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Learn How to Pronounce Greta Garbo | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Greta Garbo

Quick Answer: In Swedish, the name Greta Garbo is pronounced [ˈɡrêːta ˈɡǎrːbʊ], and in English it is pronounced [ˈɡrɛtə ˈɡɑːrboʊ].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Greta Garbo, born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson in Stockholm in 1905, was a preeminent Swedish actress whose career in Hollywood during the silent and early sound eras cemented her status as an enduring icon of the silver screen. Discovered by director Mauritz Stiller, who became her mentor, she was brought to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) where her enigmatic presence, luminous beauty, and profound emotional depth captivated global audiences. Garbo's legendary performances in films like the tragic romance "Camille" (1936), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and the sophisticated Ernst Lubitsch comedy "Ninotchka" (1939), famously marketed with the tagline "Garbo Laughs!", showcased her extraordinary range. Her persona, defined by a compelling mystique and the haunting refrain "I want to be alone," contributed to her early retirement from acting in 1941 at age 35, which only amplified her legendary status. As a timeless film star and a defining figure of classic Hollywood cinema, Garbo's legacy continues to influence the archetype of the reclusive, enigmatic celebrity, and she remains a pivotal subject in film history and studies of Golden Age Hollywood.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Greta Garbo" is generally standardized, but common errors arise from phonetic misspellings and confusion with similar names. The most frequent typo is "Gretta Garbo," adding an extra 't'. Others include "Greta Garbó" with an accent, or "Greta Garboo" with a double 'o'. Her surname is occasionally misspelled as "Garbon" or "Garbot." It is also not uncommon for people to conflate her first name with other notable Gretas, like "Greta Thunberg," leading to erroneous hybrid references. When searching, it is crucial to use the correct "Greta Garbo" spelling to access accurate information about her filmography and biography, as alternative spellings may lead to irrelevant results.

Example Sentences

Film scholars often cite Greta Garbo's performance in Queen Christina as a masterclass in silent expression, even though the film itself featured sound.

Her decision to retire from Hollywood at the height of her fame only deepened the public's fascination with Garbo's mysterious allure for decades thereafter.

When discussing the greatest tragic heroines of cinema, her portrayal of Marguerite Gautier in Camille is invariably part of the conversation.

The Criterion Collection's restoration of Ninotchka allows modern audiences to appreciate the subtle comedic timing that proved Garbo was far more than a somber dramatic actress.

A walking tour of New York City's East Side often includes the apartment building where Garbo lived out her reclusive later years.

Related Pronunciations



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