Greek letter sigma
Greek sigma: capital Σ, lowercase σ. It stands for s as in "sun". The capital takes 1 stroke and the lowercase takes 2 strokes. The model on this page is print style, the form used in textbooks and on road signs, drawn one stroke at a time.
σ is easy to place once you know it is a short letter that sits between the baseline and the midline.
Stroke by stroke
- Start on the dashed midline at the right side. Go all the way round in a closed oval and meet your starting point, ending on the dashed midline at the right side.
- Lift your pen and start again on the dashed midline at the middle. Draw a straight line across to the right, ending on the dashed midline at the right side.
Look-alikes and pitfalls
σ is easy to place once you know it is a short letter that sits between the baseline and the midline.
In a word
σπίτι (spíti), house
Practice
Trace on screen first: press Trace it above and follow the grey letter. Then print the sheet and write the same letter on paper. Writing on paper is what builds the habit.
More about σ
Sigma is letter 18 of 24 in the alphabet, after rho (Ρρ), before tau (Ττ).
In Greek numerals, σ stands for 200, a system older than the digits we use now and still used for chapter numbers and school grades in Greece.
Capital Σ means "the sum of". Lowercase σ is the standard deviation in statistics.
Sigma has a second lowercase form, ς, used only at the end of a word. Practise both: σ is a small circle with a flag on top, and ς is a hook that curls under the line.
Questions about greek sigma
How do you pronounce sigma?
Sigma is s as in "sun".
How do you write the capital Σ?
Start on the top line at the right side. Curve straight down, ending on the baseline at the right side.
How do you write lowercase σ?
Start on the dashed midline at the right side. Go all the way round in a closed oval and meet your starting point, ending on the dashed midline at the right side. Lift your pen and start again on the dashed midline at the middle. Draw a straight line across to the right, ending on the dashed midline at the right side.
What is a word that uses σ?
σπίτι (spíti), house. The word is written below the letter on this page in the same stroke style.
Can I print a worksheet?
Yes. The worksheet maker takes Greek and Russian text as well as cursive and print, in three line sizes.