Read Greek without transliteration: a small transition worksheet

A Latin-letter hint can help you recognise a familiar phrase, but it does not practise reading the Greek letters themselves. This worksheet gradually removes that support from three short greetings. It is a suggested practice sequence, not a deadline for abandoning transliteration. Use the alphabet reference whenever a letter is unfamiliar.

New to the Greek letters? Start with the complete Greek alphabet guide: all 24 letters, their names and how they sound.

Start with meaning and Greek together

Read each Greek word while checking its meaning. If you already use a Latin-letter cue, keep it on a separate note rather than directly above the Greek. Consult the note when needed, then return your eyes to the Greek word. These written examples do not provide pronunciation feedback. The linked listening guide includes recorded greetings and thanks for comparison.

Look for differences, not just overall shape

Καλημέρα and Καληνύχτα share the opening Καλη, but their endings and meanings differ. Point to the part after that opening and read it carefully. Notice where the written accent appears. Recognising a word from this tiny set is a first practice task; it does not establish that you can read unfamiliar words fluently.

Match the situation without Latin letters

1. You greet someone in the morning. Choose Καλημέρα or Καληνύχτα.
2. Someone has helped you. Choose Ευχαριστώ or Καλημέρα.
3. You say good night. Choose Καληνύχτα or Ευχαριστώ.
4. Which of the two greetings, Καλημέρα and Καληνύχτα, has its written accent on έ?

Reduce the support one step at a time

First read with the meanings visible. Next cover the English column and identify each word. Finally put the words in a different order and read again. If you confuse two entries, uncover only the information you need and retry. Do not score a remembered position in the table as successful reading: changing the order helps reveal that shortcut.

Check one unfamiliar example separately

Use the alphabet lesson to practise another short word with letters you have studied. Work through its letters and any combinations, then check the supplied model. You may still need help even after recognising these three greetings. Keep a note of the particular letter or combination to revisit rather than describing every hesitation as a failure.

Continue with letters and listening

The free alphabet lesson offers a structured next step. Create an account to save your progress. Use the listening guide to connect familiar Greek spellings with recordings; its thanks clip says Ευχαριστώ πολύ, adding “very much” to the word here.

Practise the free alphabet lesson · Check the Greek alphabet · Listen to greetings and thanks