Language/Hebrew/Grammar/Ordinal-Numbers

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Hebrew → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Hebrew Numbers → Ordinal Numbers

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on Hebrew ordinal numbers! In this lesson, we will explore how to use ordinal numbers in Hebrew and their importance in the Hebrew language. Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of something, such as first, second, third, and so on. Understanding and using ordinal numbers is essential for everyday communication and expressing concepts like dates, rankings, and sequences.

In this comprehensive lesson, we will delve into the details of Hebrew ordinal numbers, providing numerous examples to illustrate each point. We will also explore any regional variations in the usage or understanding of ordinal numbers, and discuss interesting cultural facts or anecdotes related to this topic. Finally, we will provide exercises and practice scenarios for you to apply what you have learned, along with solutions and explanations.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of Hebrew ordinal numbers and be able to confidently use them in sentences. Let's get started!

Hebrew Ordinal Numbers

Hebrew ordinal numbers are formed by adding a suffix to the cardinal numbers. The suffixes vary depending on the gender and number of the noun they modify. Let's take a look at the formation of Hebrew ordinal numbers in the table below:

Hebrew	Pronunciation	English Translation
רִאשׁוֹן (ri'shón)	First	First
שֵׁנִי (she'ni)	Second	Second
שְׁלִישִׁי (she'li'shi)	Third	Third
רְבִיעִי (re'vi'i)	Fourth	Fourth
חֲמִישִׁי (cha'mi'shi)	Fifth	Fifth
שִׁשִּׁי (shi'shi)	Sixth	Sixth
שְׁבִיעִי (she'vi'i)	Seventh	Seventh
שְׁמִינִי (she'mi'ni)	Eighth	Eighth
תְּשִׁיעִי (te'shi'i)	Ninth	Ninth
עֲשִׂירִי (a'si'ri)	Tenth	Tenth
עֶשְׂרִים (es'rim)	Twentieth	Twentieth
שְׁלֹשִׁים (shlo'shim)	Thirtieth	Thirtieth
אַרְבַּעִים (ar'ba'im)	Fortieth	Fortieth

As you can see, the suffixes change depending on the gender and number of the noun. For example, if you want to say "first book," you would use the word "סֵפֶר רִאשׁוֹן" (se'fer ri'shón), where the noun "סֵפֶר" (se'fer) meaning "book" is modified by the ordinal number "רִאשׁוֹן" (ri'shón) meaning "first."

It is important to note that ordinal numbers in Hebrew agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. This means that if the noun is feminine, the ordinal number will also be feminine, and if the noun is plural, the ordinal number will also be plural. Let's look at some examples to understand this better:

• תַּלְמִידָה הַרִאשׁוֹנָה - Tal'mi'dah ha'ri'shó'nah - The first student (feminine singular)
• תַּלְמִידִים הָרִאשׁוֹנִים - Tal'mi'dim ha'ri'shó'nim - The first students (masculine plural)
• סֵפֶר הַשֵּׁנִי - Se'fer ha'she'ni - The second book (masculine singular)
• סֵפָרוֹת הַשְּׁלִישִׁיוֹת - Se'fa'rot ha'she'li'shi'yot - The third books (feminine plural)

Now that we understand the formation and agreement of Hebrew ordinal numbers, let's explore their usage in different contexts.

Usage of Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers are used in various contexts in Hebrew, such as expressing dates, rankings, and sequences. Let's examine each of these contexts in detail.

Expressing Dates

In Hebrew, ordinal numbers are commonly used to express dates. To do this, you need to combine the ordinal number with the word "בְּ" (be) meaning "in" or "on," followed by the cardinal number that represents the day of the month. Let's look at some examples:

• בְּרִאשׁוֹן בְּאַפְרִיל - Be'ri'shón be'a'pril - On the first of April
• בְּעֶשְׂרִים וְשֵׁנִי בְּמַאִי - Be'es'rim ve'she'ni be'ma'i - On the twenty-second of May

You can also use ordinal numbers to express the day of the week. In this case, you need to combine the ordinal number with the word "בְּ" (be). Let's see some examples:

• בְּשֵׁנִי - Be'she'ni - On Monday
• בַּחֲמִישִׁי - Ba'cha'mi'shi - On Thursday

Rankings

Ordinal numbers are often used to indicate rankings or positions in a sequence. For example, when talking about sports competitions or academic achievements, ordinal numbers are used to describe the position of a team or an individual. Let's see some examples:

• הַקְבוּצָה הַשֵּׁנִיָּה - Ha'kva'tsa ha'she'ni'yah - The second team
• הַתַּלְמִיד הָרִאשׁוֹן - Ha'tal'mi'd ha'ri'shón - The first student

It's also common to use ordinal numbers when talking about historical events or referring to the order of kings and queens. For example:

• הַמֶּלֶךְ הָרִאשׁוֹן - Ha'me'lekh ha'ri'shón - The first king
• הַמַּלְכָּה הַשְּׁנִיָּה - Ha'mal'ka ha'she'ni'yah - The second queen

Sequences

Ordinal numbers are also used to indicate the order or sequence of events or actions. For example, when giving instructions or describing a process, you can use ordinal numbers to indicate the steps. Let's see some examples:

• רִאשׁוֹנָה, קַח אֶת הַכִּרְטֵיס - Ri'shó'nah, kach et ha'kir'teis - First, take the ticket.
• תְּשִׁיעִי, שִׁקְלִי אֶת הַמִּטָּה - Te'shi'i, shi'k'li et ha'mi'tah - Ninth, make the bed.

As you can see, ordinal numbers play a crucial role in expressing sequences and steps in Hebrew, making them essential for clear communication.

Cultural Insights

In Hebrew culture, ordinal numbers are not only used for practical purposes but also hold cultural significance in various contexts. For example, when celebrating birthdays, it is common to use ordinal numbers to refer to the age of the person. Instead of saying "יִתְשַׁע עֶשְׂרֵה" (yit'sha' es'reih) meaning "nineteen," Hebrew speakers would say "הַתִּשְׁעָה עֶשְׂרֵה" (ha'tish'a es'reih) meaning "the nineteenth" to emphasize the milestone.

In addition, Hebrew ordinal numbers are also used in religious and cultural contexts. For example, during the Passover Seder, a ceremonial meal that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the order of the rituals is described using ordinal numbers. This adds a sense of tradition and continuity to the celebration.

Understanding the cultural nuances and significance of ordinal numbers in Hebrew not only enhances your language skills but also provides insights into the rich Hebrew culture and traditions.

Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you have learned! Below are some exercises to help you reinforce your understanding of Hebrew ordinal numbers. Try to complete each exercise to the best of your ability, and then check the solutions and explanations provided.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate Hebrew ordinal number to complete the sentences.

1. אַנִּי הַתַּלְמִידָה ______ בַּכִּתְבָה. 2. הָעֵץ הַשֵּׁנִי ______ בַּגַּן. 3. זֶה הַשְּׁלִישִׁי ______ בָּמָסָע. 4. כָּל־יוֹם רְבִיעִי ______ בַּצָּהֳרַיִם.

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences

Translate the following sentences from English to Hebrew, using the appropriate ordinal numbers.

1. She is the third student in the class. 2. The book is on the second shelf. 3. They arrived on the twentieth of January. 4. We will meet on the fifth of June.

Exercise 3: Describe the Pictures

Look at the pictures below and write a sentence describing the position or order of the objects using the appropriate ordinal numbers.

File:Picture1.jpg Example: The blue car is the fourth car in line.

Solutions and Explanations

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. אַנִּי הַתַּלְמִידָה הַרִאשׁוֹנָה בַּכִּתְבָה. 2. הָעֵץ הַשֵּׁנִי בַּגַּן. 3. זֶה הַשְּׁלִישִׁי בָּמָסָע. 4. כָּל־יוֹם רְבִיעִי בַּצָּהֳרַיִם.

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences

1. הִיא הַתַּלְמִידָה הַשְּׁלִישִׁית בַּכְּתֵיבָה. 2. הַסֵּפֶר נִמְצֵא עַל הַמַּדְפֵּס הַשֵּׁנִי. 3. הֵם הִגִּיעוּ בְּעֶשְׂרִים בְּיַנוּאר. 4. נִפְגַּשׁ בַּחֲמִישִׁי בִּיּוּנִי.

Exercise 3: Describe the Pictures

File:Picture1.jpg The blue car is the second car in line.

File:Picture2.jpg The red balloon is the third balloon from the left.

File:Picture3.jpg The green shirt is the fourth shirt from the right.

Congratulations on completing the exercises! You did a great job practicing the usage of Hebrew ordinal numbers. Keep practicing to reinforce your knowledge and improve your skills!

Conclusion

In this lesson, we explored Hebrew ordinal numbers and learned how to use them in sentences. We discovered the formation of ordinal numbers, their agreement with nouns, and their usage in expressing dates, rankings, and sequences. We also gained insights into the cultural significance of ordinal numbers in Hebrew.

Remember to review the lesson material and continue practicing to solidify your understanding of Hebrew ordinal numbers. As you progress in your Hebrew language journey, you will find that mastering ordinal numbers will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and express various concepts.

Mazal tov! (Congratulations!) You have successfully completed the lesson on Hebrew ordinal numbers. Keep up the great work and continue your language learning adventure!

Table of Contents - Hebrew Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Hebrew Alphabet

• Consonants
• Vowels
• Nikkud
• Reading Practice

  ---

Everyday Hebrew Vocabulary

• Greetings
• Numbers
• Family Members
• Colors, Shapes, and Sizes
• Food and Drink
• Clothing
• Transportation and Travel
• Weather
• Time and Calendar

  ---

Hebrew Grammar

• Nouns
• Pronouns
• Adjectives
• Verbs
• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Israeli Culture

• Jewish Holidays
• Israeli Society
• Famous Israelis
• Israeli Cuisine

  ---

Hebrew Expressions

• Common Phrases
• Slang
• Idioms

  ---

Hebrew Numbers

• Ordinal Numbers
• Fractions and Decimals

  ---

Hebrew Geography and Landmarks

• Cities and Regions
• Landmarks

  ---

Hebrew Literature and Language

• Hebrew Poetry
• Hebrew Proverbs

  ---

Grammar Review

• Review of Nouns and Pronouns
• Review of Adjectives
• Review of Verbs

Sources

• Hebrew numerals - Wikipedia
• Adjective Ordinal Number — unfoldingWord® Hebrew Grammar 1 ...
• Hebrew Ordinal Numbers
• The Basics of Hebrew Numbers | Zondervan Academic

Other Lessons

• Personal pronouns and the present tense
• Pronouns
• Consonants
• Prepositions
• Conjunctions
• Reading Practice
• Vowels
• Give your Opinion
• Adjectives

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