Greek letter xi
Greek xi: capital Ξ, lowercase ξ. It stands for ks as in "box". The capital takes 3 strokes 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.
ξ is easy to place once you know it is a tall letter that reaches the top line.
Stroke by stroke
- Start on the top line at the right side. Curve straight down, ending just below the dashed midline at the middle.
- Lift your pen and start again just below the dashed midline at the middle. Curve straight down, ending just above the baseline at the right side.
Look-alikes and pitfalls
ξ is easy to place once you know it is a tall letter that reaches the top line.
In a word
ξένος (xénos), stranger
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 ξ
Xi is letter 14 of 24 in the alphabet, after nu (Νν), before omicron (Οο).
In Greek numerals, ξ stands for 60, a system older than the digits we use now and still used for chapter numbers and school grades in Greece.
Xi is used in mathematics for random variables and in particle physics for a family of particles.
Questions about greek xi
How do you pronounce xi?
Xi is ks as in "box".
How do you write the capital Ξ?
Start on the top line at the left side. Draw a straight line across to the right, ending on the top line at the right side. Lift your pen and start again on the dashed midline at the left side. Draw a straight line across to the right, ending on the dashed midline at the right side.
How do you write lowercase ξ?
Start on the top line at the right side. Curve straight down, ending just below the dashed midline at the middle. Lift your pen and start again just below the dashed midline at the middle. Curve straight down, ending just above the baseline at the right side.
What is a word that uses ξ?
ξένος (xénos), stranger. 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.