Archive for 'Grammar'
Hebrew Grammar and Vocabulary for Summer Vacation Posted by Ayana on Jul 20, 2020
The Israeli school year lasts ten months, from September first to the end of June. Last month, more than two millions Israeli students held graduation ceremonies, received certificates, and went on their summer vacation. Israeli students enjoy short vacations during the year. Summer break is their longest vacation, lasting two months from July through August…
How to Use the Hebrew Verbs to Elect, to Vote Posted by Ayana on Feb 17, 2020
For the third time in under a year, Israelis are heading back to the polls. Efforts to form a government failed again after the second election held in September 2019. The unprecedented third election will be held on March 2nd 2020. We’ve already learned the relevant vocabulary of Israel political deadlock, in these posts: What…
Hebrew Adverbs of Frequency Posted by Ayana on Feb 3, 2020
Adverbs of frequency are adverbs of time that are used to indicate routine or repeated activities. They describe how frequently something occurs, how often a certain action takes place. Most of the Hebrew adverbs of frequency that specify an exact time frame are patterns of two words. They begin with the prepositions כָּל (kol) or מִדֵּי…
Hebrew Vocabulary and Grammar for the Winter Posted by Ayana on Dec 9, 2019
Winter has come in Israel! This is a good opportunity to delve into some related grammar and vocabulary. Hebrew nouns have gender – masculine or feminine. The Hebrew word for winter חֹורֶף (ho-ref) is masculine, as all the Hebrew seasons’ (עוֺנוֺת) names (אָבִיב, קַיִץ, סְתָיו). Hebrew adjectives come after the noun they describe and match…
Hebrew Grammar: Diseases Posted by Ayana on Feb 4, 2019
The Hebrew language consists of patterns: verbs (called בנינים) and nouns (called משקלים). Those fixed patterns – בניינים and משקלים – form a frame to the numerous Hebrew roots. The prefixes and/or suffixes of the patterns are permanent, and the root just integrated into it. Some of the patterns also attribute meaning to the word…
How to use the Hebrew preposition “on” Posted by Ayana on Oct 8, 2018
The Hebrew preposition עַל (pronounced as al) means “on”, “about”, or “regarding”. It’s a short word – only one syllable – but extremely important when forming grammatically correct sentences. Let’s delve into its many purposes. 1) The most common usage of עַל is as a location word. עַל means “above” or “on top of” when…
Hebrew Verbs in Action: Binyan Pi’el Posted by Ayana on Aug 20, 2018
The Hebrew language is composed of many roots. The verbal stems – the בּׅנְיָנׅים (plural form, pronounced as bin-ya-nim) – are the patterns that shape them into actual words. בִּנְיָן (singular form, pronounced as bin-yan), literally means building, is a firm structure into which the root is inserted to form the verb. There are seven…