ζήτα
zíta/ˈzi.ta/
The phrase z refers to the Greek letter ζήτα (zíta).
How do you pronounce it?
ζήτα is pronounced [ˈzi.ta]. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- The name ζήτα is a back-formation from the verb ζητάω, which means 'to seek' or 'to ask for something'.
- The Greek letter ζήτα is the direct ancestor of the Latin letter 'Z', which was adopted by the Romans via the Etruscans.
- In mathematical and scientific contexts, ζήτα is often used to denote the Riemann zeta function, one of the most important functions in number theory.
Examples in context
- Ζάχαρηsugar
- Ζωήlife
- Το γράμμα ζήτα είναι το έκτο από το τέλος.To gramma zita einai to ekto apo to telos.The letter zeta is the sixth from the end.
Example conversation
A student asks a teacher to spell a word.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠώς γράφεται αυτή η λέξη;Pos grapetai afti i lexi;How is this word spelled?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΈχει το γράμμα ζήτα στο μέσο.Echei to gramma zita sto meso.It has the letter zeta in the middle.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι το ζήτα το δεύτερο γράμμα;Einai to zita to deutero gramma;Is zeta the second letter?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΌχι, είναι πιο μετά.Ochi, einai pio meta.No, it is a bit later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ζήτα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ζήτα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
