Greek pronunciation for English speakers

Greek has its own alphabet. It looks hard for a week and then it clicks. Spelling is quite regular, though a few vowels share one sound. Here is what to watch.

Learn the alphabet first

Spend two or three days on the 24 letters. Many look familiar: α, ε, ο, κ, μ, ν. Learn the others a few at a time. After that you can sound out any word.

Two th sounds

θ is the th in "think". δ is the th in "this". Both sounds exist in English, so they come easily. Practise "θέλω" (I want) for the first.

The ch sound

χ is a rough sound from the back of the mouth. It is like the ch in Scottish "loch". Before e and i it softens, as in "χέρι". Practise "χαίρετε".

The g

γ is a soft sound made in the throat, a little like a gentle gargle. Before e and i it sounds like the y in "yes". Listen to a native speaker say "γάλα" and "γεια".

Many ways to write i

The sound "ee" can be written ι, η, υ, ει and οι. This is why spelling takes practice, even though the sounds are simple. Learn each word as a whole.

Stress

Every word of two or more syllables has an accent mark. It shows where to put the stress. Read the mark as an instruction and stress that syllable.

The rolled r

ρ is tapped or rolled, as in Italian and Spanish. Start with a single tap.

How to practise

• Say new words aloud and note the accent mark.
• Record yourself and compare with a native speaker.
• Ask your partner to correct sounds, not just words.

A native speaker will hear what you miss. See how to find a language partner, or Greek on Nearly Fluent.