Stress and the written accent
Every word of two or more syllables has a written accent showing the stressed syllable.
Greek marks the stressed syllable with an accent (τόνος) on every word of two syllables or more: καλά, μήλο, τηλέφωνο. Stress can fall only on one of the last three syllables.
| Stress | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| last syllable | ουρανός | sky |
| second to last | καλημέρα | good morning |
| third to last | θάλασσα | sea |
The stress can change meaning: πότε (when) / ποτέ (never); νόμος (law) / νομός (prefecture); γέρος (old man) / γερός (strong).
- Πότε έρχεσαι; – Ποτέ!When are you coming? – Never!
- Πού είναι το τηλέφωνο;Where is the telephone?
Test yourself
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What is the difference between «πότε» and «ποτέ»?
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when / never -
Which syllable is stressed in «θάλασσα»?
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the third from the end: ΘΑ-λασ-σα -
Does «και» have a written accent?
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No, it is a monosyllable. -
What is the difference between «ή» and «η»?
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or / the (feminine article)