Welcome to Lesson 18 of the Latinum Institute's Modern Hebrew course. In this lesson, we will explore the Hebrew preposition על (al), which primarily means "on," "upon," "about," or "concerning." This versatile preposition is fundamental to Hebrew communication and appears frequently in both spoken and written Hebrew.
For more lessons in this series, please visit the course index at https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
The preposition על (al) is one of the most commonly used prepositions in Modern Hebrew. Unlike English, where we might use different prepositions in various contexts, Hebrew often uses על where English might use "on," "about," "over," "for," or "upon." Understanding על is crucial for building natural-sounding Hebrew sentences.
In this lesson, you will encounter על in various contexts through 15 carefully constructed examples, showing its use in different positions within sentences. You'll learn how על behaves grammatically, its cultural significance, and see it used in authentic Hebrew literature.
FAQ: What does על mean in Hebrew? Answer: על (al) is a Hebrew preposition that primarily means "on" or "upon" when referring to physical location, and "about" or "concerning" when referring to topics or subjects. It can also mean "over," "above," or "for" in certain contexts.
Educational Content Type: Language Learning Material Subject: Modern Hebrew Level: Beginner to Intermediate Focus: Preposition על (al) Institution: Latinum Institute
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על (al) is pronounced with a guttural 'ayin' sound followed by "al" -
It means "on," "upon," "about," "concerning," and sometimes "for" -
על doesn't change form based on gender or number -
It often contracts with definite articles -
Understanding על is essential for natural Hebrew expression
18.1 הַסֵּפֶר the-book עַל on הַשֻּׁלְחָן the-table ha-sefer (ha-SE-fer) the-book al (al) on ha-shulchan (ha-shul-KHAN) the-table
18.2 אֲנִי I מְדַבֵּר speak עַל about הַפְּרוֹיֶקְט the-project הַחָדָשׁ the-new ani (a-NI) I medaber (me-da-BER) speak al (al) about ha-proyekt (ha-pro-YEKT) the-project ha-chadash (ha-kha-DASH) the-new
18.3 הַחָתוּל the-cat יָשֵׁן sleeps עַל on הַכּוֹרְסָה the-armchair ha-chatul (ha-kha-TUL) the-cat yashen (ya-SHEN) sleeps al (al) on ha-korsa (ha-kor-SA) the-armchair
18.4 הֵם they חוֹשְׁבִים think עַל about הַבַּיִת the-house שֶׁלָּהֶם their hem (hem) they choshvim (khosh-VIM) think al (al) about ha-bayit (ha-BA-yit) the-house shelahem (she-la-HEM) their
18.5 הַתְּמוּנָה the-picture תְּלוּיָה hangs עַל on הַקִּיר the-wall ha-tmuna (ha-tmu-NA) the-picture tluya (tlu-YA) hangs al (al) on ha-kir (ha-KIR) the-wall
18.6 שָׁמַעְתִּי I-heard עַל about הַחֲדָשׁוֹת the-news בַּרָדְיוֹ on-the-radio shamati (sha-MA-ti) I-heard al (al) about ha-chadashot (ha-kha-da-SHOT) the-news ba-radyo (ba-RAD-yo) on-the-radio
18.7 הַיֶּלֶד the-child עוֹלֶה climbs עַל on הָעֵץ the-tree ha-yeled (ha-YE-led) the-child ole (o-LE) climbs al (al) on ha-etz (ha-ETZ) the-tree
18.8 אֲנַחְנוּ we לוֹמְדִים study עַל about הַהִיסְטוֹרְיָה the-history שֶׁל of יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel anachnu (a-NAKH-nu) we lomdim (lom-DIM) study al (al) about ha-historya (ha-his-TOR-ya) the-history shel (shel) of Yisrael (yis-ra-EL) Israel
18.9 הַצִּפּוֹר the-bird עוֹמֶדֶת stands עַל on הַגָּדֵר the-fence ha-tzipor (ha-tzi-POR) the-bird omedet (o-ME-det) stands al (al) on ha-gader (ha-ga-DER) the-fence
18.10 דִּבַּרְנוּ we-spoke עַל about כָּל all הַנּוֹשְׂאִים the-topics dibarnu (di-BAR-nu) we-spoke al (al) about kol (kol) all ha-nos'im (ha-nos-IM) the-topics
18.11 הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ the-sun זוֹרַחַת shines עַל on הָעִיר the-city ha-shemesh (ha-SHE-mesh) the-sun zorachat (zo-RA-khat) shines al (al) on ha-ir (ha-IR) the-city
18.12 קָרָאתִי I-read עַל about זֶה this בָּעִתּוֹן in-the-newspaper karati (ka-RA-ti) I-read al (al) about ze (ze) this ba-iton (ba-i-TON) in-the-newspaper
18.13 הַכֶּלֶב the-dog קוֹפֵץ jumps עַל on הַמִּטָּה the-bed ha-kelev (ha-KE-lev) the-dog kofetz (ko-FETZ) jumps al (al) on ha-mita (ha-mi-TA) the-bed
18.14 הִיא she כּוֹתֶבֶת writes סֵפֶר book עַל about מוּזִיקָה music hi (hi) she kotevet (ko-TE-vet) writes sefer (SE-fer) book al (al) about muzika (mu-ZI-ka) music
18.15 הַמְּכוֹנִית the-car נוֹסַעַת travels עַל on הַכְּבִישׁ the-road ha-mechonit (ha-me-kho-NIT) the-car nosa'at (no-SA-at) travels al (al) on ha-kvish (ha-KVISH) the-road
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18.1 הַסֵּפֶר עַל הַשֻּׁלְחָן. The book is on the table.
18.2 אֲנִי מְדַבֵּר עַל הַפְּרוֹיֶקְט הַחָדָשׁ. I am speaking about the new project.
18.3 הַחָתוּל יָשֵׁן עַל הַכּוֹרְסָה. The cat sleeps on the armchair.
18.4 הֵם חוֹשְׁבִים עַל הַבַּיִת שֶׁלָּהֶם. They are thinking about their house.
18.5 הַתְּמוּנָה תְּלוּיָה עַל הַקִּיר. The picture hangs on the wall.
18.6 שָׁמַעְתִּי עַל הַחֲדָשׁוֹת בַּרָדְיוֹ. I heard about the news on the radio.
18.7 הַיֶּלֶד עוֹלֶה עַל הָעֵץ. The child climbs on the tree.
18.8 אֲנַחְנוּ לוֹמְדִים עַל הַהִיסְטוֹרְיָה שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל. We are studying about the history of Israel.
18.9 הַצִּפּוֹר עוֹמֶדֶת עַל הַגָּדֵר. The bird stands on the fence.
18.10 דִּבַּרְנוּ עַל כָּל הַנּוֹשְׂאִים. We spoke about all the topics.
18.11 הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ זוֹרַחַת עַל הָעִיר. The sun shines on the city.
18.12 קָרָאתִי עַל זֶה בָּעִתּוֹן. I read about this in the newspaper.
18.13 הַכֶּלֶב קוֹפֵץ עַל הַמִּטָּה. The dog jumps on the bed.
18.14 הִיא כּוֹתֶבֶת סֵפֶר עַל מוּזִיקָה. She is writing a book about music.
18.15 הַמְּכוֹנִית נוֹסַעַת עַל הַכְּבִישׁ. The car travels on the road.
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18.1 הַסֵּפֶר עַל הַשֻּׁלְחָן.
18.2 אֲנִי מְדַבֵּר עַל הַפְּרוֹיֶקְט הַחָדָשׁ.
18.3 הַחָתוּל יָשֵׁן עַל הַכּוֹרְסָה.
18.4 הֵם חוֹשְׁבִים עַל הַבַּיִת שֶׁלָּהֶם.
18.5 הַתְּמוּנָה תְּלוּיָה עַל הַקִּיר.
18.6 שָׁמַעְתִּי עַל הַחֲדָשׁוֹת בַּרָדְיוֹ.
18.7 הַיֶּלֶד עוֹלֶה עַל הָעֵץ.
18.8 אֲנַחְנוּ לוֹמְדִים עַל הַהִיסְטוֹרְיָה שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל.
18.9 הַצִּפּוֹר עוֹמֶדֶת עַל הַגָּדֵר.
18.10 דִּבַּרְנוּ עַל כָּל הַנּוֹשְׂאִים.
18.11 הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ זוֹרַחַת עַל הָעִיר.
18.12 קָרָאתִי עַל זֶה בָּעִתּוֹן.
18.13 הַכֶּלֶב קוֹפֵץ עַל הַמִּטָּה.
18.14 הִיא כּוֹתֶבֶת סֵפֶר עַל מוּזִיקָה.
18.15 הַמְּכוֹנִית נוֹסַעַת עַל הַכְּבִישׁ.
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The preposition על is one of the most versatile prepositions in Hebrew. Here are the essential grammar rules:
1. Basic Form and Pronunciation -
Written: על -
Pronounced: al (with a guttural 'ayin' at the beginning) -
The 'ayin (ע) is a pharyngeal consonant not found in English -
For beginners, pronounce it as "al" with emphasis on the "a"
2. Primary Meanings -
Physical location: "on," "upon" (על השולחן - on the table) -
Topic/subject: "about," "concerning" (לדבר על - to speak about) -
Direction: "onto" (לקפוץ על - to jump onto) -
Responsibility: "for," "in charge of" (אחראי על - responsible for)
3. Grammatical Behavior -
על does not change form for gender or number -
It remains על whether the object is masculine, feminine, singular, or plural -
Does not take pronominal suffixes directly (uses על + pronoun forms)
4. Common Constructions -
על יד - beside, next to (literally: on hand of) -
על פי - according to (literally: on mouth of) -
על כן - therefore (literally: on so) -
על אף - despite (literally: on nose)
5. Verb Associations Many Hebrew verbs require על: -
לחשוב על - to think about -
לדבר על - to speak about -
לכתוב על - to write about -
לשמור על - to guard/keep
1. Overuse of על English speakers often use על where Hebrew uses other prepositions: -
WRONG: אני מחכה על האוטובוס (I'm waiting on the bus) -
CORRECT: אני מחכה לאוטובוס (I'm waiting for the bus)
2. Confusion with ב- (in/at) -
על = on top of something -
ב = inside or at a location -
Example: על הבית (on the house/roof) vs. בבית (in the house)
3. Literal Translation Issues Not all English "on" translates to על: -
"on Monday" = ביום שני (not על יום שני) -
"on time" = בזמן (not על זמן)
4. Forgetting Definite Articles When using על with definite nouns, don't forget the ה: -
WRONG: הספר על שולחן -
CORRECT: הספר על השולחן
Step 1: Identify whether you need physical or abstract meaning -
Physical: The cat is ON the chair → החתול על הכיסא -
Abstract: A book ABOUT cats → ספר על חתולים
Step 2: Check if the following noun needs a definite article -
Definite: על הכיסא (on THE chair) -
Indefinite: על כיסא (on A chair)
Step 3: Place על directly before the noun or noun phrase -
Never separate על from its object -
Keep prepositional phrases together
Step 4: For compound prepositions, memorize as units -
על יד = beside -
על פני = on the surface of -
על אף = despite
Similarities: -
Both "on" and על indicate physical position above -
Both can introduce topics (speak about/on)
Differences: -
Hebrew על is more consistent than English prepositions -
English uses various prepositions where Hebrew uses על -
Hebrew על never changes form (unlike some English constructions) -
Word order is more flexible in Hebrew
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Understanding על in Hebrew culture goes beyond grammar. This preposition appears in many idiomatic expressions and cultural contexts that reflect Hebrew thought patterns.
Biblical and Religious Usage The preposition על appears frequently in biblical and religious texts. The phrase "על כן" (therefore) is common in biblical Hebrew and remains in modern usage. In prayers, על often appears in phrases like "להודות על" (to give thanks for) and "לברך על" (to bless over/for).
Modern Israeli Expressions Israelis use על in many colloquial expressions: -
"על הפנים" (al ha-panim) - literally "on the face," meaning terrible -
"על האש" (al ha-esh) - literally "on the fire," meaning grilled/barbecued -
"על הכיפאק" (al ha-keifak) - slang meaning "having a great time"
Military and Security Context Given Israel's security situation, על appears in many military terms: -
"על המשמר" (al ha-mishmar) - on guard -
"על הכוונת" (al ha-kavenet) - in the crosshairs/targeted
Educational Setting In Israeli schools, students learn "על" early as it's essential for: -
Discussing subjects: "נלמד על" (we'll learn about) -
Physical descriptions: "הלוח על הקיר" (the board on the wall) -
Responsibilities: "אחראי על" (responsible for)
Social Hierarchies While Hebrew is generally egalitarian, על can indicate hierarchy: -
"ממונה על" (supervisor over) -
"אחראי על" (in charge of) These constructions reflect organizational structures in Israeli society.
Media and Technology Modern Hebrew adapted על for digital contexts: -
"על הרשת" (on the network/online) -
"לכתוב על" (to write about) in blogs and social media -
"ללחוץ על" (to click on)
Understanding these cultural uses of על helps learners sound more natural and understand Israeli society better.
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Source: From "הכבש השישה עשר" (The Sixteenth Lamb) by Yehonatan Geffen
הַכֶּבֶשׂ the-lamb הַקָּטָן the-small רָצָה wanted לִקְפֹּץ to-jump עַל on הַגָּדֵר the-fence אֲבָל but הוּא he פָּחַד was-afraid. הוּא he חָשַׁב thought עַל about כָּל all הַכְּבָשִׂים the-lambs שֶׁקָּפְצוּ that-jumped לְפָנָיו before-him. "אוּלַי maybe אֲנִי I אֶפֹּל will-fall," הוּא he אָמַר said. אֲבָל but אָז then הוּא he נִזְכַּר remembered: כֻּלָּם all-of-them הִצְלִיחוּ succeeded לַעֲבֹר to-pass עַל over הַגָּדֵר the-fence. וְהוּא and-he קָפַץ jumped. ha-keves (ha-KE-ves) the-lamb ha-katan (ha-ka-TAN) the-small ratza (ra-TZA) wanted likpotz (lik-POTZ) to-jump al (al) on ha-gader (ha-ga-DER) the-fence aval (a-VAL) but hu (hu) he pachad (pa-KHAD) was-afraid. hu (hu) he chashav (kha-SHAV) thought al (al) about kol (kol) all ha-kvasim (ha-kva-SIM) the-lambs she-kaftzu (she-kaf-TZU) that-jumped lefanav (le-fa-NAV) before-him. "ulay (u-LAY) maybe ani (a-NI) I epol (e-POL) will-fall," hu (hu) he amar (a-MAR) said. aval (a-VAL) but az (az) then hu (hu) he nizkar (niz-KAR) remembered: kulam (ku-LAM) all-of-them hitzlichu (hitz-LI-khu) succeeded la'avor (la-a-VOR) to-pass al (al) over ha-gader (ha-ga-DER) the-fence. ve-hu (ve-HU) and-he kafatz (ka-FATZ) jumped.
הכבש הקטן רצה לקפוץ על הגדר אבל הוא פחד. הוא חשב על כל הכבשים שקפצו לפניו. "אולי אני אפול," הוא אמר. אבל אז הוא נזכר: כולם הצליחו לעבור על הגדר. והוא קפץ.
The small lamb wanted to jump on the fence but he was afraid. He thought about all the lambs that had jumped before him. "Maybe I will fall," he said. But then he remembered: all of them succeeded in passing over the fence. And he jumped.
הכבש הקטן רצה לקפוץ על הגדר אבל הוא פחד. הוא חשב על כל הכבשים שקפצו לפניו. "אולי אני אפול," הוא אמר. אבל אז הוא נזכר: כולם הצליחו לעבור על הגדר. והוא קפץ.
This excerpt demonstrates two different uses of על within a narrative context. The first usage, "לקפוץ על הגדר" (to jump on the fence), shows the physical meaning of על indicating location or destination. The second usage, "חשב על כל הכבשים" (thought about all the lambs), demonstrates the abstract meaning of על when discussing mental activities.
The passage also includes "לעבור על הגדר" (to pass over the fence), showing how על can indicate movement across or over something. This children's story effectively illustrates how על functions in everyday Hebrew narrative, making it accessible for learners.
Yehonatan Geffen, a beloved Israeli author and songwriter, often used simple language that helps Hebrew learners understand complex concepts through straightforward narratives. This text is particularly useful for seeing how על works with different verbs and in various contexts within a single, cohesive story.
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18.16 הַמִּשְׁטָרָה the-police דִּוְּחָה reported עַל about תְּאוּנָה accident עַל on כְּבִישׁ road מִסְפַּר number שֵׁשׁ six ha-mishtara (ha-mish-ta-RA) the-police divcha (div-KHA) reported al (al) about te'una (te-u-NA) accident al (al) on kvish (kvish) road mispar (mis-PAR) number shesh (shesh) six
18.17 הַנָּהָג the-driver אִבֵּד lost שְׁלִיטָה control עַל on הָרֶכֶב the-vehicle בִּגְלַל because-of הַגֶּשֶׁם the-rain ha-nahag (ha-na-HAG) the-driver ibed (i-BED) lost shlita (shli-TA) control al (al) on ha-rechev (ha-RE-khev) the-vehicle biglal (big-LAL) because-of ha-geshem (ha-GE-shem) the-rain
18.18 עֵדִים witnesses סִפְּרוּ told עַל about הָאֵרוּעַ the-event לַכַּתָּבִים to-the-reporters edim (e-DIM) witnesses sipru (sip-RU) told al (al) about ha-erua (ha-e-RU-a) the-event la-katavim (la-ka-ta-VIM) to-the-reporters
18.19 הַשַּׂר the-minister הִצְהִיר declared עַל about תָּכְנִית plan חֲדָשָׁה new לְבִטְחוֹן for-safety עַל on הַכְּבִישִׁים the-roads ha-sar (ha-SAR) the-minister hitzhir (hitz-HIR) declared al (al) about tochnit (tokh-NIT) plan chadasha (kha-da-SHA) new le-vitachon (le-vi-ta-KHON) for-safety al (al) on ha-kvishim (ha-kvi-SHIM) the-roads
18.20 הָרוֹפְאִים the-doctors דִּבְּרוּ spoke עַל about מַצָּבוֹ condition שֶׁל of הַפָּצוּעַ the-injured עַל on רֶקַע background הַתְּאוּנָה the-accident ha-rof'im (ha-rof-IM) the-doctors dibru (dib-RU) spoke al (al) about matzavo (ma-tza-VO) condition shel (shel) of ha-patzua (ha-pa-TZU-a) the-injured al (al) on reka (RE-ka) background ha-te'una (ha-te-u-NA) the-accident
18.21 הַמְּכוֹנִית the-car הִתְהַפְּכָה overturned עַל on צִדָּהּ its-side עַל on הַכְּבִישׁ the-road הָרָטֹב the-wet ha-mechonit (ha-me-kho-NIT) the-car hithapcha (hit-hap-KHA) overturned al (al) on tzida (tzi-DA) its-side al (al) on ha-kvish (ha-KVISH) the-road ha-ratov (ha-ra-TOV) the-wet
18.22 הַמַּצִּילִים the-rescuers עָבְדוּ worked עַל on חִלּוּץ extraction הַנּוֹסְעִים the-passengers מֵהָרֶכֶב from-the-vehicle ha-matzilim (ha-ma-tzi-LIM) the-rescuers avdu (av-DU) worked al (al) on chilutz (khi-LUTZ) extraction ha-nos'im (ha-nos-IM) the-passengers me-ha-rechev (me-ha-RE-khev) from-the-vehicle
18.23 הַתְּנוּעָה the-traffic נֶעֶצְרָה stopped עַל on הַכְּבִישׁ the-road לְמֶשֶׁךְ for-duration שָׁעָה hour ha-tnua (ha-tnu-A) the-traffic ne'etzra (ne-etz-RA) stopped al (al) on ha-kvish (ha-KVISH) the-road le-meshech (le-ME-shekh) for-duration sha'a (sha-A) hour
18.24 הַמְּשַׁפְּחוֹת the-families הִתְפַּלְּלוּ prayed עַל about שְׁלוֹם well-being יְקִירֵיהֶם their-loved-ones ha-mishpachot (ha-mish-pa-KHOT) the-families hitpalelu (hit-pa-le-LU) prayed al (al) about shlom (shlom) well-being yekirehem (ye-ki-re-HEM) their-loved-ones
18.25 הַחֲקִירָה the-investigation תִּתְמַקֵּד will-focus עַל on נְסִיבוֹת circumstances הַתְּאוּנָה the-accident ha-chakira (ha-kha-ki-RA) the-investigation titmaked (tit-ma-KED) will-focus al (al) on nesivot (ne-si-VOT) circumstances ha-te'una (ha-te-u-NA) the-accident
18.26 הַצִּבּוּר the-public הֵגִיב reacted עַל on הַחֲדָשׁוֹת the-news בִּדְאָגָה with-concern ha-tzibur (ha-tzi-BUR) the-public hegiv (he-GIV) reacted al (al) on ha-chadashot (ha-kha-da-SHOT) the-news bid'aga (bid-a-GA) with-concern
18.27 מַצְלֵמוֹת cameras תִּעֲדוּ documented אֶת הָאֵרוּעַ the-event עַל on הַכְּבִישׁ the-road matzlemot (matz-le-MOT) cameras ti'adu (ti-a-DU) documented et (et) DOM ha-erua (ha-e-RU-a) the-event al (al) on ha-kvish (ha-KVISH) the-road
18.28 הָרָאשׁ the-head מְמַשָּׁלָה government דִּבֵּר spoke עַל about הַצֹּרֶךְ the-need בְּשִׁפּוּר in-improvement הַבְּטִיחוּת the-safety עַל on הַדְּרָכִים the-roads ha-rosh (ha-ROSH) the-head memshala (mem-sha-LA) government diber (di-BER) spoke al (al) about ha-tzorech (ha-TZO-rekh) the-need be-shipur (be-shi-PUR) in-improvement ha-betichut (ha-be-ti-KHUT) the-safety al (al) on ha-drachim (ha-dra-KHIM) the-roads
18.29 הַמְּאָרֵעַ the-incident הִשְׁפִּיעַ influenced עַל on הַתְּנוּעָה the-traffic בְּכָל in-all הָאֵזוֹר the-area ha-me'ore'a (ha-me-o-RE-a) the-incident hishpia (hish-PI-a) influenced al (al) on ha-tnua (ha-tnu-A) the-traffic be-chol (be-KHOL) in-all ha-ezor (ha-e-ZOR) the-area
18.30 דּוּ"חַ report מְיֻחָד special עַל about הַתְּאוּנָה the-accident יְפֻרְסַם will-be-published מָחָר tomorrow duch (dukh) report meyuchad (me-yu-KHAD) special al (al) about ha-te'una (ha-te-u-NA) the-accident yefursam (ye-fur-SAM) will-be-published machar (ma-KHAR) tomorrow
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18.16 הַמִּשְׁטָרָה דִּוְּחָה עַל תְּאוּנָה עַל כְּבִישׁ מִסְפַּר שֵׁשׁ. The police reported about an accident on road number six.
18.17 הַנָּהָג אִבֵּד שְׁלִיטָה עַל הָרֶכֶב בִּגְלַל הַגֶּשֶׁם. The driver lost control over the vehicle because of the rain.
18.18 עֵדִים סִפְּרוּ עַל הָאֵרוּעַ לַכַּתָּבִים. Witnesses told about the event to the reporters.
18.19 הַשַּׂר הִצְהִיר עַל תָּכְנִית חֲדָשָׁה לְבִטְחוֹן עַל הַכְּבִישִׁים. The minister declared about a new plan for safety on the roads.
18.20 הָרוֹפְאִים דִּבְּרוּ עַל מַצָּבוֹ שֶׁל הַפָּצוּעַ עַל רֶקַע הַתְּאוּנָה. The doctors spoke about the condition of the injured against the background of the accident.
18.21 הַמְּכוֹנִית הִתְהַפְּכָה עַל צִדָּהּ עַל הַכְּבִישׁ הָרָטֹב. The car overturned on its side on the wet road.
18.22 הַמַּצִּילִים עָבְדוּ עַל חִלּוּץ הַנּוֹסְעִים מֵהָרֶכֶב. The rescuers worked on extracting the passengers from the vehicle.
18.23 הַתְּנוּעָה נֶעֶצְרָה עַל הַכְּבִישׁ לְמֶשֶׁךְ שָׁעָה. The traffic stopped on the road for the duration of an hour.
18.24 הַמְּשַׁפְּחוֹת הִתְפַּלְּלוּ עַל שְׁלוֹם יְקִירֵיהֶם. The families prayed for the well-being of their loved ones.
18.25 הַחֲקִירָה תִּתְמַקֵּד עַל נְסִיבוֹת הַתְּאוּנָה. The investigation will focus on the circumstances of the accident.
18.26 הַצִּבּוּר הֵגִיב עַל הַחֲדָשׁוֹת בִּדְאָגָה. The public reacted to the news with concern.
18.27 מַצְלֵמוֹת תִּעֲדוּ אֶת הָאֵרוּעַ עַל הַכְּבִישׁ. Cameras documented the event on the road.
18.28 רָאשׁ הַמְּמַשָּׁלָה דִּבֵּר עַל הַצֹּרֶךְ בְּשִׁפּוּר הַבְּטִיחוּת עַל הַדְּרָכִים. The prime minister spoke about the need for improving safety on the roads.
18.29 הַמְּאָרֵעַ הִשְׁפִּיעַ עַל הַתְּנוּעָה בְּכָל הָאֵזוֹר. The incident influenced the traffic in the entire area.
18.30 דּוּ"חַ מְיֻחָד עַל הַתְּאוּנָה יְפֻרְסַם מָחָר. A special report about the accident will be published tomorrow.
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18.16 הַמִּשְׁטָרָה דִּוְּחָה עַל תְּאוּנָה עַל כְּבִישׁ מִסְפַּר שֵׁשׁ.
18.17 הַנָּהָג אִבֵּד שְׁלִיטָה עַל הָרֶכֶב בִּגְלַל הַגֶּשֶׁם.
18.18 עֵדִים סִפְּרוּ עַל הָאֵרוּעַ לַכַּתָּבִים.
18.19 הַשַּׂר הִצְהִיר עַל תָּכְנִית חֲדָשָׁה לְבִטְחוֹן עַל הַכְּבִישִׁים.
18.20 הָרוֹפְאִים דִּבְּרוּ עַל מַצָּבוֹ שֶׁל הַפָּצוּעַ עַל רֶקַע הַתְּאוּנָה.
18.21 הַמְּכוֹנִית הִתְהַפְּכָה עַל צִדָּהּ עַל הַכְּבִישׁ הָרָטֹב.
18.22 הַמַּצִּילִים עָבְדוּ עַל חִלּוּץ הַנּוֹסְעִים מֵהָרֶכֶב.
18.23 הַתְּנוּעָה נֶעֶצְרָה עַל הַכְּבִישׁ לְמֶשֶׁךְ שָׁעָה.
18.24 הַמְּשַׁפְּחוֹת הִתְפַּלְּלוּ עַל שְׁלוֹם יְקִירֵיהֶם.
18.25 הַחֲקִירָה תִּתְמַקֵּד עַל נְסִיבוֹת הַתְּאוּנָה.
18.26 הַצִּבּוּר הֵגִיב עַל הַחֲדָשׁוֹת בִּדְאָגָה.
18.27 מַצְלֵמוֹת תִּעֲדוּ אֶת הָאֵרוּעַ עַל הַכְּבִישׁ.
18.28 רָאשׁ הַמְּמַשָּׁלָה דִּבֵּר עַל הַצֹּרֶךְ בְּשִׁפּוּר הַבְּטִיחוּת עַל הַדְּרָכִים.
18.29 הַמְּאָרֵעַ הִשְׁפִּיעַ עַל הַתְּנוּעָה בְּכָל הָאֵזוֹר.
18.30 דּוּ"חַ מְיֻחָד עַל הַתְּאוּנָה יְפֻרְסַם מָחָר.
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The news report genre demonstrates several specialized uses of על in journalistic Hebrew:
1. Reporting and Communication Verbs with על -
דיווח על - reported about -
סיפר על - told about -
הצהיר על - declared about -
דיבר על - spoke about -
הגיב על - reacted to
These verbs frequently appear in news reports and always take על when introducing the topic of discussion.
2. Multiple על in One Sentence Notice how news reports often use על multiple times: -
"דיווחה על תאונה על כביש" - reported about an accident on a road -
"הצהיר על תכנית... על הכבישים" - declared about a plan... on the roads
This is natural in Hebrew news language and shouldn't be avoided.
3. Technical and Official Language News Hebrew uses על in formal constructions: -
על רקע - against the background of -
להשפיע על - to influence -
להתפלל על - to pray for -
להתמקד על - to focus on
4. Physical vs. Abstract Usage in News The genre shows clear distinction between: -
Physical: על הכביש (on the road), על צידה (on its side) -
Abstract: על התאונה (about the accident), על הצורך (about the need)
5. Common News Phrases with על -
דו"ח על - report on/about -
מידע על - information about -
עדכון על - update on -
חקירה על - investigation into/about
6. Passive Voice Constructions News often uses passive voice with על: -
יפורסם דו"ח על - a report will be published about -
נמסר על - it was reported about -
הוחלט על - it was decided about
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The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering self-directed learning approaches for classical and modern languages. These Hebrew lessons follow the Institute's proven methodology, which emphasizes:
Interlinear Learning Method Our lessons use detailed interlinear glossing to help autodidacts decode texts word by word. This approach, refined over nearly two decades, allows students to see the direct relationship between Hebrew and English, building vocabulary and grammatical understanding simultaneously.
Structured Progression Each lesson follows a consistent structure: -
Introduction with clear learning objectives -
Interlinear text analysis (Section A) -
Complete sentences for comprehension (Section B) -
Target language immersion (Section C) -
Detailed grammar explanations (Section D) -
Cultural context (Section E) -
Authentic literary excerpts (Section F) -
Genre-specific application
Self-Directed Learning These lessons are specifically designed for independent learners. No teacher or classroom is required. The comprehensive explanations, cultural notes, and careful progression enable students to master Hebrew at their own pace.
The Latinum Approach Drawing from classical language pedagogy, our method emphasizes: -
Reading authentic texts from the beginning -
Understanding grammar through examples -
Building vocabulary in context -
Cultural and literary engagement
Course Benefits -
Complete lessons requiring no additional materials -
Pronunciation guides for English speakers -
Common mistake warnings -
Step-by-step grammar explanations -
Real-world application through genre studies
Student Success The Latinum Institute's materials have helped thousands of students worldwide. Our approach is particularly effective for: -
Adult learners -
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The Latinum Institute continues to expand its offerings, bringing classical pedagogical methods to modern language learning. Our Hebrew course represents the latest evolution in self-directed language education, combining traditional rigor with contemporary accessibility.
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