Some Greek letters look like English ones but stand for other sounds. Ρ ρ is r, not p. Η η is i (as in 'machine'), not h. Ν ν is n, even though the small one looks like a v. Β β is v, Υ υ is also i, Χ χ is a breathy h (like the ch in Scottish 'loch'), Π π is p, and Σ σ is s - written ς at the end of a word.
Examples
- πάρκο
- park - ρ is r
- βίζα
- visa - β is v
- χάρτης
- map, from 'chart' - χ is h, η is i, ς is s at the end
The mistake to avoid
Don't read ρ as p or ν as v: ρ is always r, ν is always n.
Where this fits in
The Greek alphabet, Greek A1: Read Greek letters and sound out your first words - many of them you already know.