Noel Enete
 New Testament Greek
Alphabet Section 3


The third group of letters covers the center of the alphabet in Greek -- which is very similar to the center of the alphabet in English:
  1. mu (like m)
  2. nu (like n)

  3. ksi (a Greek-only character, center of alphabet)

  4. omicron (like o)
  5. pi (like p)

Mu pronunciation


This corresponds to the English letter m.
  • Pronounciation: like the m in mud
  • Transliteration: m

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Figure 1: Mu

Nu pronunciation


This has the sound of the English letter n. But it can be very confusing because the lower case nu looks like the English letter v. It will take some extra attention to remember this letter.
  • Pronounciation: like the n in nonsense
  • Transliteration: n

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Figure 2: Nu

Ksi pronunciation


This letter looks similar to a script E in English. But it is pronounced with a ks sound which is similar to the way we pronounce an x in English. In addition, some people add a gutteral flavor to the beginning of the sound. pronunciation
  • Pronounciation: like the x in Rex
  • Transliteration: x

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Figure 3: Ksi

Omicron pronunciation


This corresponds to the English letter o. Technically the pronunciation differs slightly from alpha. But most people can not differentiate the two sounds. So it is acceptable to pronounce this letter like the a in father.
  • Pronounciation: like the ough in ought
  • Transliteration: o

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Figure 4: Omicron

Pi pronunciation


This corresponds to the English letter p. Pi is commonly used in mathematical equations for calculating the circumference of a circle. In common usage, the word pi is pronounced with a long i sound (which sounds better to the English ear). But the word pi should be pronounced with the short i sound.
  • Pronounciation: like the p in pepper
  • Transliteration: p

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Figure 5: Pi


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