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The next vowel group you will learn is sometimes called the "E-type" because it indicates an "e" sound (as in "red" when the vowel is short, or "eight" when the vowel is long) as the vowel is combined with a Hebrew consonant (i.e., letter). The "simple" E-type vowels have the following pattern:

Note that the "X" refers to any Hebrew letter (for example Aleph, Bet, and so on) and the rectangular box below the letter refers to a one the following types of vowel marks (nikkudim):

Notes:

• Although these vowel marks look different, they all represent an "e"sound.
• Note which vowel is long (Tsere) and which are short (Segol, Chateph Segol).
• The Chateph Segol is sometimes called a "half vowel" and is the shortest of all vowels: it can only appear under the guttural letters.
• There is a slight difference in pronunciation between Tsere and Segol (Tsere has a longer "e" (as in they) sound, whereas Segol has a slightly shorter sound).

Full E-Type Vowel

In addition to the three simple E-type vowels, there are two variations that you should be aware of: Both Tsere and Segol may have a Yod immediately following it (the Yod then functions not as a consonant, but as a vowel letter):



The "X" refers to any Hebrew letter (for example Aleph, Bet, and so on) and the rectangular box below the letter refers to a vowel mark location. When the letter Yod follows a letter with a Tsere or Segol, it functions not as a consonant, but as a vowel letter. This is called a "consonantal vowel" and the result is called a "full" vowel.

Basic Syllables

Open Syllables:

Closed Syllables:

Practice Readings

One syllable:

Two syllables:

Three syllables:

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Transliteration Practice:

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Hebrew for Christians
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