Language/Hebrew/Grammar/Ordinal-Numbers
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Ordinal numbers are used to indicate position or order in a sequence, such as first, second, third, etc. In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use ordinal numbers in Hebrew.
What are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate rank, position, or order in a sequence. In English, ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix -st, -nd, -rd or -th to the cardinal number. For example: first, second, third, fourth, etc. In Hebrew, ordinal numbers are formed differently.
How to Form Ordinal Numbers in Hebrew
To form ordinal numbers in Hebrew, you need to add the suffix -ְיִם (-yim) to the cardinal number for masculine nouns, and -ָה (-ah) for feminine nouns. For example:
| Hebrew | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| רִאשׁוֹן | ri'shon | First (masculine singular) |
| שְׁנִי | sh'ni | Second (masculine singular) |
| שְׁלִישִׁי | sh'li'shi | Third (masculine singular) |
| רְבִיעִי | re'vi'i | Fourth (masculine singular) |
| חֲמִישִׁי | cha'mi'shi | Fifth (masculine singular) |
| שִׁשִּׁי | shi'shi | Sixth (masculine singular) |
| שְׁבִיעִי | sh'vi'i | Seventh (masculine singular) |
| שְׁמִינִי | shmi'ni | Eighth (masculine singular) |
| תְּשִׁיעִי | tshi'i | Ninth (masculine singular) |
| עֲשָׂרוֹתִי | a'sa'roti | Tenth (masculine singular) |
| ירחוני | yorchoni | Monthly (masculine singular) |
| שנתי | shnat'i | Yearly (masculine singular) |
| קבוצתי | kvot'ti | Group-based (masculine singular) |
| צוותי | tsvati | Team-based (masculine singular) |
For cardinal numbers that end in a vowel, you must add the suffix -י (yud) before adding -ְיִם (-yim) or -ָה (-ah) for masculine or feminine nouns, respectively. For example, אַרְבָּע (arba') becomes אַרְבָּעִים (arba'im) and אַחַת (achat) becomes אַחַתַה (achatah).
Using Ordinal Numbers in Sentences
Ordinal numbers in Hebrew are placed after the noun they modify. For example:
- הערב היה הזמן הראשון בו אכלנו במסעדה. (Ha'erev haya hazman harishon bo achalnu ba'mis'ada.) - "Last night was the first time we ate at the restaurant."
- הם שני תלמידים מצטיינים. (Hem shnay talmidim m'tz'taynim.) - "They are the two outstanding students."
- זה השיעור החמישי שלי. (Ze hashi'ur hachami'shi sheli.) - "This is my fifth lesson."
- הכוס הראשונה השתגעה ונשברה. (Hakos harishonah histaga'a venishbera.) - "The first cup went crazy and broke."
- הוא מסיים את המשימות הרביעיות שלו. (Hu m'sayem et ham'shimot harvi'iyot shelo.) - "He is finishing his fourth assignments."
Exceptions
As with most grammatical rules, there are a few exceptions when it comes to forming ordinal numbers in Hebrew.
1. The number two (shnayim) changes to shtayim when used as an ordinal number.
2. The numbers ending with the digits 20, 30, 40, and 50 use the prefix kaf instead of the suffix yim. For example:
- עֶשְׂרִים || esrim || Twenty
- שְׁלשִׁים || shloshim || Thirty
- אַרְבָּעִים || arba'im || Forty
- חֲמִישִׁים || chamishim || Fifty
3. The numbers ending with the digits 60, 70, 80, and 90 use the prefix siddur instead of the suffix yim. For example:
- שִׁשִׁים || shishim || Sixty
- שִׁבְעִים || shiv'im || Seventy
- שְׁמוֹנִים || shm'onim || Eighty
- תִּשְׁעִים || tish'im || Ninety
Tips
1. Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice forming and using ordinal numbers in Hebrew, the more comfortable you will become.
2. Use flashcards or other memory aids to help you remember the rules for forming and using ordinal numbers in Hebrew.
3. When in doubt, consult a Hebrew grammar guide or ask your Hebrew language teacher for help.
Conclusion
In this lesson, you have learned how to form and use ordinal numbers in Hebrew. Remember to use masculine and feminine endings correctly, place the ordinal number after the noun, and be aware of the exceptions to the rule. With practice and patience, you will soon become comfortable using ordinal numbers in Hebrew!
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