The Hebrew demonstrative pronouns זה (zeh) "this" (masculine) and זאת (zot) "this" (feminine) are essential building blocks for daily communication in Modern Hebrew. Unlike English, which uses one form "this" for all genders, Hebrew requires speakers to match the demonstrative to the gender of the noun it refers to. This lesson will guide you through the proper usage of these fundamental words.
For the complete course index and additional lessons, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
FAQ Schema Q: What does "this" mean in Hebrew? A: "This" in Hebrew is expressed as זה (zeh) for masculine nouns and זאת (zot) for feminine nouns. Both forms function as demonstrative pronouns pointing to objects, people, or concepts that are near the speaker in space, time, or thought.
In this lesson, you will encounter זה/זאת in various contexts: as subject pronouns ("this is"), as demonstrative adjectives ("this book"), in questions ("what is this?"), and in idiomatic expressions. The examples progress from simple identification to more complex constructions, providing a comprehensive foundation for using these essential Hebrew words.
Educational Schema Subject: Language Learning Material Language: Modern Hebrew for English Speakers Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Demonstrative Pronouns - This (זה/זאת) Format: Interlinear glossed text with phonetic guidance Institution: Latinum Institute Type: Self-study language course
-
Hebrew has two forms of "this": זה (zeh) for masculine and זאת (zot) for feminine -
Gender agreement is mandatory - the demonstrative must match the noun's gender -
זה/זאת can function as both pronouns ("this is...") and adjectives ("this book") -
Word order is more flexible than English, but demonstratives typically follow the noun -
These words appear frequently in everyday speech and are essential for basic communication
19.1 זה (zeh) this הַסֵּפֶר (ha-se-fer) the-book שֶׁלִּי (she-li) of-me 19.1 This is my book
19.2 מָה (mah) what זֶה (zeh) this ? 19.2 What is this?
19.3 זאת (zot) this הָאִישָׁה (ha-i-shah) the-woman שֶׁ (she-) that פָּגַשְׁתִּי (pa-gash-ti) I-met אֶתְמוֹל (et-mol) yesterday 19.3 This is the woman that I met yesterday
19.4 הַיֶּלֶד (ha-ye-led) the-boy הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this גָּבוֹהַ (ga-vo-ah) tall 19.4 This boy is tall
19.5 אֲנִי (a-ni) I רוֹצֶה (ro-tzeh) want אֶת (et) [direct object marker] זֶה (zeh) this 19.5 I want this
19.6 בַּבַּיִת (ba-ba-yit) in-the-house הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this גָּרִים (ga-rim) live שְׁלוֹשָׁה (shlo-shah) three אֲנָשִׁים (a-na-shim) people 19.6 Three people live in this house
19.7 זאת (zot) this אוֹמֶרֶת (o-me-ret) says שֶׁ (she-) that אַתָּה (a-tah) you צָרִיךְ (tza-rikh) need לָבוֹא (la-vo) to-come 19.7 This means that you need to come
19.8 מִי (mi) who עָשָׂה (a-sah) did אֶת (et) [direct object marker] זֶה (zeh) this ? 19.8 Who did this?
19.9 הַמְּכוֹנִית (ha-me-kho-nit) the-car הַזּאת (ha-zot) the-this חֲדָשָׁה (kha-da-shah) new 19.9 This car is new
19.10 עַל (al) about זֶה (zeh) this לא (lo) not דִּבַּרְנוּ (di-bar-nu) we-spoke 19.10 We didn't speak about this
19.11 זֶה (zeh) this הַזְּמַן (ha-ze-man) the-time לַעֲשׂוֹת (la-a-sot) to-do מַשֶּׁהוּ (ma-she-hu) something 19.11 This is the time to do something
19.12 הָעִיר (ha-ir) the-city הַזּאת (ha-zot) the-this יָפָה (ya-fah) beautiful מְאוֹד (me-od) very 19.12 This city is very beautiful
19.13 כָּל (kol) all זֶה (zeh) this קָרָה (ka-rah) happened בִּגְלָלְךָ (big-lal-kha) because-of-you 19.13 All this happened because of you
19.14 לָמָּה (la-mah) why אַתְּ (at) you[f] אוֹמֶרֶת (o-me-ret) say אֶת (et) [direct object marker] זאת (zot) this ? 19.14 Why do you say this?
19.15 בְּ (be-) in הַמִּקְרֶה (ha-mik-reh) the-case הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this אֲנַחְנוּ (a-nakh-nu) we צְרִיכִים (tze-ri-khim) need עֶזְרָה (ez-rah) help 19.15 In this case we need help
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
19.1 זה הספר שלי This is my book
19.2 מה זה? What is this?
19.3 זאת האישה שפגשתי אתמול This is the woman that I met yesterday
19.4 הילד הזה גבוה This boy is tall
19.5 אני רוצה את זה I want this
19.6 בבית הזה גרים שלושה אנשים Three people live in this house
19.7 זאת אומרת שאתה צריך לבוא This means that you need to come
19.8 מי עשה את זה? Who did this?
19.9 המכונית הזאת חדשה This car is new
19.10 על זה לא דיברנו We didn't speak about this
19.11 זה הזמן לעשות משהו This is the time to do something
19.12 העיר הזאת יפה מאוד This city is very beautiful
19.13 כל זה קרה בגללך All this happened because of you
19.14 למה את אומרת את זאת? Why do you say this?
19.15 במקרה הזה אנחנו צריכים עזרה In this case we need help
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
19.1 זה הספר שלי
19.2 מה זה?
19.3 זאת האישה שפגשתי אתמול
19.4 הילד הזה גבוה
19.5 אני רוצה את זה
19.6 בבית הזה גרים שלושה אנשים
19.7 זאת אומרת שאתה צריך לבוא
19.8 מי עשה את זה?
19.9 המכונית הזאת חדשה
19.10 על זה לא דיברנו
19.11 זה הזמן לעשות משהו
19.12 העיר הזאת יפה מאוד
19.13 כל זה קרה בגללך
19.14 למה את אומרת את זאת?
19.15 במקרה הזה אנחנו צריכים עזרה
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Hebrew demonstratives follow strict gender agreement rules that English speakers must master:
Basic Forms: -
Masculine singular: זה (zeh) -
Feminine singular: זאת (zot) -
Masculine plural: אלה (eleh) - these -
Feminine plural: אלה (eleh) - these (same as masculine)
Functions: -
As a Pronoun (standing alone): -
זה ספר (zeh sefer) - This is a book -
זאת מכונית (zot mekhonit) - This is a car -
As an Adjective (with definite article): -
הספר הזה (ha-sefer ha-zeh) - This book -
המכונית הזאת (ha-mekhonit ha-zot) - This car
Word Order Rules: When used as an adjective, the demonstrative typically follows the noun and both must have the definite article ה (ha-): -
English: this book -
Hebrew: הספר הזה (literally: the-book the-this)
Common Mistakes: -
Gender Mismatch: Using זה with feminine nouns or זאת with masculine nouns -
Wrong: הבית הזאת (ha-bayit ha-zot) - house is masculine -
Correct: הבית הזה (ha-bayit ha-zeh) -
Missing Definite Articles: Forgetting ה on both noun and demonstrative -
Wrong: ספר זה (sefer zeh) -
Correct: הספר הזה (ha-sefer ha-zeh) -
English Word Order: Placing demonstrative before the noun -
Wrong: זה הספר (zeh ha-sefer) when meaning "this book" -
Correct: הספר הזה (ha-sefer ha-zeh) -
Confusing Pronoun and Adjective Use: -
As pronoun: זה ספר (This is a book) -
As adjective: הספר הזה (This book)
Special Expressions: -
זאת אומרת (zot omeret) - "that is to say" / "this means" -
מה זה? (mah zeh?) - "What is this?" -
כל זה (kol zeh) - "all this" -
על זה (al zeh) - "about this"
Step-by-Step Guide for Using זה/זאת: -
Identify the gender of the noun (use a dictionary if unsure) -
If using as a pronoun: Place זה/זאת first, then the noun -
If using as an adjective: -
Add ה to the noun -
Add ה to the appropriate form (הזה/הזאת) -
Place the demonstrative after the noun -
Check agreement: masculine nouns with זה, feminine with זאת
Comparison with English: -
English has one form "this" for all situations -
Hebrew requires gender agreement -
Hebrew word order is reversed when used as adjective -
Hebrew uses definite articles on both elements -
Hebrew demonstratives can stand alone more readily than English
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
For English speakers learning Hebrew, understanding the cultural implications of demonstratives extends beyond grammar. In Israeli culture, the phrase מה זה? (mah zeh? - "what is this?") serves multiple communicative functions beyond simple inquiry. It can express surprise, disbelief, or even mild criticism depending on intonation.
The expression זאת אומרת (zot omeret - literally "this says") is ubiquitous in Israeli discourse, functioning like the English "I mean" or "that is to say." It's a conversational lubricant that helps speakers clarify or rephrase their thoughts, reflecting the direct and explanatory nature of Israeli communication style.
In religious contexts, demonstratives take on special significance. The phrase זה היום (zeh ha-yom - "this is the day") appears in Psalm 118:24 and is frequently quoted in celebrations. The demonstrative here emphasizes the immediacy and importance of the present moment in Jewish thought.
Modern Hebrew's use of demonstratives also reflects the language's revival. While Biblical Hebrew used additional forms, Modern Hebrew simplified the system, making it more accessible to new speakers while maintaining the essential masculine-feminine distinction that characterizes Semitic languages.
The placement of demonstratives after nouns (הספר הזה rather than זה הספר) mirrors Arabic influence and distinguishes spoken Hebrew from many European languages. This word order often surprises English speakers but becomes natural with practice.
In casual Israeli speech, demonstratives often appear in shortened forms or rapid speech patterns. The phrase על זה (al zeh - "about this") might sound like one word "alze" in fast conversation, reflecting the dynamic nature of living Hebrew.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
From "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Hebrew translation by Aryeh Lev (1961):
זֶה (zeh) this הָיָה (ha-yah) was הַצִּיּוּר (ha-tsi-yur) the-drawing הָרִאשׁוֹן (ha-ri-shon) the-first שֶׁלִּי (she-li) of-me . צִיַּרְתִּי (tsi-yar-ti) I-drew אֶת (et) [object marker] הַצִּיּוּר (ha-tsi-yur) the-drawing הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this כְּשֶׁ (ke-she-) when הָיִיתִי (ha-yi-ti) I-was בֶּן (ben) son-of שֵׁשׁ (shesh) six . הֶרְאֵיתִי (her-e-ti) I-showed אֶת (et) [object marker] יְצִירָתִי (ye-tsi-ra-ti) my-creation לַמְּבֻגָּרִים (la-me-vu-ga-rim) to-the-adults וְשָׁאַלְתִּי (ve-sha-al-ti) and-I-asked אוֹתָם (o-tam) them אִם (im) if זֶה (zeh) this מַפְחִיד (maf-khid) frightens אוֹתָם (o-tam) them .
זה היה הציור הראשון שלי. ציירתי את הציור הזה כשהייתי בן שש. הראיתי את יצירתי למבוגרים ושאלתי אותם אם זה מפחיד אותם.
This was my first drawing. I drew this drawing when I was six years old. I showed my creation to the grown-ups and asked them if this frightened them.
זה היה הציור הראשון שלי. ציירתי את הציור הזה כשהייתי בן שש. הראיתי את יצירתי למבוגרים ושאלתי אותם אם זה מפחיד אותם.
This passage from "The Little Prince" demonstrates multiple uses of זה in literary Hebrew. The opening "זה היה" (this was) establishes a retrospective narrative frame, common in Hebrew storytelling. The demonstrative here functions as a subject pronoun introducing a past event.
The phrase "הציור הזה" (this drawing) shows the standard adjectival use, with both noun and demonstrative taking the definite article. This construction emphasizes the specific drawing being discussed, creating narrative cohesion.
The final "זה" in "אם זה מפחיד" (if this frightens) returns to pronominal use, referring back to the entire concept of the drawing. This demonstrates Hebrew's economy in using demonstratives to maintain reference without repetition.
The passage showcases how demonstratives in Hebrew literature create textual coherence while maintaining the language's characteristic precision in gender agreement. The masculine forms throughout (זה, הזה) agree with the masculine noun ציור (drawing), illustrating the grammatical consistency required in formal Hebrew writing.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
19.16 בְּ (be-) in הַשָּׁעָה (ha-sha-ah) the-hour הַזּאת (ha-zot) the-this מְדַוְּחִים (me-dav-khim) report חֲדָשׁוֹת (kha-da-shot) news חֲשׁוּבוֹת (kha-shu-vot) important 19.16 At this hour important news is being reported
19.17 זֶה (zeh) this הַמָּקוֹם (ha-ma-kom) the-place שֶׁ (she-) where בּוֹ (bo) in-it קָרְתָה (kar-tah) happened הַתְּאוּנָה (ha-te-u-nah) the-accident 19.17 This is the place where the accident happened
19.18 הַמְּאֹרָע (ha-me-o-ra) the-event הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this שִׁנָּה (shi-nah) changed אֶת (et) [object marker] הַמַּצָּב (ha-ma-tsav) the-situation לַחֲלוּטִין (la-kha-lu-tin) completely 19.18 This event changed the situation completely
19.19 עַל (al) about פִּי (pi) according-to הַדּוֹ״ח (ha-dokh) the-report הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this הַמַּצָּב (ha-ma-tsav) the-situation מַדְאִיג (mad-ig) worrying 19.19 According to this report the situation is worrying
19.20 זאת (zot) this הַפַּעַם (ha-pa-am) the-time הָרִאשׁוֹנָה (ha-ri-sho-nah) the-first שֶׁ (she-) that דָּבָר (da-var) thing כָּזֶה (ka-zeh) like-this קוֹרֶה (ko-reh) happens 19.20 This is the first time that something like this happens
19.21 בְּרֶגַע (be-re-ga) at-moment זֶה (zeh) this אֲנַחְנוּ (a-nakh-nu) we מְקַבְּלִים (me-kab-lim) receiving עִדְכּוּן (id-kun) update מֵ (me-) from הַשֶּׁטַח (ha-she-takh) the-field 19.21 At this moment we are receiving an update from the field
19.22 הַהַחְלָטָה (ha-hakh-la-tah) the-decision הַזּאת (ha-zot) the-this תַּשְׁפִּיעַ (tash-pi-a) will-influence עַל (al) on מִילְיוֹנֵי (mil-yo-nei) millions-of אֲנָשִׁים (a-na-shim) people 19.22 This decision will influence millions of people
19.23 מָה (mah) what הַמַּשְׁמָעוּת (ha-mash-ma-ut) the-meaning שֶׁל (shel) of כָּל (kol) all זֶה (zeh) this ? 19.23 What is the meaning of all this?
19.24 הַמְּדִינָה (ha-me-di-nah) the-country לֹא (lo) not רָאֲתָה (ra-a-tah) saw מַשֶּׁהוּ (ma-she-hu) something כָּזֶה (ka-zeh) like-this מֵעוֹלָם (me-o-lam) ever 19.24 The country has never seen something like this
19.25 זֶה (zeh) this מַה (mah) what שֶּׁ (she-) that אָמַר (a-mar) said הַשַּׂר (ha-sar) the-minister בַּמַּסִיבַת (ba-me-si-vat) at-the-conference הָעִתּוֹנָאִים (ha-i-to-na-im) the-journalists 19.25 This is what the minister said at the press conference
19.26 בַּשָּׁלָב (ba-sha-lav) at-the-stage הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this אֵין (ein) no-there-is תְּגוּבָה (te-gu-vah) response רִשְׁמִית (rish-mit) official 19.26 At this stage there is no official response
19.27 זאת (zot) this הִזְדַּמְּנוּת (hiz-dam-nut) opportunity חַד (khad) one פַּעֲמִית (pa-a-mit) time לְשִׁנּוּי (le-shi-nuy) for-change 19.27 This is a one-time opportunity for change
19.28 הָעֻבְדּוֹת (ha-uv-dot) the-facts מְדַבְּרוֹת (me-dab-rot) speak בְּעַד (be-ad) for עַצְמָן (ats-man) themselves בַּמִּקְרֶה (ba-mik-reh) in-the-case הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this 19.28 The facts speak for themselves in this case
19.29 עַד (ad) until הָרֶגַע (ha-re-ga) the-moment הַזֶּה (ha-zeh) the-this הִתְקַבְּלוּ (hit-kab-lu) were-received עֶשְׂרִים (es-rim) twenty תְּלוּנוֹת (tlu-not) complaints 19.29 Until this moment twenty complaints have been received
19.30 זֶה (zeh) this סוֹף (sof) end הַחֲדָשׁוֹת (ha-kha-da-shot) the-news לְשָׁעָה (le-sha-ah) for-hour זוֹ (zo) this 19.30 This is the end of the news for this hour
19.16 בשעה הזאת מדווחים חדשות חשובות At this hour important news is being reported
19.17 זה המקום שבו קרתה התאונה This is the place where the accident happened
19.18 המאורע הזה שינה את המצב לחלוטין This event changed the situation completely
19.19 על פי הדו״ח הזה המצב מדאיג According to this report the situation is worrying
19.20 זאת הפעם הראשונה שדבר כזה קורה This is the first time that something like this happens
19.21 ברגע זה אנחנו מקבלים עדכון מהשטח At this moment we are receiving an update from the field
19.22 ההחלטה הזאת תשפיע על מיליוני אנשים This decision will influence millions of people
19.23 מה המשמעות של כל זה? What is the meaning of all this?
19.24 המדינה לא ראתה משהו כזה מעולם The country has never seen something like this
19.25 זה מה שאמר השר במסיבת העיתונאים This is what the minister said at the press conference
19.26 בשלב הזה אין תגובה רשמית At this stage there is no official response
19.27 זאת הזדמנות חד פעמית לשינוי This is a one-time opportunity for change
19.28 העובדות מדברות בעד עצמן במקרה הזה The facts speak for themselves in this case
19.29 עד הרגע הזה התקבלו עשרים תלונות Until this moment twenty complaints have been received
19.30 זה סוף החדשות לשעה זו This is the end of the news for this hour
19.16 בשעה הזאת מדווחים חדשות חשובות
19.17 זה המקום שבו קרתה התאונה
19.18 המאורע הזה שינה את המצב לחלוטין
19.19 על פי הדו״ח הזה המצב מדאיג
19.20 זאת הפעם הראשונה שדבר כזה קורה
19.21 ברגע זה אנחנו מקבלים עדכון מהשטח
19.22 ההחלטה הזאת תשפיע על מיליוני אנשים
19.23 מה המשמעות של כל זה?
19.24 המדינה לא ראתה משהו כזה מעולם
19.25 זה מה שאמר השר במסיבת העיתונאים
19.26 בשלב הזה אין תגובה רשמית
19.27 זאת הזדמנות חד פעמית לשינוי
19.28 העובדות מדברות בעד עצמן במקרה הזה
19.29 עד הרגע הזה התקבלו עשרים תלונות
19.30 זה סוף החדשות לשעה זו
The news reporting genre demonstrates specific patterns in using demonstratives that English speakers should note:
Time References with Demonstratives: News frequently uses demonstratives with time expressions: -
בשעה הזאת (ba-sha-ah ha-zot) - at this hour -
ברגע זה (be-rega zeh) - at this moment -
עד הרגע הזה (ad ha-rega ha-zeh) - until this moment -
בשלב הזה (ba-shalav ha-zeh) - at this stage
Formal Register Patterns: News Hebrew tends to use full forms rather than contractions: -
זאת הפעם הראשונה (zot ha-pa-am ha-rishonah) rather than זו הפעם -
Consistent use of definite articles with demonstratives
Reference to Events and Reports: -
המאורע הזה (ha-meora ha-zeh) - this event -
הדו״ח הזה (ha-dokh ha-zeh) - this report -
המקרה הזה (ha-mikreh ha-zeh) - this case
Common News Phrases with Demonstratives: -
משהו כזה (mashehu ka-zeh) - something like this -
דבר כזה (davar ka-zeh) - a thing like this -
כל זה (kol zeh) - all this -
זה מה ש... (zeh mah she...) - this is what...
Temporal Progression Markers: News uses demonstratives to mark temporal boundaries: -
Opening: בשעה הזאת (at this hour) -
During: ברגע זה (at this moment) -
Closing: לשעה זו (for this hour)
Emphatic Usage: Demonstratives in news often emphasize the immediacy or significance of events: -
זאת הפעם הראשונה (this is the first time) - emphasizing uniqueness -
במקרה הזה (in this case) - emphasizing specificity
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The Latinum Institute has been pioneering online language learning materials since 2006, developing innovative approaches to self-directed language study. These Hebrew lessons follow the Institute's proven methodology, which emphasizes:
Interlinear Learning: Each lesson presents Hebrew text with detailed word-by-word glossing, allowing students to understand grammatical structures while building vocabulary. This approach, refined over nearly two decades, enables learners to engage with authentic texts from the beginning.
Comprehensive Coverage: Lessons include varied sentence structures, cultural context, and authentic literary citations. The genre sections expose learners to different registers and styles of Hebrew, from everyday conversation to news reporting, preparing them for real-world language use.
Self-Paced Study: Designed for autodidacts, these materials require no prior knowledge and can be studied independently. The consistent lesson structure - introduction, interlinear text, grammar explanation, cultural notes, and literary examples - provides a predictable learning framework.
Practical Application: Unlike traditional textbook approaches, these lessons present language as it's actually used. The 30 examples per lesson ensure multiple encounters with key concepts in varied contexts.
The method draws on classical language pedagogy while incorporating modern insights about second language acquisition. By presenting Hebrew alongside English glosses, learners can immediately access meaning while gradually internalizing Hebrew patterns.
Student reviews consistently praise the clarity and effectiveness of Latinum Institute materials. As noted on Trustpilot (https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk), learners appreciate the systematic approach and comprehensive explanations that make self-study possible.
For additional resources and the complete course index, visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index. The Institute continues to expand its offerings, maintaining its commitment to making language learning accessible to motivated self-directed learners worldwide.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---