Hebrew Alphabet

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Hebrew alphabet

€€ •• ‚‚ ƒƒ „„ …… †† ‡‡ ˆˆ ‰‰

ŠŠ ‹‹ ŒŒ  ŽŽ   ‘‘ ’’ ““

””

€

–– —— ˜˜ ™™ šš ›› œœ

FFeeaattuurreess:: AAbbjjaadd€€Mater lectionisMater lectionis€€BegadkefatBegadkefat V

Vaarriiaannttss:: CCuurrssiivvee€€RashiRashi€€BrailleBraille Nu

Numemeraralsls:: GeGemamatrtriaia€€NumerationNumeration Anc

Ancillillariaries:es: DiaDiacricriticticss€€PunctuationPunctuation€€CantillationCantillation Tr

Trananslslitit.:.: RoRomamaninizazatition of Hon of Hebebrereww€€Hebraization of EnglishHebraization of English€€IPAIPA€€ISOISO Co

Compmpututerers:s: KeKeyboyboarardd€€Unicode and HTMLUnicode and HTML

Hebrew alphabet

Type

Type Abjad (for Hebrew, Aramaic, and Judeo-Arabic)Abjad (for Hebrew, Aramaic, and Judeo-Arabic) True Alphabet (for Yiddish)

True Alphabet (for Yiddish)

Languages

Languages Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and Judeo-Arabic (see Jewish languages)Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and Judeo-Arabic (see Jewish languages)

Time period

Time period 3rd century BCE to present3rd century BCE to present

Parent systems

Parent systems Egyptian hieroglyphsEgyptian hieroglyphs  PrPrototo-o-SiSinanaititicic

 PhPhoeoeninicician an alalphphababetet  ArAramamaiaic ac alplphahabebett

 HeHebrbrew ew alalphphaabebett

Sister systems

Sister systems NabataeanNabataean Syriac Syriac Palmyrenean Palmyrenean Mandaic Mandaic BržhmŸ BržhmŸ Pahlavi Pahlavi Sogdian Sogdian ISO 15924

ISO 15924 Hebr, 125Hebr, 125

Direction

Direction Right-to-leftRight-to-left

Unicode alias

Unicode alias HebrewHebrew

Unicode range

Unicode range _{U+0590 to U+05FF}_{U+0590 to U+05FF}[1][1]_,,

U+FB1D to U+FB4F U+FB1D to U+FB4F[2][2] 

vv



tt



ee

[3] [3]

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–€

–€¡¡ˆ¢œ£

ˆ¢œ£‘¤

‘¤‰

‰ €¥

€¥˜¦

˜¦ˆ¥

ˆ¥‹‹

script

script,,square scriptsquare script,,block scriptblock script, is used in the , is used in the writing of the Hebrew language, as well as other writing of the Hebrew language, as well as other Jewish languages,Jewish languages, most notably Yiddish, Ladino, and Judeo-Arabic. There have been two script forms in use; the original old Hebrew most notably Yiddish, Ladino, and Judeo-Arabic. There have been two script forms in use; the original old Hebrew script is known as the paleo-Hebrew script (which has been largely preserved, in an altered form, in the Samaritan script is known as the paleo-Hebrew script (which has been largely preserved, in an altered form, in the Samaritan script), while the present "square" form of the Hebrew alphabet is a stylized form of the Assyrian script. Various script), while the present "square" form of the Hebrew alphabet is a stylized form of the Assyrian script. Various "styles" (in current terms, "fonts") of representation of the letters exist. There is also a cursive Hebrew script, which "styles" (in current terms, "fonts") of representation of the letters exist. There is also a cursive Hebrew script, which has also varied over time and place.

has also varied over time and place.

The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters, of which five have different forms when used at the end of a word. Hebrew is The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters, of which five have different forms when used at the end of a word. Hebrew is written from right to left. Originally, the alphabet was an abjad consisting only of consonants. Like other abjads, written from right to left. Originally, the alphabet was an abjad consisting only of consonants. Like other abjads, such as the Arabic alphabet, means were later

such as the Arabic alphabet, means were later devised to indicate vowels by separate vowel points, known devised to indicate vowels by separate vowel points, known in Hebrewin Hebrew as

as niqqud niqqud . In rabbinic Hebrew, the letters. In rabbinic Hebrew, the letters

€ „ … ‰

are also used asare also used as matres lectionismatres lectionisto represent vowels. When usedto represent vowels. When used to write Yiddish, the writing system is a true alphabet (except for borrowed Hebrew words). In modern usage of the to write Yiddish, the writing system is a true alphabet (except for borrowed Hebrew words). In modern usage of the alphabet, as in the case of Yiddish

alphabet, as in the case of Yiddish (except that(except that

‹‹

replacesreplaces

……

) and to some extent modern Is) and to some extent modern Israeli Hebrew, vowels mayraeli Hebrew, vowels may be indicated. Today, the trend is toward full spelling with these letters acting as true vowels.

be indicated. Today, the trend is toward full spelling with these letters acting as true vowels.

History

A Jewish stele near the archeological excavations A Jewish stele near the archeological excavations

of the early medieval walls of Serdica of the early medieval walls of Serdica

According to contemporary scholars, the original Hebrew script According to contemporary scholars, the original Hebrew script developed during the late second and first millennia BCE alongside developed during the late second and first millennia BCE alongside others used in the region. It is closely related to the Phoenician script, others used in the region. It is closely related to the Phoenician script, which was also an abjad, and which itself probably gave rise to the use which was also an abjad, and which itself probably gave rise to the use of alphabetic writing in Greece (Greek alphabet). A distinct Hebrew of alphabetic writing in Greece (Greek alphabet). A distinct Hebrew variant, called the paleo-Hebrew alphabet, emerged by the 10th century variant, called the paleo-Hebrew alphabet, emerged by the 10th century BCE,

BCE,[4][4]an example of which is represented in the Gezer calendar.an example of which is represented in the Gezer calendar. The paleo-Hebrew alphabet was commonly used in the ancient Isr The paleo-Hebrew alphabet was commonly used in the ancient Isr aeliteaelite kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as well as by the Samaritans. Following kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as well as by the Samaritans. Following the exile of the Kingdom of Judah in the 6th century BCE, in the the exile of the Kingdom of Judah in the 6th century BCE, in the Babylonian exile, Jews began using a form of the Assyrian script, Babylonian exile, Jews began using a form of the Assyrian script, which was another offshoot of the same family of scripts. During the which was another offshoot of the same family of scripts. During the 3rd century BCE, Jews began to use a stylized, "square" form of the 3rd century BCE, Jews began to use a stylized, "square" form of the Aramaic alphabet that was used by the Persian Empire (which in turn Aramaic alphabet that was used by the Persian Empire (which in turn was adopted from the Assyrians), while the Samaritans continued to was adopted from the Assyrians), while the Samaritans continued to use a form of the paleo-Hebrew script, called the Samaritan script. use a form of the paleo-Hebrew script, called the Samaritan script. After the fall of the Persian Empire, Jews used both After the fall of the Persian Empire, Jews used both

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Aleppo Codex: 10th century CE Hebrew Bible with Masoretic pointing. Text of Aleppo Codex: 10th century CE Hebrew Bible with Masoretic pointing. Text of

Joshua 1:1 Joshua 1:1

scripts before settling on the Assyrian form. scripts before settling on the Assyrian form. For a limited time thereafter, the use of the For a limited time thereafter, the use of the paleo-Hebrew script among Jews was paleo-Hebrew script among Jews was retained only to write the Tetragrammaton, retained only to write the Tetragrammaton, but soon that custom was also but soon that custom was also abandoned.

abandoned.[[citation needed citation needed ]]

The square Hebrew alphabet was later The square Hebrew alphabet was later adapted and used for writing languages of adapted and used for writing languages of the Jewish diaspora

the Jewish diaspora • • such as Karaim,such as Karaim, Jud§o-Arabic, Ladino, Yiddish, etc. The Jud§o-Arabic, Ladino, Yiddish, etc. The Hebrew alphabet continued in use for Hebrew alphabet continued in use for scholarly writing in Hebrew and came again scholarly writing in Hebrew and came again into everyday use with the rebirth of the Hebrew language as a spoken language in the 18th and 19th centuries, into everyday use with the rebirth of the Hebrew language as a spoken language in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Israel. especially in Israel.

Description

General

In the traditional form, the Hebrew alphabet is an abjad consisting only of consonants, written from right to left. It In the traditional form, the Hebrew alphabet is an abjad consisting only of consonants, written from right to left. It has 22 letters, five of which use different forms at the end of a word.

has 22 letters, five of which use different forms at the end of a word.

Vowels

Hebrew script on the bustier of Jan van Scorel's Hebrew script on the bustier of Jan van Scorel's

Maria Magd

Maria Magdalenaalena, 1530., 1530.

In the traditional form, vowels are indicated by the weak consonants In the traditional form, vowels are indicated by the weak consonants Aleph (

Aleph (

‰‰

), He (), He (

……

), Vav (), Vav (

„„

), or Yodh (), or Yodh (

€€

) serving as vowel letters, or) serving as vowel letters, or matres lectionis: the letter is combined with a previous vowel and matres lectionis: the letter is combined with a previous vowel and becomes silent, or by imitation of such cases in the spelling of other becomes silent, or by imitation of such cases in the spelling of other forms. Also, a system of vowel points to indicate vowels (diacritics), forms. Also, a system of vowel points to indicate vowels (diacritics), called niqqud, was developed. In modern forms of the alphabet, as in called niqqud, was developed. In modern forms of the alphabet, as in the case of Yiddish and to some extent modern Israeli Hebrew, vowels the case of Yiddish and to some extent modern Israeli Hebrew, vowels may be indicated. Today, the trend is toward full spelling with the may be indicated. Today, the trend is toward full spelling with the weak letters acting as true vowels.

weak letters acting as true vowels.

When used to write Yiddish, vowels are indicated, using certain letters, When used to write Yiddish, vowels are indicated, using certain letters, either with or without niqqud-diacritics (e.g., respectively: "¥

either with or without niqqud-diacritics (e.g., respectively: "¥€" ,"¤€" ,"¤‰" or‰" or "‹" ,"€"), except for Hebrew words, which in Yiddish are written in "‹" ,"€"), except for Hebrew words, which in Yiddish are written in their Hebrew spelling.

their Hebrew spelling.

To preserve the proper vowel sounds, scholars developed several different sets of vocalization and diacritical To preserve the proper vowel sounds, scholars developed several different sets of vocalization and diacritical symbols called

symbols called niqqudniqqud((

†„™€Ž

, literally "applying points"). One of these, the Tiberian system, eventually prevailed., literally "applying points"). One of these, the Tiberian system, eventually prevailed. Aaron ben Moses ben Asher, and his family for several generations, are credited for refining and maintaining the Aaron ben Moses ben Asher, and his family for several generations, are credited for refining and maintaining the system. These points are normally used only for special purposes, such as Biblical books intended for study, in system. These points are normally used only for special purposes, such as Biblical books intended for study, in

poetry or when teaching the

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Hebrew Alphabet - souvenir from Israel Hebrew Alphabet - souvenir from Israel

language to children. The Tiberian system also includes a set of language to children. The Tiberian system also includes a set of cantillation marks used to indicate how scriptural passages should be cantillation marks used to indicate how scriptural passages should be chanted, used in synagogue recitations of scripture (although these chanted, used in synagogue recitations of scripture (although these marks do not appear in the scrolls), called "trope". In everyday writing marks do not appear in the scrolls), called "trope". In everyday writing of modern Hebrew,

of modern Hebrew, niqqudniqqudare absent; however, patterns of how wordsare absent; however, patterns of how words are derived from Hebrew roots (called shorashim, or root letters) allow are derived from Hebrew roots (called shorashim, or root letters) allow Hebrew speakers to determine the vowel-structure of a given word Hebrew speakers to determine the vowel-structure of a given word from its consonants based on the word's context and part of speech. from its consonants based on the word's context and part of speech.

Alphabet

Neither the old Hebrew script nor the modern Hebrew script have case, Neither the old Hebrew script nor the modern Hebrew script have case, but five letters have special final forms,

but five letters have special final forms,[c][c]calledcalled sofitsofit(Hebrew: –€Š„Œ,(Hebrew: –€Š„Œ,

meaning in this case "final" or "ending") form, used only at the end of a word, somewhat as in the Greek or in the meaning in this case "final" or "ending") form, used only at the end of a word, somewhat as in the Greek or in the Arabic and Mandaic alphabets

Arabic and Mandaic alphabets[b][b]. These are shown below the normal form, in the following table (letter names are. These are shown below the normal form, in the following table (letter names are Unicode standard

Unicode standard[5][6][5][6]). Hebrew is read and written from right to left.). Hebrew is read and written from right to left.

Alef

Alef _Bet_Bet GGiimmeell DDaalleett _H_Hee _{Vaavv Z}_V Zaayyiinn HHeett TTeett YYoodd KKaaf f

‰‰

ˆˆ

‡‡

††

……

„

ƒ

‚‚ ••

€€

““

’’

L

Laammeedd MMeemm _Nun_Nun SaSammekekhh AyAyin_{in Pe}_Pe TTssaaddii QQooff RReessh_{h Shin}_{Shin Tav}Tav

‘‘



ŽŽ

ŒŒ

‹‹ ŠŠ

››

™™ ˜˜

—— ––





œœ

šš

Note:

Note:The chart reads from left to right.The chart reads from left to right.

Pronunciation of letter names

lleetttteerr NNaamme oe of lf leetttteerr _Established_Established

pronunciation pronunciation in English in English[7][7] standard standard Israelipronunciation Israelipronunciation colloquial

colloquial IsraelipronunciatioIsraelipronunciationn (if differing) (if differing) Yiddish / Yiddish / Ashkenazipronunciation Ashkenazipronunciation M MWW UUnniiccooddee

‰‰

AAlleepphh AAlleeff / / ‚ƒ„‚ƒ„ll……f/, / f/, / ‚ƒ„‚ƒ„ † † llf/f/ / / ‚‚aalleeff// //‚‚alal……f/ f/

ˆˆ

BBeetthh BBeett //bb……¨/, /be¨/, /be‡‡tt// //bbeett// //bb…‡…‡s/ s/

ˆˆ

/v /v…‡…‡s/ s/

‡‡

GGiimmeell GGiimmeell / / ‚ˆ‡‚ˆ‡mm‰‰l/l/ / / ‚ˆ‚ˆiimmeell// //‚ˆ‚ˆimim„…„…l/ l/

††

DDaalleetthh DDaalleett / / ‚‚ddƒ„ƒ„ll † † ¨/, / ¨/, / ‚‚ddƒ„ƒ„ll……t/t/ / / ‚‚ddaalleett// //‚‚ddaalleedd// //‚‚daldal…… d/ d/

……

HHee HHee //hhee‡‡ / / /he//he/ /hej//hej/ /h/h…‡…‡ / /

„„

WWaaww VVaavv //vvƒ„ƒ„v/, /wv/, /wƒ„ƒ„ww// //vvaavv// //vvŠŠv/ v/

ƒƒ

ZZaayyiinn ZZaayyiinn / / ‚‚zaza‡‡.. † † n/n/ / / ‚‚zzaajjiinn// //‚‚zzaa..iinn// //‚‚zajin/ zajin/

‚‚

HHeetthh HHeett //hh……¨/, /xe¨/, /xe‡‡tt// //©©eett// //ªªeett// //ªª……s/ s/

••

TTeetthh TTeett //tt……¨/, /te¨/, /te‡‡tt// //tteett// //tt……s/ s/

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““

KKaapphh KKaaff //kkƒ„ƒ„ff// //kkaaff// //kkŠŠf/ f/

““

/ª /ªŠŠf/ f/

’’

FFiinnaallKKaaff //kkaaffssooffiitt// //llaa««ˆ…ˆ…ªªŠŠf/ f/

‘‘

LLaammeedd LLaammeedd / / ‚‚llƒ„ƒ„mm……d/d/ / / ‚‚llaammeedd// //‚‚lamlam……d/ d/



MMeemm MMeemm //mm……mm// //mmeemm// //mm……m/ m/



FinalFinal

Mem Mem

/mem sofit/

/mem sofit/ / / ‹‹llŠŠs ms m……m/ m/

ŽŽ

NNuunn NNuunn //nnuu„„nn// //nnuunn// //nnuunn//



FinalFinal

Nun Nun

/nun sofit/

/nun sofit/ /la«/la«ˆ…ˆ…nun/ nun/

ŒŒ

SSaammeekkhh SSaammeekkhh / / ‚‚ssƒ„ƒ„mm……k/, / k/, / ‚‚ssƒ„ƒ„mm……x/x/ / / ‚‚ssaammeeªª// //‚‚samsam……ª/ ª/

‹‹

AAyyiinn AAyyiinn / / ‚‚aa‡‡ † † ..n/n/ / / ‚Œ‚Œaajjiinn// //‚‚aa..iinn// //‚‚ajin/ ajin/

ŠŠ

PPee PPee //ppee‡‡ / / /pe//pe/ /pej//pej/ /p/p…‡…‡ / /

ŠŠ

/f /f …‡…‡ / /

œœ

FFiinnaal l PPee //ppe e ssooffiitt// //ppeej j ssooffiitt// //llaa««ˆ…ˆ…f f …‡…‡ / /

››

SSaaddhhee TTssaaddii / / ‚‚ssƒ„ƒ„dd‰‰ /, / /, / ‚‚ssƒ„ƒ„ddii// / / ‚‚ttssaaddii// //‚‚tstsŠŠdi/, / di/, / ‚‚tsts ŠŠdik/, / dik/, / ‚‚tsadtsad……k/ k/

šš

FinalFinal

Tsadi Tsadi

/

/ ‚‚ttssaaddiissooffiitt// //llaa««ˆ… ‚ˆ… ‚tsadtsad……k/ k/

™™

QQoopphh QQooff //kkŠ„Š„ff// //kkooff// //kkuuff// //kkuuff//

˜˜

RReesshh RReesshh //rr…‹…‹ /, /re /, /re‡‹‡‹ / / / / ŽŽee‹‹ / / / / ŽŽejej‹‹ / / /r/r…‡‹…‡‹ / /

——

SShhiinn SShhiinn / / ‹‹ii„„n/, / n/, / ‹‡‹‡n/n/ / / ‹‹iinn// //‹‹in, sin/ in, sin/

––

TaawT w TTaavv //ttƒ„ƒ„f/, /tf/, /tŠ„Š„vv// //ttaavv// //ttaaff// //ttŠŠv/, /tv/, /tŠŠf/ f/

––

/s /sŠŠv/, /sv/, /sŠŠf/ f/

Stylistic variants

The following table displays typographic and chirographic variants of each letter. For the five letters that have a The following table displays typographic and chirographic variants of each letter. For the five letters that have a different final form used at the end of words, the final forms are displayed beneath the regular form.

different final form used at the end of words, the final forms are displayed beneath the regular form.

The three lettering variants currently in use are block, cursive and Rashi. Block and Rashi are used in books. Block The three lettering variants currently in use are block, cursive and Rashi. Block and Rashi are used in books. Block lettering dominates, with Rashi lettering typically used for certain editorial inserts (as in the glosses of Isserles to the lettering dominates, with Rashi lettering typically used for certain editorial inserts (as in the glosses of Isserles to the Shulchan Aruch) or biblical commentaries (as in the commentary of Rashi) in various standard literary works. Shulchan Aruch) or biblical commentaries (as in the commentary of Rashi) in various standard literary works. Cursive is used almost exclusively when handwriting, unless block lettering is desired for stylistic purposes (as in Cursive is used almost exclusively when handwriting, unless block lettering is desired for stylistic purposes (as in signage).

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Letter Letter name name (Unicode) (Unicode) Variants Variants M

Mooddeerrn n HHeebbrreeww AAnncceessttrraall Se

Seririff SaSans ns--serif serif Mono-spaced spaced Cu

Cursrsivivee RaRashshii PhPhoeoenniciciaiann PaPaleleo-o-HeHebbrereww ArAraamamaicic

Alef Alef _‰‰ _‰‰ _‰‰ Bet Bet _ˆˆ _ˆˆ _ˆˆ Gimel Gimel _‡‡ _‡‡ _‡‡ Dalet Dalet _†† _†† _†† He He _…… _…… _…… Vav Vav _„„ _„„ _„„ Zayin Zayin _ƒƒ _ƒƒ _ƒƒ Het Het _‚‚ _‚‚ _‚‚ Tet Tet _•• _•• _•• Yod Yod _€€ _€€ _€€ Kaf Kaf _““ _““ _““ Final Kaf Final Kaf _’’ _’’ _’’ Lamed Lamed _‘‘ _‘‘ _‘‘ Mem Mem _ _ _ Final Mem Final Mem _ _ _ Nun Nun _ŽŽ _ŽŽ _ŽŽ Final Nun Final Nun _ _ _ Samekh Samekh _ŒŒ _ŒŒ _ŒŒ

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Ayin Ayin _‹‹ _‹‹ _‹‹ Pe Pe _ŠŠ _ŠŠ _ŠŠ Final Pe Final Pe _œœ _œœ _œœ Tsadi Tsadi _›› _›› _›› , , Final Tsadi Final Tsadi _šš _šš _šš Qof Qof _™™ _™™ _™™ Resh Resh _˜˜ _˜˜ _˜˜ Shin Shin _—— _—— _—— Tav Tav _–– _–– _––

Yiddish symbols

S

Syymmbbooll EExxppllaannaattiioonn

¬ 

®®¯ ¯

¯ ¯

These are intended for Yiddish. They are not used in Hebrew These are intended for Yiddish. They are not used in Hebrew[d][d]..

°°ˆˆ

TheTheraferafe((

…Š˜

) diacritic is no longer regularly used in Hebrew. In masoretic manuscripts and some other older texts the soft fricative) diacritic is no longer regularly used in Hebrew. In masoretic manuscripts and some other older texts the soft fricative consonants and sometimes

consonants and sometimesmatres lectionismatres lectionisare indicated by a small line on top of the letter. Its use has been largely discontinued inare indicated by a small line on top of the letter. Its use has been largely discontinued in modern printed texts. It is still used to mark fricative consonants in the YIVO orthography of Yiddish.

modern printed texts. It is still used to mark fricative consonants in the YIVO orthography of Yiddish.

Numeric values of letters

Hebrew letters are used to denote numbers, nowadays used only in specific contexts, e.g. denoting dates in the Hebrew letters are used to denote numbers, nowadays used only in specific contexts, e.g. denoting dates in the Hebrew calendar, denoting grades of school in Israel, other listings (e.g. ±ˆ ˆ‘— ,±‰ ˆ‘—

Hebrew calendar, denoting grades of school in Israel, other listings (e.g. ±ˆ ˆ‘— ,±‰ ˆ‘— • • "phase a, phase b"),"phase a, phase b"), commonly in Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) in a practice known as gematria, and often in religious contexts.

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le

letttterer nunumemeriric vc valalueue leletttterer nunumemeriric vc valalueue leletttterer nunumemeriric vc valalueue

‰ 1 ‰ 1 €€ 1100 ™™ 110000 ˆ 2 ˆ 2 ““ 2200 ˜˜ 220000 ‡‡ 33 ‘‘ 3300 —— 330000 † 4 † 4  4400 –– 440000 … 5 … 5 ŽŽ 5500 ’’ 550000 „„ 66 ŒŒ 6600  660000 ƒƒ 77 ‹‹ 7700  770000 ‚ 8 ‚ 8 ŠŠ 8800 œœ 880000 • 9 • 9 ›› 9900 šš 990000

The numbers 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 are commonly represented by the juxtapositions –²– ,–²— ,–²˜ ,–²™, and The numbers 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 are commonly represented by the juxtapositions –²– ,–²— ,–²˜ ,–²™, and ––²™ respectively. Adding a geresh ("±") to a letter multiplies its value by one thousand, for example, the year 5769 ––²™ respectively. Adding a geresh ("±") to a letter multiplies its value by one thousand, for example, the year 5769 is portrayed as •²Œ—–±…, where … represents 5000, and •²Œ—– represents 769.

is portrayed as •²Œ—–±…, where … represents 5000, and •²Œ—– represents 769.

Transliterations and transcriptions

The following table lists transliterations and transcriptions of Hebrew letters used in Modern Hebrew. The following table lists transliterations and transcriptions of Hebrew letters used in Modern Hebrew. Clarifications:

Clarifications:

 For some For some letterletters, the As, the Academcademy of the y of the HebreHebrew Langw Language ouage offers affers a precise precisetransliteration that differs from thetransliteration that differs from the regular

regularstandard it has set. When omitted, no such precise alternative exists and the regular standard applies.standard it has set. When omitted, no such precise alternative exists and the regular standard applies.  The IPA phonThe IPA phonemic traemic transcripnscription is spection is specified whified wheneveenever it uses a differr it uses a different symboent symbol from the one usel from the one used for thed for the

regular

regularstandard Israeli transliteration.standard Israeli transliteration.

 The IPA phThe IPA phonetionetic transcc transcriptioription is specin is specified whfied wheneveenever it differ it differs from IPArs from IPAphonemicphonemictranscription.transcription. Note: SBL's transliteration system, recommended in its

Note: SBL's transliteration system, recommended in its Handbook of Handbook of StyleStyle,,[8][8]differs slightly from the 2006differs slightly from the 2006 precise precise transliteration system of the Academy of the Hebrew Language; for "›" SBL uses "³" (

transliteration system of the Academy of the Hebrew Language; for "›" SBL uses "³" ( AHL "´"), and for †²‡ˆAHL "´"), and for †²‡ˆ –²Š“ with no dagesh, SBL uses the same symbols as for with dagesh (i.e. "b", "g", "d", "k", "f", "t").

–²Š“ with no dagesh, SBL uses the same symbols as for with dagesh (i.e. "b", "g", "d", "k", "f", "t").

Click "show" to view

Click "show" to view extended table including examples.extended table including examples.

Hebrew Hebrew letter letter

ex

examamplplee TrTrananslslatatioionn _Standard_Standard Israeli Israeli transliteration transliteration € € regular regular [9] [9]

eexxaammppllee ssttaannddaarrdd Israeli Israeli transliteration transliteration € € precise precise example

example IPAIPA phonemictranscriptionphonemictranscription exampleexample IPAIPA phonetictranscriptionphonetictranscription exampleexample

‰‰

consonantal, consonantal, in in initial word initial word positions positions ¥

¥‰‰ if if _none_none[A1][A1] imim [[]] [[im]im]

‰‰

consonantal, consonantal, in in non initial non initial word word positions positions ‘®

(9)

‰‰

silent silent

··„µ„µ—‰¥—‰¥˜˜ ffiirrsstt _none_none[A2][A2] rish¸nrish¸n

ˆˆ

¡¡ˆˆ ssoonn bb bbeenn

ˆˆ

ˆ·ˆ·„„•• ggoooodd vv ttoovv

‡‡

‡‡®®‡‡ rrooooff gg ggaagg gg ggaa¹¹

‡‡

¹¹

±‡

™™„„±±‡‡ rrooaacchh _ºº[B1][B1][10][10] ººuukk //dd ‘ ‘’’ / / /d/d ‘ ‘’’uk/ uk/

††

††„„†† bbooiilleerr dd dduudd dd dduu»»

††

»»

……

consonantal consonantal †¡ †¡…… eecchhoo hh hheedd

……

silent silent …

…··ŠŠ hheerree _none_none[A3][A3] popo

„„

consonantal consonantal

„¤

„¤„„ hhooookk vv vvaavv ww wwaaww

„„

‰‰„„…… hhee uu hhuu

··„„

··„„‘‘ ttoohhiimm oo lloo [o[o “ “]] oror [[Š”Š”]] [lo[lo “ “, l, lŠ”Š”]]

ƒƒ

…£…£ƒƒ tthhiiss zz zzee

±ƒ

··„‡¦„‡¦˜±¤˜±¤ƒƒ jjaarrggoonn _¼¼[B2][B2] ¼¼aarrgg¸¸nn //’’ / / / / ’’arar‚ˆ‚ˆon/ on/

‚‚

®®‚‚ hhoott _½½[C1][C1] ½½aamm ¾¾ ¾¾aamm /x/ /x/ oror /ª/ /ª/ /xam/ /xam/ [ª][ª] [ªam][ªam]

dialectical dialectical

[[©©]] [[©©aamm]]

••

•¤•¤™™ ttiinnyy tt kkaatt ¿¿ kkaa¿¿

€€

consonantal consonantal

¤

¤€€ sseeaa yy yyaamm //jj// //jjaamm//

€€

part of hirik part of hirik male male (/i/ vowel) (/i/ vowel)

€€¥¥ˆˆ iinnmmee ii bbii

€€

part of tsere part of tsere male male (/e/ vowel or (/e/ vowel or /ei/ diphthong) /ei/ diphthong) ‹¤

‹¤†€¡†€¡ iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn ee mmeedd¶¶ ÀÀ mmÀÀdd¶¶ /e/ /e/ oror /ej/ /ej/ /me/me‚‚da/ da/ oror /mej /mej‚‚da/ da/

[e

[e “ “]] oror /e /e “ “ j/ j/ [me[me “ “‚‚da]da] oror [me [me “ “ j j‚‚da]da]

(10)

’ ,

’ ,““

’ ,“

¦¦’¤’¤“¦“¦ŒŒ _{bbrraanncchh--rrooooffiinngg kh}_kh[C2][C2] sskkhhaakkhh ÁÁ ssÁÁaaÁÁ /x/ /x/ oror /ª/ /ª/ /sxax/ /sxax/ [ª][ª] [sªaª][sªaª]

‘‘

€¥€¥‘‘ ttoommee ll llii

 ,

„„ ddeeffeecctt mm mmuumm

 ,Ž

€¥€¥ŽŽ ggrreeaatt--ggrraannddssoon nn n nniinn

ŒŒ

œ·œ·„„ŒŒ eenndd ss ssooff

‹‹

in initial or in initial or final final word word positions positions ‹®

‹®†¤†¤€‰·€‰·‘¦‘¦†®†®‹‹ PurPurim-im-parparadeade _none_none[A4][A4] adloy¶daadloy¶da  adloy¶daadloy¶da only in initialonly in initial

word position word position [[]]

[[––adloadlo “ “‚‚ jada] jada]

dialectical dialectical /

/ ŒŒ / / _/_/_–Œ_–Œ_adlo_adlo_‚‚_jada_jada_Œ_Œ_/_/

‹‹

in medial in medial word word positions positions ‘€¥

‘€¥‹·‹·„„ uusseeffuull '' mmoo''ÂÂll  momoÂlÂl / /  / / /mo/mo‚‚il/ il/

dialectical dialectical /

/ ŒŒ / /

/mo /mo‚Œ‚Œil/ il/

ŠŠ

[D][D] Š€¥ Š€¥•• ttiipp pp ttiipp

œ ,Š

Œ¡Œ¡Š¦Š¦Œ¥Œ¥ŠŠ mmiisssseedd ff ffiissffÀÀss

š ,›

š€¥š€¥›› bbuudd ttss ttssiittss ´´ ´´ii´´ //tt ‘ ‘ss// //tt ‘ ‘sitsit ‘ ‘s/ s/

±š ,±›

±š±š˜±˜±›€›€˜˜ zizipp _ÃÃ[B3][B3] rrÂÂÃÃrraaÃÃ //tt ‘ ‘‹‹ / / / / ‚‚ritrit ‘‹‹ ‘ratrat ‘ ‘‹‹ / /

™™

‘·‘·„„™™ ssoouunndd kk kkooll qq qqooll

˜˜

˜€¥˜€¥‹‹ cciittyy rr iirr [[——]] oror [[ŽŽ]] [i[i——]] oror [i[iŽŽ]]

dialectical dialectical [r]

[r] oror [[˜˜]] [ir][ir] oror [i[i˜˜]]

µµ——

µ¤¤——µ tthheerree sshh sshhaamm ÄÄ ÄÄaamm //‹‹ / / / / ‹‹am/ am/

ÅÅ——

ÅÅ¤¤—— ppuutt ss ssaamm ÆÆ ÆÆaamm

––

––„„–– ssttrraawwbbeerrrryy tt ttuutt tt ttuuÇ Ç

(11)

H

Heebbrreew lw leetttteerr SSttaannddaarrdd Israeli Israeli transliteration transliteration € € regular regular standard standard Israeli Israeli transliteration transliteration € € precise precise IPA phonemi

IPA phonemictranctranscripscriptiontion IPA phoneticIPA phonetictranstranscripticriptionon

‰‰

consonantal, in consonantal, in initial word initial word positions positions none

none[A1][A1] [[]]

‰‰

consonantal, in consonantal, in non initial word non initial word positions positions

''



/ /  / /

‰‰

silent silent none none[A2][A2]

ˆˆ

bb

ˆˆ

vv

‡‡

gg gg

‡‡

¹¹

±‡

ºº[B1][B1] /d /d ‘ ‘’’ / /

††

dd dd

††

»»

……

consonantal consonantal hh

……

silent silent none none[A3][A3]

„„

consonantal consonantal vv ww

„„

uu

··„„

oo [o[o “ “] or [] or [Š”Š”]]

ƒƒ

zz

±ƒ

¼¼[B2][B2] / / ’’ / /

‚‚

½½[C1][C1] ¾¾ //xx//oorr//ªª// [[ªª]] dialectical dialectical [©] [©]

(12)

••

€€

consonantal consonantal yy //jj//

€€

part of hirik part of hirik male male (/i/ vowel) (/i/ vowel) ii

€€

part of tsere part of tsere male male (/e/ vowel or (/e/ vowel or /ei/ diphthong) /ei/ diphthong)

ee ÀÀ //ee//oorr//eejj// [[ee “ “] or [e] or [e “ “ j]/ j]/

’ ,

’ ,““

kk

’ ,“

khkh[C2][C2] ÁÁ //xx//oorr//ªª// [[ªª]]

‘‘

ll

 ,

mm

 ,Ž

nn

ŒŒ

ss

‹‹

in initial or final in initial or final word positions word positions none

none[A4][A4]



only in initialonly in initial

word position word position [[]] dialectical dialectical / / ŒŒ / /

‹‹

in medial in medial word positions word positions

''



/ /  / / dialectical dialectical / / ŒŒ / /

ŠŠ

[D][D] pp

(13)

œ ,Š

f f

š ,›

ttss ´´ //tt ‘ ‘s/ s/

±š ,±›

ÃÃ[B3][B3] /t /t ‘ ‘‹‹ / /

™™

kk qq

˜˜

rr [[——] or [] or [ŽŽ]] dialectical dialectical [r] or [ [r] or [˜˜]]

µµ——

sshh ÄÄ //‹‹ / /

ÅÅ——

ss ÆÆ

––

tt tt

––

Ç Ç Notes Notes A

A11^^22^^33^^44^^_{In transliterations of modern Israeli Hebrew, initial and final ‹ (in regular transliteration), silent or initial}_{In transliterations of modern Israeli Hebrew, initial and final ‹ (in regular transliteration), silent or initial}

‰, and silent … are

‰, and silent … are notnot transliterated. To the eye of readers orientating themselves on Latin (or similar) alphabets,transliterated. To the eye of readers orientating themselves on Latin (or similar) alphabets, these letters might seem to be transliterated as vowel letters; however, these are in fact transliterations of the vowel these letters might seem to be transliterated as vowel letters; however, these are in fact transliterations of the vowel diacritics

diacritics • •niqqud (or are representations of the spoken vowels). E.g., in ¥niqqud (or are representations of the spoken vowels). E.g., in ¥‰ ("if", [‰ ("if", [im]), ¡‰ ("mother", [im]), ¡‰ ("mother", [ “ “eem]) andm]) and ·

·‰ ("nut", [‰ ("nut", [ “ “oom]), the letter ‰ always represents the same consonant: [m]), the letter ‰ always represents the same consonant: [] (glottal stop), whereas the vowels /i/, /e/ ] (glottal stop), whereas the vowels /i/, /e/ and /o/ respectively represent the spoken vowel, whether it is orthographically denoted by diacritics or not. Since the and /o/ respectively represent the spoken vowel, whether it is orthographically denoted by diacritics or not. Since the Academy of the Hebrew Language ascertains that ‰ in initial position is not transliterated, the symbol for the glottal Academy of the Hebrew Language ascertains that ‰ in initial position is not transliterated, the symbol for the glottal stop

stop



is omitted from the transliteration, and ois omitted from the transliteration, and only the subsequent vowels are trannly the subsequent vowels are transliterated (whether or not theirsliterated (whether or not their corresponding vowel diacritics appeared in the text being transliterated), resulting in "im", "em" and "om", corresponding vowel diacritics appeared in the text being transliterated), resulting in "im", "em" and "om", respectively.

respectively.

B

B11^^ 22^^ 33^^_{The diacritic geresh}_{The diacritic geresh}_•_• _"±"_"±"_•_• _{is used with some other letters as well (±– ,±˜ ,±‹ ,±• ,±‚ ,±†), but only to}_{is used with some other letters as well (±– ,±˜ ,±‹ ,±• ,±‚ ,±†), but only to}

transliterate

transliterate from fromother languagesother languages totoHebrewHebrew • •never to spell Hebrew words; therefore they were not included in thisnever to spell Hebrew words; therefore they were not included in this table (correctly translating a Hebrew text with these letters would require using the spelling in the language from table (correctly translating a Hebrew text with these letters would require using the spelling in the language from which the transliteration to Hebrew was originally made). The non-standard "±„" and "„„"

which the transliteration to Hebrew was originally made). The non-standard "±„" and "„„" [e1][e1]are sometimes used toare sometimes used to represent /w/, which like /d

represent /w/, which like /d ‘ ‘’’ /, / /, / ’’ / and /t / and /t ‘ ‘‹‹ / appears in Hebrew slang and loanwords. / appears in Hebrew slang and loanwords.

C

C11^^22^^_{The Sound /ª/ (as "ch" in loch) is often transcribed "ch", inconsistently with the guidelines specified by the}_{The Sound /ª/ (as "ch" in loch) is often transcribed "ch", inconsistently with the guidelines specified by the}

Academy of the Hebrew Language: ‚ /ªam/

Academy of the Hebrew Language: ‚ /ªam/ ™™"cham"; ’“Œ /sªaª/"cham"; ’“Œ /sªaª/ ™™"schach"."schach".

D^

D^ _{Although the Bible does include a single occurrence of a final pe with a dagesh (Book of Proverbs 30, 6:}_{Although the Bible does include a single occurrence of a final pe with a dagesh (Book of Proverbs 30, 6:}

""

¤¤–¦

–¦ˆ¤

ˆ¤ƒ¦

ƒ¦“¥

“¥Ž¦

Ž¦„ ¤

„ ¤’

’¦¦ˆ ®

ˆ ®‚€¥

‚€¥“·

“·„€-

„€-££Š :„€¤

Š :„€¤˜¤

˜¤ˆ

ˆ¦¦†-‘®

†-‘®‹ 

‹ ¦¦œ¦

œ¦Œ·

Œ·„„–-‘®

–-‘®‰.

‰.

"), in modern Hebrew /p/ is always represented by pe in its regular,"), in modern Hebrew /p/ is always represented by pe in its regular, not final, form "Š", even when in final word position, which occurs with loanwords (e.g. 

not final, form "Š", even when in final word position, which occurs with loanwords (e.g.  Š·Š·„µ„µ— / — / ‹‹op/op/ "shop" "shop" ), foreign), foreign names (e.g. 

(14)

Pronunciation

The descriptions that follow are based on the pronunciation of modern standard Israeli Hebrew. The descriptions that follow are based on the pronunciation of modern standard Israeli Hebrew.

Letters Letters

‰‰

ˆˆ

ˆˆ ‡ 

‡ ‡‡ ±±‡‡ ††

††

±±††

……

„„

„„

_{··„„ ±„ , „„}

_{±„ , „„}

(non-standard) (non-standard)[e2][e2]

ƒƒ ±±ƒƒ ‚‚ • €

• €

IPA

IPA [[],],šš [[bb]] [[vv]] [[ˆˆ]] [d[d ‘ ‘’’]] [[dd]] [[ÈÈ] [] [hh~~],],šš [[vv]]~~[[ww]] [[uu]] [[oo “ “]] [[ww]] [[zz] [] [’’]] [[ªª]]~~[[©©]] [[tt]] [[jj]]

Letters Letters

€¥

€¥ ’ 

’ ““ ’

’

““ ‘‘ 



 



Ž Œ

‹‹

ŠŠ œ

œ

ŠŠ

š

›› ±±š

š

±±› ™

› ™

˜˜

µµ—— ÅÅ——

–– – ±

– ±––

IPA IPA [[ii]] [[kk]] [[ªª]] [[ll]] [[mm]] [[nn]] [[ss]] [[]~[]~[ŒŒ],],šš [[pp]] [[ff]] [[tt ‘ ‘ss]] [[tt‹‹]] [[kk]] [[ŽŽ]]~~[[rr]] [[‹‹]] [[ss]] [[tt]] [[¨¨]]

Shin and sin

Shin

Shinandandsinsin are represented by the same letter,are represented by the same letter,

——

, but are two separate phonemes. They are not mutually allophonic., but are two separate phonemes. They are not mutually allophonic. When vowel diacritics are used, the two phonemes are differentiated with a

When vowel diacritics are used, the two phonemes are differentiated with a shinshin-dot or-dot orsinsin-dot; the-dot; the shinshin-dot is above-dot is above the upper-right side of the letter, and the

the upper-right side of the letter, and the sinsin-dot is above the upper-left side of the letter.-dot is above the upper-left side of the letter.

S

Syymmbbooll NNaammee TTrraannsslliitteerraattiioonn IIPPAA EExxaammppllee

µµ——

(right dot)(right dot)

shin

shin shsh / / ‹‹ / / shshopop

ÅÅ——

(left dot)(left dot)

sin

sin ss //ss// ssourour

Historically,

Historically, left-dot-sinleft-dot-sin corresponds to Proto-Semitic *Æ, which in biblical-Judaic-Hebrew corresponded to acorresponds to Proto-Semitic *Æ, which in biblical-Judaic-Hebrew corresponded to a voiceless alveolar lateral fricative /

voiceless alveolar lateral fricative / ›› /, as /, as is evident is evident in Greek in Greek transliteration of transliteration of Hebrew words Hebrew words such assuch as Balsam Balsam((

Å

Å££—

—··ˆˆ

)) (the

(the lsls- 'Å- 'Å—') as is evident in the Targum Onkelos.—') as is evident in the Targum Onkelos.[[citation needed citation needed ]]Rendering of proto-semitic *Æ as / Rendering of proto-semitic *Æ as / ›› /, is still /, is still evident inevident in the Soqotri language.

the Soqotri language.[[citation needed citation needed ]]

Dagesh

Historically, the consonants

ˆˆ

bethbeth,,

‡‡

gimelgimel,,

††

dalethdaleth,,

““

kaf kaf ,,

ŠŠ

pe pe andand

––

tavtav each had two sounds: one hardeach had two sounds: one hard (plosive), and one soft (fricative), depending on the position of the letter and other factors. When vowel diacritics are (plosive), and one soft (fricative), depending on the position of the letter and other factors. When vowel diacritics are used, the hard sounds are indicated by a central dot called

used, the hard sounds are indicated by a central dot called dageshdagesh ((

—‡†

), while the soft sounds lack a), while the soft sounds lack a dageshdagesh. . InIn modern Hebrew, however, the

modern Hebrew, however, the dageshdageshonly changes the pronunciation ofonly changes the pronunciation of

ˆˆ

bethbeth,,

““

kaf kaf , and, and

ŠŠ

pe pe, and doesn't affect, and doesn't affect the name of the letter. The differences are as follows:

the name of the letter. The differences are as follows:

N

Naammee WWiitth h ddaaggeesshh WWiitthhoouut t ddaaggeesshh S

Symymboboll TrTraansnsliliteteraratitioonn IIPAPA ExExaampmplele SSymymboboll TrTrananslslititereraatitioonn IIPAPA ExExaampmpllee

beth beth

ˆˆ

bb //bb// bbunun

ˆˆ

vv //vv// vvanan kaf kaf []

[]

’ ““

’ 

kk //kk// kkangarooangaroo

’ “

kkhh//cchh//xx //ªª// lloochch

pe pe

ŠŠ

pp //pp// ppassass

œ Š

ff//pphh //ff/ / f f indind

In other dialects (mainly liturgical) there are variations from this pattern. In other dialects (mainly liturgical) there are variations from this pattern.

 In somIn some Sepe Sepharhardi andi and Mizd Mizrahrahi diai dialeclects,ts,betbetwithout dagesh is pronounced [b], likewithout dagesh is pronounced [b], like betbetwith dageshwith dagesh  In SIn Syriyrian an and and YemYemenienite Hte Hebrebrew,ew,gimelgimelwithout dagesh is pronounced [without dagesh is pronounced [œœ], as in "Job"], as in "Job"

 In YemeIn Yemenite Henite Hebrew, abrew, and in the Irnd in the Iraqi proaqi pronuncianunciation of thtion of the word "Ae word "Adonaidonai",", daletdaletwithout dagesh is pronounced [È]without dagesh is pronounced [È] as in "these"

as in "these"

(15)

 In IraqIn Iraqi and Yi and Yemenitemenite Hebre Hebrew, anew, and formed formerly in sorly in some othme other diaer dialects,lects,tavtavwithout dagesh is pronounced [¨] is inwithout dagesh is pronounced [¨] is in "thick"

"thick"

Identical pronunciation

In Israel's general population, many consonants have the same pronunciation. They are as follows: In Israel's general population, many consonants have the same pronunciation. They are as follows:

L

Leetttteerrss TTrraannsslliitteerraattiioonn PPrroonnuunncciiaattiioon n ((IIPPAA))

‰‰

Alef Alef **

‹‹

Ayin Ayin** not not transliterated transliterated

Usually when in medial word position: Usually when in medial word position:

/./ /./

(separation of vowels in a hiatus) (separation of vowels in a hiatus)

When in initial or final word position, sometimes also in medial word When in initial or final word position, sometimes also in medial word

position: position: silent silent alternatingly alternatingly ' or ' or / /  / / (glottal stop) (glottal stop)

ˆˆ

Bet

Bet(without(without

dagesh dagesh))

„„

Vav Vav vv //vv//

‚‚

Het Het

““

Kaf

Kaf(without(withoutdageshdagesh))

kkhh//cchh//hh //ªª//

••

Tet Tet

––

Tav Tav tt //tt//

““

Kaf

Kaf(with(withdageshdagesh))

™™

Qof Qof kk //kk//

ŒŒ

Samekh Samekh

ÅÅ——

Sin

Sin(with left dot)(with left dot)

ss //ss//

››

Tsadi Tsadi**

Œ–

Tav-Samekh Tav-Samekh** and and

ÅÅ—–

—–

Tav-Sin Tav-Sin** ttss//ttzz //ttss//

±›

Tsadi (with geresh) Tsadi (with geresh)

µµ—•

—•

Tet-Shin Tet-Shin** and and

µµ—–

—–

Tav-Shin Tav-Shin** cchh//ttssh h ((cchhaaiirr)) //tt‹‹ / / * Varyingly * Varyingly

Ancient Hebrew pronunciation

Some of the variations in sound mentioned above are due to a systematic feature of Ancient Hebrew. The six Some of the variations in sound mentioned above are due to a systematic feature of Ancient Hebrew. The six consonants /b

consonants /b ˆˆ d k p t/ were pronounced differently depending on their positiond k p t/ were pronounced differently depending on their position. These letters. These letters were also called were also called BeGeD KeFeT

BeGeD KeFeTletters / letters / ––bebe‡ˆ…‡ˆ…dd‚‚kk……f f ……t/. The full details are very complex; this summary omits some points. They weret/. The full details are very complex; this summary omits some points. They were pronounced as plosives /b

pronounced as plosives /b ˆˆ d k p t/ at the beginning of a syllable, or when doubled. They were pronounced asd k p t/ at the beginning of a syllable, or when doubled. They were pronounced as fricatives /v

fricatives /v œœ È x f ¨/ when preceded by a vowel (commonly indicated with a macron, É ¹ » Á pÈ x f ¨/ when preceded by a vowel (commonly indicated with a macron, É ¹ » Á p ž ž Ç). The Ç). The plosive andplosive and double pronunciations were indicated by the

double pronunciations were indicated by the dageshdagesh. In Modern Hebrew the sounds » and ¹ have reverted to [d] and. In Modern Hebrew the sounds » and ¹ have reverted to [d] and [[ˆˆ], respectively, and Ç has become [t], so only the remaining three consonants /b k p/ show variation.], respectively, and Ç has become [t], so only the remaining three consonants /b k p/ show variation.

˜˜

reshresh maymay have also been a "doubled" letter, making the list

(16)

‚‚

‹‹

››

••

represented the emphatic consonant /t

represented the emphatic consonant /tŸŸ /, and /, and

™™

qofqofrepresented the uvular plosive /q/. All these are commonrepresented the uvular plosive /q/. All these are common Semitic consonants.

Semitic consonants.



ÅÅ——

sinsin(the /s/ variant of(the /s/ variant of

——

shinshin) was originally different from both) was originally different from both

µµ——

shinshinandand

ŒŒ

samekhsamekh, but had become /s/ the, but had become /s/ the same as

same as

ŒŒ

samekhsamekhby the time the vowel pointing was devised. Because of cognates with other Semitic languages,by the time the vowel pointing was devised. Because of cognates with other Semitic languages, this phoneme is known to have originally been a lateral consonant, most likely the voiceless alveolar lateral

this phoneme is known to have originally been a lateral consonant, most likely the voiceless alveolar lateral fricative /

fricative / ›› / (the sound of modern Welsh / (the sound of modern Welshllll) or the voiceless alveolar lateral affricate /t) or the voiceless alveolar lateral affricate /t›› / (like N¶huatl / (like N¶huatltltl).).

Vowels

Matres lectionis

‰‰

alef alef ,,

……

hehe,,

„„

vavvavandand

€€

yod yodare letters that can sometimes indicate a are letters that can sometimes indicate a vowel instead of a consonant (which would be,vowel instead of a consonant (which would be, respectively, /

respectively, /  /, /h/, /v/ /, /h/, /v/ and /j/). When they and /j/). When they do,do,

„„

andand

€€

are considered to constitute part of the vowel designation inare considered to constitute part of the vowel designation in combination with a niqqud symbol

combination with a niqqud symbol • •a vowel diacritic (whether or not the diacritic is marked), whereasa vowel diacritic (whether or not the diacritic is marked), whereas

‰‰

andand

……

areare considered to be mute, their role being purely indicative of the non-marked vowel.

considered to be mute, their role being purely indicative of the non-marked vowel.

L

Leetttteerr NNaammee of letter of letter Consonant Consonant indicated indicated when letter when letter consonantal consonantal Vowel Vowel designation designation Name of Name of vowel designation vowel designation Indicated Indicated Vowel Vowel

‰‰

alef alef / /  / /    Ê, Ë, Ì, Í, ÎÊ, Ë, Ì, Í, Î

……

hehe /h/ /h/    Ê, Ë, Ì, Í, ÎÊ, Ë, Ì, Í, Î

„„

vavvav /v/ /v/

··„„

¾¾ooll¶¶m m mmaallÀÀ ÎÎ

„„

sshhuurrÏÏqq ÐÐ

€€

yud yud /j/ /j/

_€¥

¾¾iirrÂÂq q mmaallÀÀ Ñ Ñ

€¡

ttsseerrÀ À mmaallÀÀ ÊÊ, , ËË

Vowel points

Niqqud

Niqqud is the system of dots that help determine vowels and consonants. In Hebrew, all forms ofis the system of dots that help determine vowels and consonants. In Hebrew, all forms of niqqudniqqudare oftenare often omitted in writing, except for children's books, prayer books, poetry, foreign words, and words which would be omitted in writing, except for children's books, prayer books, poetry, foreign words, and words which would be ambiguous to pronounce. Israeli Hebrew has five vowel phonemes, /i e a o u/, but many more written symbols for ambiguous to pronounce. Israeli Hebrew has five vowel phonemes, /i e a o u/, but many more written symbols for them:

them:

N

Naammee SSyymmbbooll IIssrraaeelli i HHeebbrreeww

IIPPAA TTrraannsslliitteerraattiioonn EEnngglliisshh example example

H

Hiirriiqq [[ii]] ii mmaannddii

Z

Zeeiirree [[ee “ “], ([e], ([e “ “ j] with j] with succeeding yod) succeeding yod) e, (ei with e, (ei with succeeding yod) succeeding yod) m meen, mn, maiainn SSeeggooll [[ee “ “]] ee mmeenn

PPaattaacchh [[ÒÒ]] aa ffaatherther

Kamatz Kamatz

(17)

H

Hoollaam m HHaasseerr [[oo “ “]] oo ooverver Holam Male Holam Male

··„„

[o[o “ “]] oo ooverver SShhuurruukk [[uu]] uu mmoooonn K Kuubbuuttzz [[uu]] uu mmoooonn Note 1:

Note 1:The symbol "The symbol "••" represents whatever Hebrew letter is used." represents whatever Hebrew letter is used.

Note 2:

Note 2:The pronunciation ofThe pronunciation of zeire zeireand sometimesand sometimessegolsegol- with or without the letter- with or without the letter yod yod- is sometimes- is sometimeseieiin Modern Hebrew. This is not correct inin Modern Hebrew. This is not correct in

the normative pronunciation and not consistent in the spoken language. the normative pronunciation and not consistent in the spoken language.

Note 3:

Note 3:TheThedageshdagesh,,mappiqmappiq, and, andshurukshurukhave different functions, even though they look the same.have different functions, even though they look the same.

Note 4:

Note 4:The letter „ (The letter „ (vavvav) is used since it can only be represented by that letter.) is used since it can only be represented by that letter.

Meteg Meteg

By adding a vertical line (called

By adding a vertical line (called Meteg Meteg) underneath the letter and to the left of the vowel point, the vowel is made) underneath the letter and to the left of the vowel point, the vowel is made long. The

long. The metegmetegis only used in Biblical Hebrew, not Modern Hebrew.is only used in Biblical Hebrew, not Modern Hebrew.

Sh'va Sh'va

By adding two vertical dots (called

By adding two vertical dots (called Sh'vaSh'va) underneath the letter, the vowel is made very short.) underneath the letter, the vowel is made very short.

N

Naammee SSyymmbbooll IIssrraaeelli i HHeebbrreeww

IIPPAA TTrraannsslliitteerraattiioonn EEnngglliisshh example example

SShhvvaa [[ee “ “]]or or šš apostrophe apostrophe, e,, e, or nothing or nothing

h

has pronounced inas pronounced inhherberb

R

Reedduucceed d SSeeggooll [[ee “ “]] ee mmeenn

R

Reedduucceed d PPaattaacchh [[ÒÒ]] aa f f aatherther

Reduced Kamatz Reduced Kamatz

ÓÓŒŒ

[o[o “ “]] oo f f aatherther

Comparison table Comparison table

Vowel comparison table

Vowel comparison table[[ citation ne citation needed eded ]] Vowel Length

Vowel Length

(phonetically not manifested in Israeli Hebrew) (phonetically not manifested in Israeli Hebrew)

IP

IPAA TrTrananslslititereratatioionn EnEnglglisishh example example L

Loonngg SShhoorrtt VVeerry y SShhoorrtt

¤¤

®®

ÔÔ

[[ÒÒ]] aa ssppaa

¡¡

££

ÕÕ

[e[e “ “]] ee tteempmp

··„„

¤¤

Wikipedia:Disputed statement Wikipedia:Disputed statement

ÓÓ

Wikipedia:Disputed statement Wikipedia:Disputed statement [o [o “ “]] oo CCoonnggoo

„„

ÖÖ

n/an/a [[uu]] uu ssoooonn

€¥

(18)

By adding two vertical dots ( By adding two vertical dots (sh'vash'va))

¦¦

the vowel is made very short. the vowel is made very short.

Note II:

Note II: The shortThe shortooand longand longaahave the samehave the sameniqqud niqqud ..

Note III:

Note III: The shortThe shortoois usually promoted to a longis usually promoted to a longoo

in Israeli writing for the sake of disambiguation in Israeli writing for the sake of disambiguation

Note IV:

Note IV: The shortThe shortuuis usually promoted to a longis usually promoted to a longuu

in Israeli writing for the sake of disambiguation in Israeli writing for the sake of disambiguation

Gershayim

The symbol

‚‚

is called a gershayim and is a punctuation mark used in the Hebrew language to denote acronyms. It isis called a gershayim and is a punctuation mark used in the Hebrew language to denote acronyms. It is written before the last letter in the acronym. Gershayim is also the name of a note of cantillation in the reading of the written before the last letter in the acronym. Gershayim is also the name of a note of cantillation in the reading of the Torah, printed above the accented letter.

Torah, printed above the accented letter.

Sounds represented with diacritic geresh

The sounds [t

The sounds [t ‘ ‘‹‹], [d], [d ‘ ‘’’], [], [’’], written "], written "

±›

", "", "

±‡

", "", "

±ƒ

", and [w], non-standardly sometimes transliterated", and [w], non-standardly sometimes transliterated

„„

oror

±„

[e3][e3], are, are often found in slang and loanwords that are part of the everyday Hebrew colloquial vocabulary. The often found in slang and loanwords that are part of the everyday Hebrew colloquial vocabulary. The apostrophe-looking symbol after the Hebrew letter modifies the pronunciation of the letter and is called a

apostrophe-looking symbol after the Hebrew letter modifies the pronunciation of the letter and is called a gereshgeresh. (As. (As mentioned above, while still done, using

mentioned above, while still done, using

±„

to represent [w] is non-standard; standard spelling rules allow no usageto represent [w] is non-standard; standard spelling rules allow no usage of

of

±„

whatsoeverwhatsoever[e4][e4]).).

Hebrew slang and loanwords Hebrew slang and loanwords N

Naammee SSyymmbbooll IIPPAA TTrraannsslliitteerraattiioonn EExxaammppllee

Gimel with a geresh Gimel with a geresh

±‡

[d[d ‘ ‘’’]] ºº ƒƒ¶¶¾¾nnuunn [[‚‚ ‘ ‘’’dd aªnun]aªnun]

_{„Ž¦}

_{„Ž¦‚±}

_{‚±®®‡‡}

Zayin with a geresh

±ƒ

[[’’]] ¼¼ kkooll¶¶„„ [ko[ko‚‚lala’’]]

_{±ƒ‰®‘·}

_±ƒ‰®

_‘·„™

_„™

Tsadi with a geresh Tsadi with a geresh

±›

[t[t ‘ ‘‹‹]] ÃÃ ……uupp¶¶r r ((ttrreeaatt)) ‘‹‹[[tt ‘uu‚‚par]par]

_˜

_{˜¤¤Š}

_{Š„±›}

_„±›

Vav with a geresh

Vav with a geresh or double Vav

or double Vav

„„

_or_or

±„

_{(non standard)}_{(non standard)}[e5][e5]

[[ww]] ww aaww¶n¶nta (bta (boasoastftful acul act)t) [a[a‚‚wanta]wanta]

_…®

_…®•¦

_{•¦ŽŽ®®„®}

_„®‰‰

The pronunciation of the following letters can also be modified with the geresh diacritic, the represented sounds are The pronunciation of the following letters can also be modified with the geresh diacritic, the represented sounds are however foreign to Hebrew phonology, i.e., these symbols only represent sounds in foreign words or names when however foreign to Hebrew phonology, i.e., these symbols only represent sounds in foreign words or names when transliterated with the Hebrew alphabet, and never loanwords.

transliterated with the Hebrew alphabet, and never loanwords.

Transliteration of non-native sounds Transliteration of non-native sounds N

Naammee SSyymmbbooll IIPPAA AArraabbiicc letter letter

E

Exxaammppllee CCoommmmeenntt

Dalet Dalet with a with a geresh geresh

±†

[È][È] Dh•l Dh•l((€€)) Voiced th Voiced th Dh Dh‚‚ al-ƒijjah al-ƒijjah ((•‚ƒ„… †€•‚ƒ„… †€))

„±†

…±‡€‚-‘‰

* Also used for English voiced th * Also used for English voiced th * Often a simple † is written. * Often a simple † is written. Tav Tav with a with a geresh geresh

±–

[¨][¨] Th•Th•••((‡‡)) Voiceless Voiceless th th Th Thurstonurston

_{„•Œ˜±–}

(19)

×et with ×et with a geresh a geresh

±‚

[ª] [ª] Kh•Kh•••((ˆ ˆ )) SShheeiikhkh ((‰Š‹‰Š‹))

±‚€€—

* Unlike the other sounds in this table, the sound [ª] represented by * Unlike the other sounds in this table, the sound [ª] represented by

±‚

isis indeed a native sound in Hebrew; the geresh is however used only when indeed a native sound in Hebrew; the geresh is however used only when transliteration must distinguish between [ª] and [©], in which case transliteration must distinguish between [ª] and [©], in which case

±‚

transliterates the former and ‚ the latter, whereas in everyday usage ‚ transliterates the former and ‚ the latter, whereas in everyday usage ‚ without geresh is pronounced [©] only dialectically but [ª] commonly. without geresh is pronounced [©] only dialectically but [ª] commonly. Resh Resh with a with a geresh geresh

±˜

oror

±‹

[[ŽŽ]] Ghayn Ghayn((Œ Œ )) Ghajar Ghajar

((‚Ž‚Ž))

˜±‡±˜

Sometimes an

Sometimes an¡¡ayin with a geresh (ayin with a geresh (

±‹

) is used to transliterate) is used to transliterateŒ Œ • •

inconsistently with the guidelines specified by the Academy of the Hebrew inconsistently with the guidelines specified by the Academy of the Hebrew Language

Language

A

Agereshgereshis also used to denote acronyms pronounced as a string of letters, and to denote a Hebrew numeral. Gereshis also used to denote acronyms pronounced as a string of letters, and to denote a Hebrew numeral. Geresh also is the name of one of the notes of cantillation in the reading of the Torah, but its appearance and function is also is the name of one of the notes of cantillation in the reading of the Torah, but its appearance and function is different.

different.

Religious use

The letters of the Hebrew alphabet have played varied roles in Jewish religious literature over the centuries, The letters of the Hebrew alphabet have played varied roles in Jewish religious literature over the centuries, primarily in m

primarily in mysticalystical tetexts. Some sourcesxts. Some sources in classical rabbinical literature seem to acknowledge the historicalin classical rabbinical literature seem to acknowledge the historical provenance of the currently used Hebrew alphabet and deal with them as a mundane subject (the Jerusalem Talmud, provenance of the currently used Hebrew alphabet and deal with them as a mundane subject (the Jerusalem Talmud, for example, records that "the Israelites took for themselves square calligraphy", and that the letters "came with the for example, records that "the Israelites took for themselves square calligraphy", and that the letters "came with the Israelites from Ashur [Assyria]");

Israelites from Ashur [Assyria]");[11][11] others attribute mystical significance to the letters, connecting them with theothers attribute mystical significance to the letters, connecting them with the process of creation or the redemption. In mystical conceptions, the alphabet is considered eternal, pre-existent to the process of creation or the redemption. In mystical conceptions, the alphabet is considered eternal, pre-existent to the Earth, and the letters themselves are seen as having holiness and power, sometimes to such an extent that several Earth, and the letters themselves are seen as having holiness and power, sometimes to such an extent that several stories from the Talmud illustrate the idea that they cannot be destroyed.

stories from the Talmud illustrate the idea that they cannot be destroyed.[12][12]

The idea of the letters' creative power finds its greatest vehicle in the Sefer Yezirah, or

The idea of the letters' creative power finds its greatest vehicle in the Sefer Yezirah, or Book of Creation Book of Creation, a mystical, a mystical text of uncertain origin which describes a story of creation highly divergent from that in the Book of Genesis, largely text of uncertain origin which describes a story of creation highly divergent from that in the Book of Genesis, largely through exposition on the powers of the letters of the alphabet. The supposed creative powers of the letters are also through exposition on the powers of the letters of the alphabet. The supposed creative powers of the letters are also referenced in the Talmud and Zohar.

referenced in the Talmud and Zohar.[13][14][13][14]

The four-pronged Shin The four-pronged Shin

Another book, the 13th-century Kabbalistic text Sefer Another book, the 13th-century Kabbalistic text Sefer HaTemunah, holds that a single letter of unknown pronunciation, HaTemunah, holds that a single letter of unknown pronunciation, held by some to be the four-pronged shin on one side of the teffilin held by some to be the four-pronged shin on one side of the teffilin box, is missing from the current alphabet. The world's flaws, the box, is missing from the current alphabet. The world's flaws, the book teaches, are related to the absence of this letter, the eventual book teaches, are related to the absence of this letter, the eventual revelation of which will repair the universe.

revelation of which will repair the universe.[15][15] Another exampleAnother example of messianic significance attached to the letters is the teaching of of messianic significance attached to the letters is the teaching of Rabbi Eliezer that the five letters of the alphabet with final forms Rabbi Eliezer that the five letters of the alphabet with final forms hold the "secret of redemption".

hold the "secret of redemption".

In addition, the letters occasionally feature in aggadic portions of In addition, the letters occasionally feature in aggadic portions of non-mystical rabbinic literature. In such aggada the letters are non-mystical rabbinic literature. In such aggada the letters are often given anthropomorphic qualities and depicted as speaking to God. Commonly their shapes are used in parables often given anthropomorphic qualities and depicted as speaking to God. Commonly their shapes are used in parables to illustrate points of ethics or theology. An example from the Babylonian Talmud (a parable intended to discourage to illustrate points of ethics or theology. An example from the Babylonian Talmud (a parable intended to discourage speculation about the universe before creation):

speculation about the universe before creation):

Why does the story of

Why does the story of creation begin with bet?... In the same manner that the letter bet creation begin with bet?... In the same manner that the letter bet is closed on all sides is closed on all sides and only open in front,and only open in front, similarly you are not permitted to inquire into what is before or

similarly you are not permitted to inquire into what is before or what was behind, but only from the actual time of what was behind, but only from the actual time of Creation.Creation.

Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Hagigah, 77c Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Hagigah, 77c

Extensive instructions about the proper methods of forming the letters are found in Mishnat Soferim, within Mishna Extensive instructions about the proper methods of forming the letters are found in Mishnat Soferim, within Mishna Berura of Yisrael Meir Kagan.