Language/Hebrew/Grammar/Prepositions

Hebrew Grammar → Hebrew Grammar → Prepositions

Prepositions are words that describe the position or direction of one word in relation to another word in a sentence. In Hebrew, prepositions are used in a similar way to English, but with some slight differences. In this lesson, we will learn about Hebrew prepositions and how to use them in sentences.

Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: Vowels & Consonants.

Hebrew Prepositions

Hebrew prepositions are used to show the relationship between two words in a sentence. They are placed before the noun, pronoun, or verb that they modify. The most common prepositions in Hebrew are:

• בְּ‎ (be) - in, with
• לְ‎ (le) - to, for
• מִן‎ (min) - from, out of
• עַל‎ (al) - on, about, concerning
• עִם‎ (im) - with
• אֶל‎ (el) - to, towards
• כְּ‎ (ke) - like, as
• מֵעַל‎ (me'al) - above, over
• בְּשַׁל‎ (b'shal) - instead of

These prepositions can be paired with different nouns and verbs to convey different meanings. For example, the preposition "to" (לְ‎) can be used to show direction, possession, or purpose, depending on the context in which it is used.

Example Sentences

Here are some examples of Hebrew prepositions used in sentences:

Hebrew	Pronunciation	English
אֲנִי יוֹשֶׁבֶת בְּקָפֶה עִם חֲבֵרוֹתָיַ‎	anee yoshvet be-kaveh im chaverotai	I am sitting in a café with my friends.
הוּא בָּא מִטַּיָּל מִפָּרְקֵי דּוֹר הַזֶּה‎	hu ba me-tayal mi-perkei dor hazeh	He came back from a trip to this generation's parks.
הוּא בַּיִת לִמְכֹּר עִם הַשְּׁכֵן שֶׁלִּי‎	hu ba-yit l'mokor im hashchen sheli	He has a house for sale with my neighbor.
הוּא שׁוֹבֵר דְּבַרְיָיַ‎	hu shover devaray	He dismisses my words.
אֲנִי מָקִים אֶת הַתָּפוּחַ עַל הַשֻּׁלְחָן‎	anee makim et hatapuach al hashulchan	I put the apple on the table.

In the first example, the preposition "with" (עִם‎) is used to show that the speaker is sitting in a café in the company of others. In the second example, the preposition "from" (מִן‎) is used to show that the subject came back from a specific type of trip. In the third example, the preposition "with" (עִם‎) is used to show that the subject is selling a house along with the narrator's neighbor. In the fourth example, the preposition "my" (שֶׁלִּי‎) is added to show that the speaker's words are being dismissed. Finally, in the fifth example, the preposition "on" (עַל‎) is used to show that the apple has been placed on top of the table.

Tips for Using Hebrew Prepositions

Here are some tips for using Hebrew prepositions correctly:

• Pay attention to the context in which the preposition is used. The same preposition can be used to convey different meanings depending on the context.
• Memorize the most common prepositions and practice using them in sentences.
• Consider using a Hebrew-English dictionary to look up unfamiliar prepositions and their meanings.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have learned about Hebrew prepositions and how to use them in sentences. By practicing these prepositions, you can improve your Hebrew language skills and communicate more effectively with others. Try to use these prepositions in conversation to become more comfortable with them.

Sources

• Preposition Definite Article — unfoldingWord® Hebrew Grammar 1 ...
• Hebrew prepositions – Hebrew conjugation tables
• Preposition — unfoldingWord® Hebrew Grammar 1 documentation
• Unit Seven - Hebrew Prepositions

Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Give your Opinion & Verb to Have.

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

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Hebrew Geography and Landmarks

• Cities and Regions
• Landmarks

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Hebrew Literature and Language

• Hebrew Poetry
• Hebrew Proverbs

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Grammar Review

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

Other Lessons

• Conjunctions
• Adjectives
• Consonants
• Review of Verbs
• Conditional Mood
• Negation
• Verbs
• Give your Opinion
• Nouns