarize oneself with the sound and pronunciation of diphthongs and special letter combinations in the Greek language. However, with patience and practice, you can master it.

Practice Time

Now that we have reviewed the pronunciation of diphthongs and special letter combinations let's put it into practice. Listen and repeat the following words:

• μαιευτήρας (midwife) - pronounced "me-e-f-tír"
• βοηθός (helper) - pronounced "vo-í-thos"
• κλειδί (key) - pronounced "klí-thi"
• καλημέρα (good morning) - pronounced "ka-li-mé-ra"
• Μάιος (May) - pronounced "má-ιos"
• λαϊκή (folk) - pronounced "la-í-ki"

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have explored the pronunciation of diphthongs and special letter combinations in Modern Greek (1453-). We have seen how four diphthongs and four special letter combinations used in the Greek language create sounds unique to the language. Now that you have a good understanding of these concepts, you can use them with confidence in your own speech and take the first step in your journey to mastering the Greek language.

Table of Contents - Modern Greek (1453-) Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Greek Alphabet

• Greek Letters and Pronunciation
• Diphthongs and Special Combinations

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Basic Greetings and Phrases

• Greetings and Introductions
• Common Everyday Phrases

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Nouns and Articles

• Definite and Indefinite Articles
• Noun Gender and Plurals

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
• Adverbs and Adverbial Phrases

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Food and Dining

• Common Foods and Drinks
• Ordering in a Restaurant

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

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Greek Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Greek Cuisine

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Greek History and Geography

• Historical Overview
• Geographical Regions

Related Lessons

• Nouns
• Adjective Agreement
• Punctuation
• Direct and indirect speech
• Indirect speech
• How to Use Have
• Questions
• Augment in modern Greek
• Interjections