The Details of Modern Greek Phonetics and Phonology

Please Note: the present page is part of this general page on the Greek alphabet,
pronunciation, and orthography, which in turn is part of this set of pages on the
Greek language.

What is it that distinguishes the pronunciation of a native speaker of Modern Greek

from that of a learner of the language? As is the case with every other natural
language, there are a few tips, tricks, and details that nearly no book on
pronunciation mentions. Read the following if you intend to perfect your Modern
Greek pronunciation, or if you are simply curious and interested to see what
distinguishes Modern Greek phonetics and phonology from that of your own
language. You can hear sounds of the example-words from a native speaker, the
author of this text (click on the speaker-icon next to each word to hear its
pronunciation).

I am assuming you are already familiar with the Greek alphabet, and hence with
the pronunciation of each letter individually. This page lists the cases where the
pronunciation of letters changes according to their surroundings. The list is meant
to be exhaustive there are no other cases of differing pronunciation in Greek
depending on context, to the best of my knowledge. Modern Greek is supposed to
be an almost what-you-read-is-what-you-speak language, not as "pure" as
Spanish or Italian, but certainly much more predictable than English or French.
Here is a list of topics discussed in this page:

[s] [z] in front of voiced consonants

μ followed by π, ν followed by τ, and γ followed by κ or γ
At word-boundaries: [n p] [mb], [n t] [nd], and [n k] [ g]
The ingma ([ ]): when it appears
Palatalization
Silencing of unstressed vowels between unvoiced consonants
Disambiguation of some three-consonant combinations
ευφ- and ευβ-

Note: when I put a letter in brackets, like this: [o], I refer to the sound of the letter;
otherwise, the printed letter is shown without brackets. Actually, what I put in
brackets is not letters, but IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) symbols, all of
which can be seen here (with Greek sounds highlighted).
 [s] [z] in front of voiced consonants

When the letter σ (σίγμα, which stand-alone is pronounced [s]) is found before a
voiced consonant except λ, (i.e., β, γ, δ, μ, ν, ρ), it is pronounced as the letter ζ
(ζήτα), that is, [z]. Examples:

 σβήνω: [zv`ino] (= I erase, I delete, I extinguish, I turn off)

 σγουρός: [zγur`os] (= curly)

 κόσμος: [k`ozmos] (= world, people)

 Ισραήλ: [izra`il] (= Israel)

The same transformation takes place even if σ is the last letter of a word (thus, in
writing it appears as "final sigma": ς) and the next word starts with a voiced
consonant. Examples:

 ο κόσμος μου: [o k`ozmozmu] (= my world)

 τους δύο: [tuz `io] (= the two)

When reading in slow speed, however, or speaking emphatically, it is possible to

notice the cancellation of the between-words [s] [z] transformation.

Notice that the letter λ, although voiced, does not always effect this transformation
on σ. Some people, though, may perform this transformation for a final ς even
before a λ. Examples:

 σλόγκαν: [sl`ogan] (= slogan, motto)

 καλός λόγος: [kal`os l`oγos] or: [kal`oz l`oγos] (= good word)

μ followed by π, ν followed by τ, and γ followed by κ or γ

In the page of the Greek alphabet it was explained that the letters μπ, when found
together, are pronounced as [b]; the letters ντ, also together, are pronounced as
[d]; and the letters γκ or γγ together are pronounced as [g]. In reality, the rule is not
so simple.

What happens is that μπ is pronounced as [b], ντ as [d], and γκ as [g] only in the
beginning of a word, or after a consonant (which is usually ρ); or sometimes when
the word is a foreign loanword. Let's call these the "dry" versions of μπ, ντ, and γκ.
(Note that γγ never appears at the beginning of a word or after a consonant, so
there is no "dry" version of it.) Examples:
  ντροπή: [drop`i] (=
 μπροστά: [brost`a] (=  γκρεμός:
shame)
in front) [grem`os] (= cliff)
 χουβαρντάς:
 μπάρμπας: [b`arbas]  αργκώ: [arg`o]
[xuvard`as] (=
(~ uncle, "guy" [slang]) (= argot)
generous)
 κόμπρα: [k`obra] (=  αντίο: [ad`io] (=
 Φλόριντα: [fl`orida] (=
cobra) goodbye)
Florida)
In all other cases (and note that these are the majority), μπ, ντ, and γκ/γγ become
nasalised, and are pronounced as [mb], [nd] and [ g], respectively. Examples:

 εμπρός: [embr`os]
 άντρας: [`andras]  όγκος: [`o gos]
(= ahead, hello!)
(= man) (=volume, tumor)
 καμπάνα:
 πόντος: [p`ondos]  πάγκος: [p`a gos]
[kamb`ana] (= church
(= sea, point) (= bench)
bell)
 εντελώς: [endel`os]  αγγούρι: [a g`uri]
 κουμπί: [kumb`i] (=
(= completely) (= cucumber)
button)
It should be noted that although it is nearly acceptable to turn the nasalized
version of these sounds to their corresponding "dry" ones (as in [ebr`os] for
εμπρός, but not in formal speech), it is unacceptable (wrong pronunciation) to turn
the "dry" sounds into nasal ones. For example, the pronunciation [mb`armbas]
(for μπάρμπας, see example above) will never be uttered by a native speaker of
Greek.(1)

At word-boundaries: [n p] [mb], [n t] [nd], and [n k] [ g]

A phenomenon similar to the previous one occurs at word-boundaries: when a

word ends in [n], then if the following word starts with [p] (and both words belong
to the same part of speech, i.e., there is no pause due to a period, semicolon,
comma, etc.) what happens is that the [n] changes to [m] and the [p] to [b].
Similarly, if the following word starts with [t], we have the transformation [n t] [nd];
and if it starts with [k] we have [n k] [ g]. Examples:
  τον πόνο:  τον τόνο:
 την κόρη: [ti g`ori]
[tomb`ono] (= the [tond`ono] (= the
(= the daughter)
pain) tune)
These transformations are very common due to the high frequency of occurrence
of the definite article forms τον, την (singular, accusative case of masculine and
feminine genders), and των (plural, genitive, all genders). Notice that it is only [n]
that can cause these thansformations, not [m], because in Greek there are no
words ending in [m] (or, if there are any foreign loanwords, such as τραμ, they are
usually nouns, causing a momentary pause in speech, which cancels this phonetic
transformation).

Note also that this transformation is not universal among native speakers. Some
native speakers (a small percentage, I believe) do not perform them, especially the
second ([n t] [nd]) and the third one ([n k] [ g]), and especially when they want
to speak exceptionally clearly (like anchormen/women). I myself do not do these
transformations in my more phrases pages, precisely for this reason. But I am sure
I perform them when I talk to other native Greek speakers.

The ingma ([ ]): when it appears

As mentioned in the alphabet page, the typical case where the sound [ ] appears
is in front of a velar consonant (sounds [k], [γ], [x], letters κ, γ, χ), and is denoted
by the letter γ before the velar consonant. Examples:

 άγχος: [`a xos] (= anxiety)

 έλεγχος: [`ele xos] (= checking)

 πλαγκτόν: [pla kt`on] (= plankton)

In addition, a [ ] is produced also whenever a final [n] appears before an initial

velar consonant (including [g]) at word-boundaries. Examples:

 τον γάμο: [to γ`amo] (= the wedding)

 τον χρόνο: [to xr`ono] (= the time)

 τον γκρεμό: [to grem`o] (= the cliff)

A third case where [ ] appears was already mentioned in a prior paragraph: it is
when the digraph γκ or γγ appears after a vowel, and so is nasalized, pronounced
as [ g]. For examples, see this paragraph, above.

Palatalization

The phenomenon of palatalization is the single most important phonetic

phenomenon of the Modern Greek language, and the one that largely
distinguishes the speech of a native speaker from that of a second-language
learner. Most native speakers of Greek are not even aware of this phenomenon
(naturally, because it is a phonetic, not a phonological aspect of the language).
However, it is interesting that when Greeks want to mockingly imitate the non-
native Greek pronunciation of foreigners, the main trick they do is that they avoid
palatalization (because non-native speakers almost always omit it), but without
being aware of doing so! That is, the average Greek is a proficient master of the
phenomenon, and can even reproduce its omission from the language, but is not
consciously aware of it does not have access to the concept as a single idea, in
cognitive terms. The following paragraphs will describe this concept. If you are a
non-native speaker interested in the language, you will learn (consciously)
something almost all Greeks know only subconsciously. If you are a native
speaker of Greek, chances are you'll be surprised by what you'll read. So, let's
start. What is palatalization in Greek?

1. Regular Palatalization

The notion of palatalization refers to the change of four consonants, [k], [γ], [x],
and [g], from the velar column of this table to the preceding palatal one, if the
vowel that follows is either [i] or [e].

Also, two consonants of the alveolar column, [n], and [l] switch to their
corresponding palatal ones if the vowel that follows is [i] (but not [e]).

Notice that when I say "the vowel that follows is [i]", I mean that, in writing, this can
be any of the six ways to write [i] in Greek: η, ι, υ, ει, οι, or υι (note: the last
digraph, υι, is extremely rare). Similarly, "the vowel that follows is [e]" means either
of the two ways to write [e], that is, either ε or αι.

Let us see examples of palatalization of the velar consonants:

 [k] [c] [γ] [ ] [x] [ ] [g] [ ]

+ κήπος: [c`ipos] (= γη: [ `i] (= earth, χήρα: [ `ira] κλαγγή: [kla `i]
η garden) ground) (= widow) (= clang)

παπάκι: [pap`aci] γίνομαι: [ `inome] όχι: [`o i] (= αγκίστρι: [a

+ι
(= duckling) (= I become) no) `istri] (= fishhook)

+ κύμα: [c`ima] (= γυναίκα: [ in`eka] παχύς: [pa έγκυρο: [`e iro]

υ wave) (= woman) `is] (= fat) (= valid)

+ εκείνο: [ec`ino] (= γείτονας: [ έχει: [`e i] (= φέγγει: [f`e i] (=

ει that one) `itonas] (= neighbor) has) shines)

κοιμάμαι:
+ υπουργοί: [ipur χοίρος: [ μουγγοί: [mu `i]
[cim`ame] (= I
οι `i] (= ministers) `iros] (= swine) (= mute people)
sleep)

+ κενό: [cen`o] (= γέρος: [ `eros] (= χέρι: [ `eri] (= άγγελος: [`a

ε empty, void) old man) hand) elos] (= angel)

+ πηγαίνω: [pi χαίρετε: [ εγκαίρως: [e

και: [c`e] (= and)
αι `eno] (= I go) `erete] (= hello) `eros] (= in time)

The fact that many of the above words are commonplace gives a first indication of
the frequency with which palatalization occurs in the language. Still, there is a lot
more to follow. Let us see now some examples of palatalization of the alveolar
consonants:

[n] [ ] [l] [ ]

+ η φωνή: [fo `i] (= voice) καλή: [ka `i] (= nice, good)

+ ι πανί: [pa `i] (= cloth) λίγο: [ `iγo] (= a little bit)

+ υ νυστάζω: [ ist`azo] (= I feel sleepy) πολύ: [po `i] (= a lot)

+ ει όνειρο: [`o iro] (= dream) κλείνω: [k `ino] (= I close)

+ οι ανοίγω: [a `iγo] (= I open) λοιπόν: [ ip`on] (= well, so, thus)

Note, however, that the palatalization of the alveolar consonants [n] and [l]
followed by [i] varies in degree among regions of Greece. Athenians palatalize
them a little bit, whereas people in some villages of Peloponnesus palatalize them
a lot (to the point that Athenians — who are silly enough to feel “people of the
capital” — make fun of them).

I mentioned earlier that the alveolar [n] and [l] do not become palatalized before
[e]. That is, the letter-sequences νε and ναι are pronounced as: [ne]; similarly, λε
and λαι are pronouced: [le]. Does this mean that the sounds [ e] and [ e] do not
exist in Greek? Not at all quite the contrary! They are very common. To write
these last two sounds, an [i] (usually iota: ι) is inserted between the alveolar
consonant and [e]. Examples, for all cases (palatalized and regular):

Palatalized ([ e], [ e]) Unpalatalized ([ne], [le])

+ ιε κουνιέμαι: [ku `eme] (= I am shaking) + ε νερό: [ner`o] (= water)

+ ιαι + αι ναι: [n`e] (= yes)

+ ιε ελιές: [e `es] (= olives) +ε βλέπω: [vl`epo] (= I see)

+ ιαι + αι κλαίω: [kl`eo] (= I cry)

You may have noticed that I failed to find any examples of νιαι and λιαι,
pronounced [ e] and [ e], respectively, as one syllable. These sequences of
letters do exist in written language, but they are pronounced as two syllables: [ ie]
and [ ie] (not a diphthong, as in Spanish, but two syllables). Still, I cannot rule out
the possibility that such monosyllabic examples exist.

Now, the previous observation about [e] (i.e., that alveolar consonants can be
palatalized before [e], except that in writing this is denoted with the insertion of an
[i]), can be generalized to all vowels (except [i], of course). That is, to write [ca]
(i.e., the palatalized [k] followed by [a]) an iota is inserted between κ and α. Thus,
κια is pronounced [ca]. Similarly, [co] corresponds in writing to κιο (or κιω), and
[cu] corresponds to κιου. The same remark applies to all other consonants we
have examined so far. Examples:

+ [a] + [o] + [u]

[k] φύκια: [f`ica] (= κιόλας: [c`olas] (= ρυακιού: [riac`u] (= of
[c] seaweeds) already) water-stream)

[γ] [ γιαγιά: [ a `a] (= γιορτή: [ ort`i] (=

γιου: [ `u] (= son's)
] grandma) celebration)

[x] [ βράχια: [vr`a a] (= συναχιού: [sina `u] (= of

χιόνι: [ `o i] (= snow)
] rocks) running nose)

[g] [ μαγκιά: [ma `a] Γκιώνα: [ `ona] (~ a σπαραγγιού: [spara `u]

] (= machismo) Greek mountain) (= of asparagus)

[n] [ νιάτα: [ `ata] (= καπετάνιος: [kapet`a

αρνιού: [ar `u] (= of lamb)
] youth) os] (= captain)

[l] [ πουλιά: [pu `a] (= φασολιού: [faso `u] (= of

ήλιος: [`i os] (= sun)
] birds) bean)

It is important to understand that, in all the above examples, what you see written
as an iota (ι) is not pronounced as [i]; it merely serves to denote the palatalization
of the previous consonant. The entire [consonant + ι + vowel] is one syllable. It's
not even a diphthong, as in Spanish nieve (= snow); it is just a single palatalized
consonant followed by a single vowel ([a], [o], [u], or even [e]). This is what
distinguishes the speech of learners from that of native speakers: learners typically
insert an [i] (even a very faint and short one) between the consonant (which they
fail to palatalize) and the vowel. For example, suppose there were in Greek a word
like νιέβε (a transliteration of Spanish nieve). Here is how a native speaker of
Greek would pronounce this hypothetical word: [ `eve] (as if the Spanish word
were ñeve). Compare that with the way a native speaker of Spanish(2) pronounces
the actual Spanish word nieve: [n`(ie)βe] (two syllables, with [(ie)] forming a
diphthong, and [n] being the regular alveolar sound).

The truth is that, even for a native speaker of Greek, it is impossible to pronounce
one of these palatalized consonants and then go to the vowel without having the
tongue pass from the position in the mouth-cavity where a very short [i] must be
produced. This may be the reason why Greeks "feel" they pronounce an [i], and
show this in their writing. That is, phonologically (in the Greek native speaker's
mind) there is an unpalatalized consonant, an [i], and a vowel; but phonetically (in
actual sounds, as recorded and shown in a spectrogram) there is a palatalized
consonant, the faintest idea of an [i], and a vowel.

Finally, let's note that an earlier observation, in which I said that Athenians
palatalize "a little bit" the alveolars [n] and [l] if followed by [i] (i.e., νι and λι), is not
true if the vowel that follows is not [i]. That is, νια, νιε, νιο, νιου, and λια, λιε, λιο,
λιου are always palatalized by everybody, whether peasant in the countryside or
President of the Republic.

2. Forced Palatalization

Everything in the previous sub-paragraph, under the heading Regular

Palatalization, was about the change of six consonants: [k], [γ], [x], [g], [n], and [l].
In this sub-paragraph we'll see that all the rest of the Greek consonants can be
"palatalized". But how does one palatalize a consonant such as [v] (letter β), for
example, which is a labiodental fricative sound, when its corresponding palatal
fricative sound [ ] has already been "taken" for the palatalization of [γ]?

Please see the table mentioned several times in this page, else you will not
understand why [ ] "corresponds" to [v]: it is because in the table [v], [ ], and [γ]
are all voiced fricatives (they are on the same row), but the first is labiodental, the
second palatal, and the third velar.

Simple: [v] is "palatalized" by inserting a [ ] between it and the following vowel.

So, when in Greek we write βια (and the stress is not over ι), we pronounce [v a],
as if we had written βγια. We'll see that there are exceptions, but this is true in the
overwhelming majority of cases. I call this phenomenon "forced palatalization"
because it does not result in a change in quality of [v], but in the insertion of a true
palatal. Just like [v], every voiced consonant (other than the "regulars" [γ], [g], [n],
and [l]), when palatalized, results in the insertion of the voiced palatal [ ] between
itself and the following vowel. Similarly, every unvoiced consonant (other than the
"regulars" [k] and [x]), when palatalized, results in the insertion of the unvoiced
palatal [ ]. So, for example, φια is pronounced [f a], as if we had written φχια.
The only exception among the voiced consonants is [m], a nasal, which
(predictably enough) is palatalized by the insertion of the only nasal palatal sound:
[ ]. So, μια is pronounced [m a], as if we had written μνια. Let us see as many
examples as are necessary to make sense of these rules.

voiced consonants
 + [a] + [e] + [o] + [u]

καραβιές καραβιού
[v] κουνάβια [kun`av βιος [v `os] (=
[karav `es] (= [karav `u] (= of
[v ] a] (= skunks) belongings)
shipments) ship)

κάμπιες [k`amb κομπιούτερ

[b] κουμπιά [kumb λαμπιόνι [lamb `o
es] (= [kob `uter] (=
[b ] `a] (= buttons) i] (= little light)
caterpillars) computer)

[ ] ποδιού [po
διαβάζω [ ποδιές [po
[ δυο [ `o] (= two) `u] (= of leg, of
av`azo] (= I read) `es] (= aprons)
] foot)

κατάντια [kat`and παντιέρα [pand

[d] δοντιών [ ond δοντιού [ ond
a] (= `era] (=
[d ] `on] (= of teeth) `u] (= of tooth)
wretchedness) banner)

ντουζιέρα [duz καρπουζιών τραπεζιού

[z] γρανάζια [γran`az
`era] (= [karpuz `on] (= of [trapez `u] (= of
[z ] a] (= gears)
shower) watermelons) table)

βαριέμαι [var ποτηριού [potir

[r] χέρια [ `er a] (= θεριό [θer `o] (=
`eme] (= I am `u] (= of
[r ] hands, arms) ferocious animal)
bored) drinking glass)

[m] καλαμιές ποταμιού

μια [m `a] (= one καμιόνι [kam `o
[m [kalam `es] (= [potam `u] (= of
(fem.)) i] (= truck)
] canebrake) river)

Let it be noted that an additional column, titled "+ [i]", could be appended to the
above table, because there are some cases where we have two successive [i]'s in
writing, but the first one forces the palatalization of the previous consonant.
Examples: ίδιοι [`i i] (= same ones (masc.)), καινούριοι [cen`ur i] (= new ones
(masc.)). However, such examples are rather rare.

Also note that when we write the word μια (= one, feminine gender) without stress,
it is understood that this is one syllable (that's why the stress doesn't need to be
shown over alpha), hence, pronounced: [m `a]. There is an alternative (and
equally common) pronunciation: [m`ia] (same word, same meaning); in this case
we write the stress over iota: μία, since we pronounce the two vowels as two
syllables. A similar remark applies to δυο: [ `o], versus δύο: [ `io]. In each
case, although the meaning is the same, the stress mark shows in writing which of
the two pronunciations is intended. (See rules for placing the accent marks to
denote stress in writing, for more details.)

unvoiced consonants

+ [a] + [e] + [o] + [u]

κούφιες [k`uf
καρφιά [karf αφιόνι [af `o i] (= ραφιού [raf `u]
[f] [f ] es] (= hollow
`a] (= nails) opium poppy) (= of shelf)
(pl.))

όποιες [`op κουνουπιού

[p] [p πιάνο [p `ano] πιοτό [p ot`o] (=
es] (= [kunup `u] (= of
] (= piano) drink)
whichever) mosquito)

ρεβύθια [rev`iθ αρμαθιές

[ ] [ βαθιών [vaθ `on] καλαθιού [kalaθ
a] (= [armaθ `es] (=
] (= of deep (pl.)) `u] (= of basket)
chickpeas) bundles)

φτιάχνω [ft
ματιές [mat κουτιών [kut `on] χαρτιού [xart
[t] [t ] `axno] (= I
`es] (= looks) (of boxes) `u] (= of paper)
construct)

σιάζω [s `azo] ίσιες [`is es]

[s] [s περίσσιο [per`is κερασιού [ceras
(= I straighten (= straight (pl.,
] o] (= extra, odd) `u] (= of cherry)
up) fem.))

κλωτσιά κλωτσιές καροτσιών κοριτσιού

[(ts)]
[klo(ts) `a] (= [klo(ts) `es] (= [karo(ts) `on] (of [kori(ts) `u] (=
[(ts) ]
kick) kicks) carriages) girl's)

μοναξιά ρουφηξιές αλλαξιών [ala(ks) μεταξιού

[(ks)]
[mona(ks) `a] (= [rufi(ks) `es] (= `on] (= of [meta(ks) `u] (=
[(ks) ]
loneliness) sips) underwear) of silk)
 ανηψιές [a ανηψιών [a i(ps) ανηψιού [a
[(ps)] κοψιά [ko(ps)
i(ps) `es] (= `on] (= of nieces, i(ps) `u] (=
[(ps) ] `a] (= cut)
nieces) of nephews) nephew's)

(A note on my notation: when I write two consonants in parentheses, such as (ts),

(ks), and (ps), I mean that those two consonants must be pronounced one after
the other as rapidly as possible, making nearly a single unit. I mention this
because non-native speakers tend to insert a faint puff of air between the two
consonants, which should be avoided in Greek.)

The previous note about an additional column titled "+ [i]" could be repeated for
the unvoiced consonants, too. Examples: ποιοι [p `i] (= which ones (masc.)), πιει
[p `i] (=s/he/it will drink) (note that there is no stress mark on the previous words,
because they consist of a single syllable), ίσιοι [`is i] (= straight (pl., masc.)). As
before, such examples are rather rare.

Also, the earlier note about the pronunciation of μια vs. μία generalizes to this rule:
whenever there is a stress over [i] (usually the iota), there is no forced
palatalization, and the [i] and the following vowel make up two syllables. In the
examples below I show the separation of syllables in pronunciation:

 όποιες [`o-p es] (2 syllables) (= whichever ones [fem.])

 οποίες [o-p`i-es] (3 syllables) (which [fem.])

As another, triple-example, consider this:

 Σόφια [s`o-f a] (2 syllables) (= Sofia: the capital of Bulgaria)

 Σοφία [so-f `i-a] (3 syllables) (= Sophia: a female name)

 Σοφιά [so-f `a] (2 syllables) (= Hagia Sophia: St. Sophia, a Byzantine

cathedral in Istanbul, Turkey)

As can be inferred from the previous examples on voiced and unvoiced

consonants, the phenomenon of palatalization (whether regular or forced) in Greek
is very common because several morphological changes of nouns denoting plural,
genitive case, or nominative case in the feminine gender, are such that they imply
palatalization. This is part of the reason that explains the predominance of
palatalization in the language.

3. Exceptions in Forced Palatalization

For native Greek speakers, to avoid regular palatalization is impossible: the
sounds [ke], [xe], [ni], etc., do not exist in the repertoire of Greek phonetics.
(The corresponding "correct" ones are [ce], [ e], [ i], etc.) Forced
palatalization, however, includes several exceptions.

1. The case of a consonant+ριά results in no palatalization (hence ρι-ά

produces two syllables). Examples: μακριά [ma-kri-`a] (= far away); γριά
[γri-`a] (= old woman); etc.

2. Stylized, terminological, and obsolete words are generally not palatalized.

Examples: διαγώνιος [ i-a-γ`o- i-os] (= diagonal; notice that even the
ending -νιος is read as two syllables, although of course ν cannot escape
regular palatalization); διάλεξη [ i-`a-le-(ks)i] (= lecture); βιολογία [vi-o-
lo- `i-a] (= biology).

3. There are some plain exceptions: words that are very common, but where
forced palatalization does not occur. Examples:

 γυμνάσιο [ im-n`a-si-o] (not [ im-n`a-s o]) (= junior-high school, or: years

7, 8, 9)

 δωμάτιο [ o-m`a-ti-o] (not [ o-m`a-t o]) (= room)

 εμπόριο [em-b`o-ri-o] (not [em-b`o-r o]) (= trade)

 κιβώτιο [ci-v`o-ti-o] (not [ci-v`o-t o] (= large box)

 πιέζω [pi-`e-zo] (not [p `e-zo]) (= I press)

 τεράστιο [te-r`a-sti-o] (not [te-r`a-st o]) (= huge)

Of course, all these exceptions make it hard, if not downright impossible, to know
how to pronounce a word given its written form. Native speakers of Greek probably
think this is a problem for learners of the language, only. They'd think that once
one knows Greek natively, one knows how to read properly (i.e., given the written
form of a word, one knows how to pronounce it). They couldn't be more wrong!
There are a few cases where the pronunciation is strictly ambiguous, even for
native speakers, who I suspect will be surprised by the following examples (I give
them together with some context, else it is not clear what the words refer to):

 άδεια κιβώτια [`a a civ`otia] (= empty boxes)

  άδεια δεκαπενθήμερη [`a ia ekapenθ`imeri] (= on leave for a fortnight)

 βιάστηκε να κατέβει [v `astice na kat`evi] (= hurried to step down)

 βιάστηκε αλλά κατήγγειλε το γεγονός [vi`astice al`a kat`i ile to eγon`os]

(= was raped but pressed charges)

 διαλέγεται προσεκτικά [ al`eγete prosektik`a] (= is chosen carefully)

 διαλέγεται επιχειρηματολογώντας [ ial`eγete epi irimatoloγ`ondas] (= is

conversing making use of argumentation)

 δόλιο σπουργιτάκι [ `o o spur it`aci] (= poor little sparrow)

 δόλιο τέχνασμα [ `o io t`exnasma] (= deceitful stratagem)

 έχω την έννοια-της [`exo tin `e a tis] (I have her notion [in my mind, i.e., I
worry about her])

 έννοια της λέξης [`e ia tiz l`e(ks)is] (= meaning of the word)

 ίδιο αυτοκίνητο [`i o aftoc`i ito] (= same car)

 ίδιο όφελος [`i io `ofelos] (= own advantage)

 συνέχεια μου λες να προσέχω [sin`e a mu les na pros`exo] (= you

constantly tell me to be careful)

 συνέχεια; δεν έχει, τελείωσε [sin`e ia en `e i te `iose] (= continuation?

there isn't any, it's over)

 τραπέζια και καρέκλες [trap`ez a ce kar`ekles] (= tables and chairs)

 τραπέζια και άλλα τετράπλευρα [trap`ezia ce `ala tetr`aplevra] (=

trapezoids/trapezia and other quadrilaterals)

 χρόνια πολλά [xr`o a pol`a] (= many years [i.e., long live!])

 χρόνια πνευμονοπάθεια [xr`o ia pnevmonop`aθia] (= chronic lung

disease)

When the above words shown in red are encountered out of context there is no
way to know how to pronounce them, or which of the two meanings is intended.
Notice that the unpalatalized version (second row in each example) adds an extra
syllable to the word. For example, the palatalized άδεια is formed by two syllables:
[`a- a]; whereas the unpalatalized άδεια is formed by three syllables: [`a- i-
a].

4. Summary of palatalization rules

Summarizing this very long section, we can say the following:

1. ([k], [γ], [x], [g]) + ([i] or [e]) are always palatalized: [ci], [ce], etc.

2. ([n], [l]) + [i] are always palatalized: [ i], [ i]

3. [n], [l] are palatalized when [i] is inserted in writing before [e]: [ e], [ e]

4. [k], [γ], [x], [g], [n], [l] are palatalized when [i] is inserted in writing before [a],
[o], [u] [ca], [co], [cu], etc.

5. Other voiced consonants ([v], [b], [ ], [d], [z], [dz], [r], [m]) are "palatalized"
(what I call "forced palatalization") when [i] (pronounced as [j]) is inserted in
writing before [a], [e], [i], [o], [u], and the [i] is not accented (stressed): [vja],
[bja], etc.

6. Other unvoiced consonants ([f], [p], [θ], [t], [s], [ks], [ps], [ts]) are "palatalized"
("forced palatalization") when [i] (pronounced as [ ]) is inserted in writing
before [a], [e], [i], [o], [u], and the [i] is not accented (stressed): [f a], [p a],
etc.

Note: the phrasing "when [i] is inserted in writing" means that one of the six ways
to write the sound [i] in Greek (ι, η, υ, ει, οι, and υι) is inserted before the vowel,
and after the palatalized consonant. This is a mere writing convention, because in
terms of sounds the [i] is hardly present.

Thanks to Greg Brush for providing the above summary.

Silencing of unstressed vowels between unvoiced consonants

This is not a rule of pronunciation that you have to learn or else you won't be
pronouncing right, but a phenomenon that occurs very frequently, so if you are
aware of it you won't be surprised by what you hear. The phenomenon occurs
when an unstressed vowel is between two unvoiced consonants in a word, as in
the word άσος (= ace), where the unstressed [o] is between two [s]'s, and [s] is an
unvoiced consonant. Then the vowel is often not voiced. How can a vowel not be
voiced? Well, you pronounce it as you would if you whispered it. Here are a few
more examples: άνοστος (= tasteless), αλλόκοτος (= weird), λύσης (= of solution),
μίσους (= of hatred). Two notes here: first, this is an optional phonetic
transformation, which means that sometimes you'll hear native speakers producing
it, sometimes not. And second, native Greek speakers are not aware of it: they
think they always pronounce the vowel normally. But you, as a non-native learner
of the language, do not have the "tuned" ear of a native speaker, so you notice all
the details. (There is nothing wrong with you, this is a well-known phenomenon.)
So don't ever start an argument with a native speaker about the way they really
speak — they're not going to agree with you, but you'll know you are right.

Disambiguation of some three-consonant combinations

Strictly speaking, what is described in this paragraph does not concern any
phonetic phenomenon, but refers to an ambiguity that may be perceived by
learners of the language in writing, when the three-letter combinations ντσ, and ντζ
are encountered in some words, for example: βίντσι, μπρούντζος. Although the
native speaker of Greek knows how to read these words (because their
pronunciation is known), the learner may interpret the three consonants as either
ντ+σ (and ντ+ζ), or ν+τσ (and ν+τζ). To clear out any ambiguity, let us note that the
second interpretation is always correct, that is, these consonants are always
expected to be read as ν+τσ and ν+τζ. Examples:

 βίντσι [v`in(ts)i] (= winch, windlass)

 μπρούντζος [br`un(dz)os] (= bronze)

 σκαντζόχοιρος [skan(dz)`o iros] (= hedgehog, porcupine)

 γάντζος [γ`an(dz)os] (= hook)

 παντζάρι [pan(dz)`ari] (= beet)

ευφ- and ευβ-

That double consonant letters are pronounced as a single consonantal sound has
already been noted somewhere in the alphabet page. For example: κόκκινο
[k`ocino] (= red), Σάββατο [s`avato] (= Saturday), αλλεπάλληλα [alep`a ila] (= one
after the other). But there are two cases that might confuse the learner: words that
start with ευφ- and ευβ-. In the case of ευφ-, since ευ is in front of a voiceless
consonant ([f]), it must be pronounced as [ef]. But then what happens with the
following φ? Does it result in a second [f] sound after [ef]? No, the rule that says
"pronounce double consonants as single" applies here, too. For example, the
adjective εύφορο, -ρη, -ρος (= fertile) is pronounced [`eforo]; also: ευφράδεια [efr`a
ia] (= eloquence, fluency), ευφυΐα(3) [efi`ia] (= intelligence), ευφωνία [efo `ia] (=
euphony). All these are words that start with the prefix ευ-, meaning "well-" in
ancient Greek, followed by various stems starting with φ-. Similarly, there is a
single word starting with ευβ-: it's the proper name Εύβοια [`evia], the name of the
second-largest island of Greece, but coming so close to the mainland (in fact,
connected to it by a bridge) that it doesn't look like an island at all on the map (see
it here). Here too, the voiced β causes ευ- to be pronounced as [ev], but the
resulting double [v] is pronounced as a single one.

Footnotes (clicking on the footnote number brings back to the text)

(1) The exception is Cypriot Greeks, who pronounce exactly like that: [mb`armbas]
(not only this word; they nasalize all cases described here), and make some other
interesting transformations. What I describe in this page is Athenian Greek, the de
facto (or "received") standard understood throughout the rest of Greece and
Cyprus.

(2) Thanks to my friend, Irma Verόnica Alarcόn, for supplying the pronunciation of
this Spanish word. Notice that Irma, unlike most other Spanish speakers,
pronounces the letter "v" with the labiodental [v] instead of the bilabial [β]. This is a
feature particular to my friend's pronunciation, which I did not record in the
transcription of "nieve".

(3) Note the diaeresis and the stress over iota. That’s because υι (without
diaeresis) is a digraph in Greek, pronounced as a single [i] (see the digraphs in the
alphabet page). But the upsilon and iota in ευφυΐα denote two different [i]-sounds,
so the diaeresis shows they are pronounced separately (as a prolonged [i] made of
two parts, and stressed on its second part).