Learning a new language starts with its building blocks: the letters. The Greek alphabet is the foundation for everything that comes next. It has 24 letters, and many will look familiar, while others are new. Don't worry about memorizing them all at once. The goal is just to get acquainted.

Below is a complete table of the alphabet. It shows the uppercase and lowercase letters, their names, and how they generally sound. We'll use simple English words to approximate the pronunciation.

As you look through the alphabet, a few letters have quirks worth pointing out right away. These small details are important for reading and writing correctly.

You also probably noticed that several letters make the same sound. There are three letters that make the 'ee' sound (as in "see"): Η (eta), Ι (iota), and Υ (upsilon). And two letters make the 'o' sound (as in "open"): Ο (omicron) and Ω (omega). You'll learn which words use which letter through practice and memorization.

Knowing the letters is one thing; writing them is another. The best way to learn is by doing. Grab a pen and paper and try tracing the letters yourself. Pay attention to the starting points and stroke order shown below. It might feel awkward at first, but it helps build muscle memory.

Don't feel pressured to get it perfect on the first try. Consistent practice is what matters.

Now that you've seen the letters, let's test your recognition skills.

Getting comfortable with the alphabet is the biggest first step in learning Greek. Keep practicing, and soon these letters will be as familiar as your own.