Printable Hebrew Alphabet Pronunciation Guide

Learning the Hebrew alphabet, known as the Aleph-Bet, is an essential step for anyone interested in the Hebrew language. The Hebrew alphabet consists of 22 letters, each with its unique pronunciation. Understanding these letters and their sounds will greatly enhance your ability to read, write, and speak Hebrew. Below, you will find a detailed guide to the Hebrew alphabet along with a printable chart to support your learning journey.

Hebrew Alphabet and Pronunciation Guide

The Hebrew alphabet is distinct from the Latin alphabet used in English. Each letter has a unique name and sound. Here is a breakdown of each letter and its pronunciation:

• א Aleph – Silent or a glottal stop, often represented by a slight pause.
• ב Bet – Pronounced like the ‘b’ in “boy” (when it has a dagesh, a dot in the middle); otherwise, pronounced like the ‘v’ in “vet.”
• ג Gimel – Pronounced like the ‘g’ in “go.”
• ד Dalet – Pronounced like the ‘d’ in “door.”
• ה Hey – Pronounced like the ‘h’ in “house.”
• ו Vav – Pronounced like the ‘v’ in “vet” or like the ‘o’ in “more” when used as a vowel.
• ז Zayin – Pronounced like the ‘z’ in “zebra.”
• ח Chet – A guttural sound, similar to the ‘ch’ in “Bach” (German pronunciation).
• ט Tet – Pronounced like the ‘t’ in “tall.”
• י Yod – Pronounced like the ‘y’ in “yes” or like the ‘ee’ in “see” when used as a vowel.
• כ Kaf – Pronounced like the ‘k’ in “kite” (when it has a dagesh); otherwise, pronounced like the ‘ch’ in “Bach” (German pronunciation).
• ל Lamed – Pronounced like the ‘l’ in “lamp.”
• מ Mem – Pronounced like the ‘m’ in “mother.”
• נ Nun – Pronounced like the ‘n’ in “nice.”
• ס Samekh – Pronounced like the ‘s’ in “sand.”
• ע Ayin – A guttural sound, often represented by a slight guttural stop.
• פ Pe – Pronounced like the ‘p’ in “pot” (when it has a dagesh); otherwise, pronounced like the ‘f’ in “fun.”
• צ Tsade – Pronounced like the ‘ts’ in “cats.”
• ק Qof – Pronounced like the ‘k’ in “kite” but with a deeper, more guttural sound.
• ר Resh – Pronounced with a guttural ‘r,’ similar to the French ‘r’ in “rouge.”
• ש Shin – Pronounced like the ‘sh’ in “ship.”
• ת Tav – Pronounced like the ‘t’ in “top.”

Printable Hebrew Alphabet Pronunciation Chart

To aid in your learning, we have created a printable chart that you can use to practice the pronunciation of each letter. This chart is a convenient tool for both beginners and those looking to perfect their pronunciation skills. Print it out and keep it handy for easy reference.

Tips for Practicing Hebrew Pronunciation

1. Listen and Repeat: Find audio resources or language learning apps that provide native pronunciation of each letter and repeat after them.
2. Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with each letter and their pronunciation. This will help reinforce your memory.
3. Daily Practice: Consistent practice is key to mastering pronunciation. Spend a few minutes each day practicing the alphabet.
4. Record Yourself: Use a recording device to record your pronunciation and compare it with native speakers.
5. Engage with Others: Join language learning groups or communities where you can practice speaking with others.

By utilizing the resources provided and dedicating time to practice, you will be well on your way to mastering the Hebrew alphabet and improving your overall pronunciation skills. בהצלחה! (B’hatzlacha! – Good luck!)