The “U” Vowel – Kubutz & Shuruk

Hebrew uses two main niqqud symbols to represent the “U” sound, similar to the “oo” in food. These are Kubutz and Shuruk.

Kubutz (ֻ)

• Symbol: Three diagonal dots under the letter
• Sound: “oo”
• Example: סֻלָּם (sullam – ladder)

Shuruk (וּ)

• Symbol: A dot inside the letter ו (vav)
• Sound: “oo”
• Example: שׁוּק (shuk – market)

💡 Shuruk is more common in modern spelling and often replaces Kubutz in everyday writing. Kubutz tends to appear in more formal or traditional texts.