Understanding Stress and Accent Marks in Greek for English Speakers

What Are Stress and Accent Marks in Greek?

In Greek, stress is an essential part of pronunciation that indicates which syllable in a word is emphasized. Unlike English, where stress can be variable and sometimes unpredictable, Greek uses accent marks to clearly show the stressed syllable. These accent marks are called τόνος (tonos) in Greek.

The Role of Accent Marks in Greek Pronunciation

Accent marks in Greek are placed over vowels to indicate the stressed syllable. This helps learners and native speakers alike to pronounce words correctly. The most common accent mark is the acute accent (´), which appears over one of the vowels in a word.

For example, in the word καφές (coffee), the accent mark is over the last syllable, indicating that the stress falls there: ka-FÉS.

How to Identify the Stressed Syllable

To identify the stressed syllable in Greek words, look for the vowel with the accent mark. This syllable is pronounced with more emphasis and a slightly higher pitch. If a word has no accent mark, it is usually monosyllabic and stressed on that single syllable.

Rules for Placing Accent Marks in Greek

Greek has specific rules about where accent marks can be placed, depending on the length of the word and the position of the stressed syllable. Here are some key points:

• The accent can only be on one of the last three syllables of a word.
• If the stress is on the third-to-last syllable, the word is said to have a "perispomeni" accent.
• Words cannot have more than one accent mark.
• Accent marks are always placed over vowels: α, ε, η, ι, ο, υ, ω.

Common Mistakes English Speakers Make with Greek Stress

English speakers often struggle with Greek stress because English stress patterns are less consistent and not marked in writing. Some common mistakes include:

• Ignoring the accent mark and stressing the wrong syllable.
• Placing stress on the first syllable by default, which is not always correct in Greek.
• Confusing the pronunciation of accented and unaccented vowels.

Tips for Practicing Greek Stress and Accent Marks

To improve your understanding and use of Greek stress and accent marks, try these tips:

1. Always look for the accent mark when reading Greek words to know where to stress.
2. Practice pronouncing words aloud, emphasizing the accented syllable.
3. Listen to native Greek speakers and mimic their stress patterns.
4. Use flashcards with accent marks to reinforce correct pronunciation.
5. Write words with accent marks to become familiar with their placement.

Examples of Greek Words with Accent Marks