Binyan Pa’al/Qal: Future Tense – “Peh-Nun”

In the Pa’al/Qal binyan, roots that begin with nun (נ) undergo assimilation in the future tense. The initial nun disappears, and the second root letter is doubled with a dagesh. The verb לנסוע (“to travel, to go by vehicle”) is a clear example of this pattern.

Example

  • נ.ס.ע → לנסוע (to travel)
    • אֶסַּע – I will travel
    • תִּסַּע – you (m.s.) will travel / she will travel
    • תִּסְּעִי – you (f.s.) will travel
    • יִסַּע – he will travel
    • נִסַּע – we will travel
    • תִּסְּעוּ – you (pl.) will travel
    • יִסְּעוּ – they will travel

Quick Summary for Learners

  • In Pa’al/Qal future tense with Peh‑Nun roots, nun disappears.
  • The second root letter doubles with a dagesh.
  • Pattern: prefix (א/ת/י/נ) + doubled consonant + vowel + ending.
  • Example: אֶסַּע, תִּסַּע, יִסַּע.