Lesson 1 | The Basics
Grammar Point 2: Vowel Combos
You have now learned all the letters of the Greek alphabet! Of these 24 letters, seven of them are vowels (α, ε, η, ι, ο, υ, and ω). Sometimes, when certain vowels come together, they form vowel combos (also known as “diphthongs”). Vowel combos form when two vowels join together to create one sound. Slowly go through the flashcards below to learn the vowel combos and their sounds.
Here is a reference chart with the vowel combo sounds. It also includes one consonant combo which has a surprising pronunciation.
In addition, note that ι can combine with vowels in another way. When the ι combines with η or ω, and sometimes with α, the ι goes under the vowel: ᾳ, ῃ, and ῳ. This is called an iota subscript. However, you pronounce the vowel in the same way as you would without the iota subscript.
All these elements together, notice that several vowels and vowel combos make the same sound.
Long-e sound: η, ῃ, υ, ι, ει, οι, and υι
Short-e sound: ε and αι
Long-o sound: ο and ω