The table below highlights some pronunciation rules which cannot be inferred by simply analyzing the alphabet. Such rules, which are presently followed in Italian schools, diverge from Greek pronunciation in the classical age in some cases.
The following table shows all instances worth mentioning.
| Letters, combinations and diacritics | Occurrence | Pronunciation | Examples and audio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
γ |
followed by velar (κ γ χ ξ) |
gamma nasal as in sing |
ἄγκυρα, anchor |
|
ἄγγελος, messanger |
||||
τυγχάνω, I happen |
||||
σάλπιγξ, trumpet |
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all other instances |
g guttural as in get |
γίγας, giant |
never pronounced as in gem |
|
ζ |
dz |
ζημία, penalty |
||
θ |
th |
θεός, god |
||
κ |
k |
κελεύω, I order |
||
| ου | long u sound as in group |
βούλομαι, I want |
||
| υ | when not part of a diphthong |
ü as in French |
μῦθος, tale, story |
|
when part of a diphthong |
u as in group |
εὐθύς, immediately |
||
| ᾿ (smooth breathing) |
not aspirated |
ἔργον, work, task |
||
| ῾ (rough breathing) |
aspirated |
ἑσπέρα, evening |
compare to German haben |