Hebrew uses two main niqqud symbols to represent the “E” sound: Segol and Tzere. Both sound like “eh” as in bed, although Tzere can sometimes sound closer to “ey” (as in they) depending on dialect or context.
Segol (ֶ)
- Symbol: Three dots in a triangle shape under the letter
- Sound: “eh”
- Example: אֶרֶץ (eretz – land)
Tzere (ֵ)
- Symbol: Two horizontal dots under the letter
- Sound: “eh” or “ey”
- Example: בֵּית (beit – house of)
In Modern Hebrew, Segol and Tzere often sound the same. In traditional or Biblical pronunciation, Tzere may be longer or slightly different.
