How do I recognise a feminine word?

Almost always by its end: ָה in the singular, as in מוֹרָה, and וֹת in the plural, as in מוֹרוֹת. There are exceptions, but for reading this rule covers most cases.

What is the difference between זֶה and זֹאת?

זֶה, ze, is «this» for a masculine thing or person. זֹאת, zot, is «this» in the feminine. They come up in every sentence: מָה זֶה?, what is this?

What if a group has men and women?

It takes the masculine: הֵם, they, and the plural in ים. The feminine הֵן is only for a group of women or of feminine things.

Free course · Step 12 of 15

Words that look alike

Reading fast means noticing the one thing that changes. In Hebrew a dot or a letter is enough: זֶה and זֹאת are «this» for a masculine and a feminine thing, הֵם and הֵן are «they» masculine and feminine, גַּם is «also» and גַּן is «garden», שָׁם is «there» and שֵׁם is «name». These pairs stop beginners, and this step sets them side by side.

Behind almost all of them there is one pattern. A word for a woman or a feminine thing ends in ָה: מוֹרָה, teacher; יַלְדָּה, girl; סוּסָה, mare. The masculine has no ending or ends in ֶה. And for a group: the masculine ends in ים, the feminine in וֹת, מוֹרִים and מוֹרוֹת. A mixed group takes the masculine.

The exercises ask which of the two words it is, until the eye goes to the right detail by itself.

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Step 12 of 15 · Explanation

Words that look alike

Reading fast means noticing the one thing that changes.

These pairs are the ones that catch beginners, and two of them, and , are the pairs from your own lessons.

Questions

How do I recognise a feminine word?: Almost always by its end: ָה in the singular, as in מוֹרָה, and וֹת in the plural, as in מוֹרוֹת. There are exceptions, but for reading this rule covers most cases.
What is the difference between זֶה and זֹאת?: זֶה, ze, is «this» for a masculine thing or person. זֹאת, zot, is «this» in the feminine. They come up in every sentence: מָה זֶה?, what is this?
What if a group has men and women?: It takes the masculine: הֵם, they, and the plural in ים. The feminine הֵן is only for a group of women or of feminine things.

And then?

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Words that look alike

Questions

And then?

The steps of the course