Hebrew is written using an alphabet of 22 consonants. Unlike English, it doesn’t include letters for vowels. Instead, Hebrew uses a system called niqqud (נִקּוּד) – a set of small dots and dashes placed around letters to indicate vowel sounds.
This system helps readers pronounce words correctly, especially in texts like the Bible, poetry, and children’s books. In modern Israeli Hebrew, niqqud is often omitted in everyday writing, but it remains essential for learners and formal texts.
Key Facts:
- Niqqud marks are placed above, below, or inside letters.
- They represent short and long vowels, as well as silent letters.
- There are five basic vowel sounds, each with multiple niqqud symbols.
In the next posts, we’ll explore each vowel sound in detail: A, E, I, O, and U — including their symbols, pronunciation, and examples.
