Welcome to Lesson 22 of our Hebrew language course. This lesson focuses on the various Hebrew words that translate to "that" in English. Understanding these words is crucial for forming complex sentences and expressing relationships between ideas in Hebrew.
For a complete index of lessons, please visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
In Hebrew, "that" can be expressed in several ways depending on its grammatical function: -
שֶׁ (she) - relative pronoun meaning "that/which/who" -
אֲשֶׁר (asher) - formal relative pronoun "that/which/who" -
זֶה (zeh) - masculine demonstrative "that" -
זֹאת (zot) - feminine demonstrative "that" -
כִּי (ki) - conjunction meaning "that" (introducing clauses)
Q: What does "that" mean in Hebrew? A: "That" in Hebrew has multiple translations depending on context. As a relative pronoun, it's שֶׁ (she) or אֲשֶׁר (asher). As a demonstrative pronoun, it's זֶה (zeh) for masculine or זֹאת (zot) for feminine. As a conjunction, it's כִּי (ki).
In this lesson, you'll encounter "that" in various contexts: as a connector between clauses (relative pronoun), as a pointer to specific objects (demonstrative), and as an introducer of reported speech or thoughts (conjunction). Each example demonstrates different uses to help you master this essential Hebrew concept.
Subject: Language Learning Course: Modern Hebrew for English Speakers Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Hebrew pronouns and conjunctions - "that" Learning Mode: Self-study/Autodidact Institution: Latinum Institute
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Hebrew has multiple words for "that" serving different grammatical functions -
Gender agreement is crucial when using demonstrative forms -
The relative pronoun שֶׁ is attached to the following word -
Formal Hebrew often uses אֲשֶׁר instead of שֶׁ -
Context determines which form of "that" to use
22.1a הַסֵּפֶר the-book שֶׁ that קָנִיתִי I-bought אֶתְמוֹל yesterday מְעַנְיֵן interesting מְאֹד very 22.1b ha-sefer (ha-SE-fer) the-book she- (she) that kaniti (ka-NI-ti) I-bought etmol (et-MOL) yesterday me'anyen (me-an-YEN) interesting me'od (me-OD) very
22.2a זֹאת that הַמַּתָּנָה the-gift שֶׁ that נָתַתִּי I-gave לָךְ to-you 22.2b zot (zot) that ha-matana (ha-ma-ta-NA) the-gift she- (she) that natati (na-TA-ti) I-gave lakh (lakh) to-you
22.3a הוּא he אָמַר said כִּי that הוּא he יָבוֹא will-come מָחָר tomorrow 22.3b hu (hu) he amar (a-MAR) said ki (ki) that hu (hu) he yavo (ya-VO) will-come makhar (ma-KHAR) tomorrow
22.4a רָאִיתִי I-saw אֶת (object-marker) הָאִישׁ the-man אֲשֶׁר who מְדַבֵּר speaks עִבְרִית Hebrew 22.4b ra'iti (ra-I-ti) I-saw et (et) (object-marker) ha-ish (ha-ISH) the-man asher (a-SHER) who medaber (me-da-BER) speaks ivrit (iv-RIT) Hebrew
22.5a זֶה this הַבַּיִת the-house שֶׁ that גָּרִים live בּוֹ in-it הַיְּלָדִים the-children 22.5b ze (ze) this ha-bayit (ha-BA-yit) the-house she- (she) that garim (ga-RIM) live bo (bo) in-it ha-yeladim (ha-ye-la-DIM) the-children
22.6a חָשַׁבְתִּי I-thought כִּי that הַחֲנוּת the-store סְגוּרָה closed הַיּוֹם today 22.6b khashavti (kha-SHAV-ti) I-thought ki (ki) that ha-khanut (ha-kha-NUT) the-store segura (se-gu-RA) closed ha-yom (ha-YOM) today
22.7a הַמּוֹרָה the-teacher אֲשֶׁר who לִמְּדָה taught אוֹתִי me עָזְבָה left 22.7b ha-mora (ha-mo-RA) the-teacher asher (a-SHER) who limda (lim-DA) taught oti (o-TI) me azva (az-VA) left
22.8a זֹאת that הָעִיר the-city שֶׁ that נוֹלַדְתִּי I-was-born בָּהּ in-it 22.8b zot (zot) that ha-ir (ha-IR) the-city she- (she) that noladeti (no-LAD-ti) I-was-born ba (ba) in-it
22.9a שָׁמַעְתִּי I-heard כִּי that אַתָּה you מְחַפֵּשׂ looking-for עֲבוֹדָה work 22.9b shamati (sha-MA-ti) I-heard ki (ki) that ata (a-TA) you mekhapes (me-kha-PES) looking-for avoda (a-vo-DA) work
22.10a הַסֶּרֶט the-movie שֶׁ that צָפִינוּ we-watched בּוֹ in-it הָיָה was מְצוּיָן excellent 22.10b ha-seret (ha-SE-ret) the-movie she- (she) that tsafinu (tsa-FI-nu) we-watched bo (bo) in-it haya (ha-YA) was metsuyan (me-tsu-YAN) excellent
22.11a יָדַעְתִּי I-knew כִּי that זֶה this לֹא not נָכוֹן correct 22.11b yadati (ya-DA-ti) I-knew ki (ki) that ze (ze) this lo (lo) not nakhon (na-KHON) correct
22.12a הָאִשָּׁה the-woman אֲשֶׁר who עוֹבֶדֶת works כָּאן here חֲכָמָה wise מְאֹד very 22.12b ha-isha (ha-i-SHA) the-woman asher (a-SHER) who ovedet (o-VE-det) works kan (kan) here khakhama (kha-kha-MA) wise me'od (me-OD) very
22.13a זֹאת that הַפַּעַם the-time שֶׁ that חִכִּיתִי I-waited לָהּ for-it 22.13b zot (zot) that ha-pa'am (ha-PA-am) the-time she- (she) that khikiti (khi-KI-ti) I-waited la (la) for-it
22.14a הֵבַנְתִּי I-understood כִּי that אַתָּה you צוֹדֵק right 22.14b hevanti (he-VAN-ti) I-understood ki (ki) that ata (a-TA) you tsodek (tso-DEK) right
22.15a הַיֶּלֶד the-boy שֶׁ that רָץ runs בַּגִּנָּה in-the-garden אָחִי my-brother 22.15b ha-yeled (ha-YE-led) the-boy she- (she) that rats (rats) runs ba-gina (ba-gi-NA) in-the-garden akhi (a-KHI) my-brother
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22.1 הַסֵּפֶר שֶׁקָנִיתִי אֶתְמוֹל מְעַנְיֵן מְאֹד׃ The book that I bought yesterday is very interesting.
22.2 זֹאת הַמַּתָּנָה שֶׁנָּתַתִּי לָךְ׃ That is the gift that I gave to you.
22.3 הוּא אָמַר כִּי הוּא יָבוֹא מָחָר׃ He said that he will come tomorrow.
22.4 רָאִיתִי אֶת הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר מְדַבֵּר עִבְרִית׃ I saw the man who speaks Hebrew.
22.5 זֶה הַבַּיִת שֶׁגָּרִים בּוֹ הַיְּלָדִים׃ This is the house that the children live in.
22.6 חָשַׁבְתִּי כִּי הַחֲנוּת סְגוּרָה הַיּוֹם׃ I thought that the store is closed today.
22.7 הַמּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר לִמְּדָה אוֹתִי עָזְבָה׃ The teacher who taught me left.
22.8 זֹאת הָעִיר שֶׁנּוֹלַדְתִּי בָּהּ׃ That is the city that I was born in.
22.9 שָׁמַעְתִּי כִּי אַתָּה מְחַפֵּשׂ עֲבוֹדָה׃ I heard that you are looking for work.
22.10 הַסֶּרֶט שֶׁצָּפִינוּ בּוֹ הָיָה מְצוּיָן׃ The movie that we watched was excellent.
22.11 יָדַעְתִּי כִּי זֶה לֹא נָכוֹן׃ I knew that this is not correct.
22.12 הָאִשָּׁה אֲשֶׁר עוֹבֶדֶת כָּאן חֲכָמָה מְאֹד׃ The woman who works here is very wise.
22.13 זֹאת הַפַּעַם שֶׁחִכִּיתִי לָהּ׃ That is the time that I waited for.
22.14 הֵבַנְתִּי כִּי אַתָּה צוֹדֵק׃ I understood that you are right.
22.15 הַיֶּלֶד שֶׁרָץ בַּגִּנָּה אָחִי׃ The boy that runs in the garden is my brother.
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22.1 הַסֵּפֶר שֶׁקָנִיתִי אֶתְמוֹל מְעַנְיֵן מְאֹד׃
22.2 זֹאת הַמַּתָּנָה שֶׁנָּתַתִּי לָךְ׃
22.3 הוּא אָמַר כִּי הוּא יָבוֹא מָחָר׃
22.4 רָאִיתִי אֶת הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר מְדַבֵּר עִבְרִית׃
22.5 זֶה הַבַּיִת שֶׁגָּרִים בּוֹ הַיְּלָדִים׃
22.6 חָשַׁבְתִּי כִּי הַחֲנוּת סְגוּרָה הַיּוֹם׃
22.7 הַמּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר לִמְּדָה אוֹתִי עָזְבָה׃
22.8 זֹאת הָעִיר שֶׁנּוֹלַדְתִּי בָּהּ׃
22.9 שָׁמַעְתִּי כִּי אַתָּה מְחַפֵּשׂ עֲבוֹדָה׃
22.10 הַסֶּרֶט שֶׁצָּפִינוּ בּוֹ הָיָה מְצוּיָן׃
22.11 יָדַעְתִּי כִּי זֶה לֹא נָכוֹן׃
22.12 הָאִשָּׁה אֲשֶׁר עוֹבֶדֶת כָּאן חֲכָמָה מְאֹד׃
22.13 זֹאת הַפַּעַם שֶׁחִכִּיתִי לָהּ׃
22.14 הֵבַנְתִּי כִּי אַתָּה צוֹדֵק׃
22.15 הַיֶּלֶד שֶׁרָץ בַּגִּנָּה אָחִי׃
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Hebrew expresses "that" through several distinct words, each serving specific grammatical functions:
1. Relative Pronouns -
שֶׁ (she) - The most common relative pronoun, always attached to the following word with a hyphen (־) or written together -
אֲשֶׁר (asher) - A more formal alternative to שֶׁ, stands as a separate word
2. Demonstrative Pronouns -
זֶה (zeh) - masculine singular "this/that" -
זֹאת (zot) - feminine singular "this/that" These must agree with the gender of the noun they modify or replace.
3. Conjunction -
כִּי (ki) - Used to introduce subordinate clauses, especially after verbs of thinking, saying, or knowing
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Using the wrong gender demonstrative: English speakers often forget that זֶה is masculine and זֹאת is feminine -
Wrong: זֶה הַמְּכוֹנִית (ze ha-mekhonit) - using masculine with feminine noun -
Correct: זֹאת הַמְּכוֹנִית (zot ha-mekhonit) - "that car" -
Separating שֶׁ from the following word: שֶׁ must be attached -
Wrong: הָאִישׁ שֶׁ רָאִיתִי (ha-ish she ra'iti) -
Correct: הָאִישׁ שֶׁרָאִיתִי (ha-ish she-ra'iti) - "the man that I saw" -
Confusing כִּי and שֶׁ: Use כִּי for "that" after verbs of mental activity; use שֶׁ for relative clauses -
"I think that..." = אֲנִי חוֹשֵׁב כִּי... (ani khoshev ki...) -
"The book that..." = הַסֵּפֶר שֶׁ... (ha-sefer she...)
Unlike English, which uses one word "that" for multiple functions, Hebrew distinguishes between: -
Relative clauses (שֶׁ/אֲשֶׁר) vs. reported speech (כִּי) -
Near demonstratives (this) and far demonstratives (that) less strictly than English -
Gender in demonstratives (no gender distinction in English "that")
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Identify the function of "that" in English: -
Is it connecting two clauses about the same noun? Use שֶׁ -
Is it introducing what someone said/thought? Use כִּי -
Is it pointing to something? Use זֶה (m.) or זֹאת (f.) -
For relative pronouns (שֶׁ): -
Find the noun being described -
Attach שֶׁ to the next word -
Complete the relative clause -
For demonstratives: -
Check the gender of the noun -
Use זֶה for masculine, זֹאת for feminine -
Place before or after the noun as needed -
For conjunctions (כִּי): -
Use after verbs like אָמַר (said), חָשַׁב (thought), יָדַע (knew) -
Follow with a complete clause
Relative Pronouns: -
שֶׁ־ (attached prefix): informal, common -
אֲשֶׁר (separate word): formal, biblical
Demonstratives: -
זֶה (zeh): masculine singular -
זֹאת (zot): feminine singular -
אֵלֶּה (ele): plural (both genders)
Conjunction: -
כִּי (ki): introduces subordinate clauses
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The Hebrew words for "that" reflect important aspects of Hebrew language and culture:
Biblical Heritage: The formal אֲשֶׁר appears frequently in biblical and liturgical texts, while modern Hebrew prefers שֶׁ. Understanding both helps learners access both ancient and contemporary texts. In synagogue services and Torah readings, you'll encounter אֲשֶׁר regularly.
Gender Awareness: The requirement to match demonstratives (זֶה/זֹאת) with noun gender reflects Hebrew's thoroughly gendered linguistic system. This extends beyond grammar to cultural expressions where gender distinctions appear in everyday communication, job titles, and social roles.
Attachment Culture: The way שֶׁ attaches to the following word symbolizes Hebrew's tendency toward linguistic connection and compound forms. This "binding" quality appears throughout Hebrew morphology and reflects a cultural preference for interconnectedness over separation.
Formal vs. Informal Registers: The choice between אֲשֶׁר and שֶׁ marks social register. Using אֲשֶׁר in casual conversation might sound overly formal or archaic, while academic and religious contexts often prefer it. This distinction helps speakers navigate Israeli society's various social contexts.
Semitic Thought Patterns: The use of כִּי to introduce reported thoughts and speech reflects Semitic languages' different approach to indirect discourse compared to European languages. Hebrew speakers often prefer direct quotation over the complex sequence of tenses found in English indirect speech.
Modern Israeli Usage: Contemporary Hebrew speakers often blur the distinction between "this" and "that" (זֶה can mean both), reflecting perhaps the small geographical size of Israel where spatial distinctions are less emphasized than in larger English-speaking countries.
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From the Song of Songs (Shir HaShirim) 2:10-12:
עָנָה דוֹדִי וְאָמַר לִי קוּמִי לָךְ רַעְיָתִי יָפָתִי וּלְכִי־לָךְ׃ כִּי־הִנֵּה הַסְּתָו עָבָר הַגֶּשֶׁם חָלַף הָלַךְ לוֹ׃ הַנִּצָּנִים נִרְאוּ בָאָרֶץ עֵת הַזָּמִיר הִגִּיעַ וְקוֹל הַתּוֹר נִשְׁמַע בְּאַרְצֵנוּ׃
עָנָה responded דוֹדִי my-beloved וְאָמַר and-said לִי to-me קוּמִי arise לָךְ to-you רַעְיָתִי my-love יָפָתִי my-beautiful-one וּלְכִי־לָךְ and-go-to-yourself כִּי־הִנֵּה for-behold הַסְּתָו the-winter עָבָר has-passed הַגֶּשֶׁם the-rain חָלַף is-over הָלַךְ has-gone לוֹ away הַנִּצָּנִים the-blossoms נִרְאוּ appear בָאָרֶץ in-the-land עֵת time הַזָּמִיר of-singing הִגִּיעַ has-come וְקוֹל and-voice הַתּוֹר of-the-turtledove נִשְׁמַע is-heard בְּאַרְצֵנוּ in-our-land
ana (a-NA) responded dodi (do-DI) my-beloved ve-amar (ve-a-MAR) and-said li (li) to-me kumi (KU-mi) arise lakh (lakh) to-you ra'yati (ra-ya-TI) my-love yafati (ya-fa-TI) my-beautiful-one u-lekhi-lakh (u-le-khi-LAKH) and-go ki-hineh (ki-hi-NEH) for-behold ha-stav (ha-STAV) the-winter avar (a-VAR) has-passed ha-geshem (ha-GE-shem) the-rain khalaf (kha-LAF) is-over halakh (ha-LAKH) has-gone lo (lo) away ha-nitsanim (ha-ni-tsa-NIM) the-blossoms nir'u (nir-U) appear ba-arets (ba-A-rets) in-the-land et (et) time ha-zamir (ha-za-MIR) of-singing higi'a (hi-GI-a) has-come ve-kol (ve-KOL) and-voice ha-tor (ha-TOR) of-the-turtledove nishma (nish-MA) is-heard be-artsenu (be-ar-TSE-nu) in-our-land
עָנָה דוֹדִי וְאָמַר לִי קוּמִי לָךְ רַעְיָתִי יָפָתִי וּלְכִי־לָךְ׃ כִּי־הִנֵּה הַסְּתָו עָבָר הַגֶּשֶׁם חָלַף הָלַךְ לוֹ׃ הַנִּצָּנִים נִרְאוּ בָאָרֶץ עֵת הַזָּמִיר הִגִּיעַ וְקוֹל הַתּוֹר נִשְׁמַע בְּאַרְצֵנוּ׃
My beloved responded and said to me: "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. For behold, the winter has passed; the rain is over and gone. The blossoms appear in the land; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land."
עָנָה דוֹדִי וְאָמַר לִי קוּמִי לָךְ רַעְיָתִי יָפָתִי וּלְכִי־לָךְ׃ כִּי־הִנֵּה הַסְּתָו עָבָר הַגֶּשֶׁם חָלַף הָלַךְ לוֹ׃ הַנִּצָּנִים נִרְאוּ בָאָרֶץ עֵת הַזָּמִיר הִגִּיעַ וְקוֹל הַתּוֹר נִשְׁמַע בְּאַרְצֵנוּ׃
This passage beautifully demonstrates the use of כִּי (ki) as "for/because" introducing the reason for the beloved's call. The כִּי־הִנֵּה (ki-hineh) combination means "for behold" and introduces an explanation.
Note how Hebrew uses direct speech after וְאָמַר (and he said) without any equivalent of English "that." Hebrew prefers direct quotation where English might use indirect speech: "he said that I should arise" would be "he said to me: arise!"
The grammatical structure shows typical biblical Hebrew features: -
Verb-first word order: עָנָה דוֹדִי (responded my-beloved) -
The conjunction כִּי introducing a causal clause -
Parallel structure in the description of spring's arrival -
The reflexive לָךְ after imperatives for emphasis
This passage from Song of Songs, one of the most beautiful books in the Hebrew Bible, uses the conjunction כִּי to explain why the beloved should "arise and come away" - because winter has ended and spring has arrived. The poetic language demonstrates how "that/because" (כִּי) functions in elevated Hebrew literary style.
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22.16a הָרֹאשׁ the-head הַמֶּמְשָׁלָה government הוֹדִיעַ announced כִּי that יִהְיוּ there-will-be בְּחִירוֹת elections בְּ in מָרְץ March 22.16b ha-rosh (ha-ROSH) the-head ha-memshala (ha-mem-sha-LA) government hodi'a (ho-DI-a) announced ki (ki) that yihyu (yih-YU) there-will-be bekhirot (be-khi-ROT) elections be- (be) in marts (marts) March
22.17a הַמִּשְׁטָרָה the-police גִּלְּתָה discovered שֶׁ that הַחֲשׁוּד the-suspect בָּרַח fled מִן from הָאָרֶץ the-country 22.17b ha-mishtara (ha-mish-ta-RA) the-police gilta (gil-TA) discovered she- (she) that ha-khashud (ha-kha-SHUD) the-suspect barakh (ba-RAKH) fled min (min) from ha-arets (ha-A-rets) the-country
22.18a דֻּבַּר it-was-reported הַיּוֹם today כִּי that הַמְּחִירִים the-prices יַעֲלוּ will-rise בְּ by עֲשָׂרָה ten אָחוּז percent 22.18b dubar (du-BAR) it-was-reported ha-yom (ha-YOM) today ki (ki) that ha-mekhirim (ha-me-khi-RIM) the-prices ya'alu (ya-a-LU) will-rise be- (be) by asara (a-sa-RA) ten akhuz (a-KHUZ) percent
22.19a הַשָּׂרָה the-minister אָמְרָה said שֶׁ that הַתָּכְנִית the-plan תֵּצֵא will-go לַפֹּעַל into-action בְּקָרוֹב soon 22.19b ha-sara (ha-sa-RA) the-minister amra (am-RA) said she- (she) that ha-tokhnit (ha-tokh-NIT) the-plan tetse (te-TSE) will-go la-po'al (la-PO-al) into-action be-karov (be-ka-ROV) soon
22.20a נוֹדַע it-became-known כִּי that הַחֲבֵרָה the-company מְתַכְנֶנֶת plans לְפַטֵּר to-fire עוֹבְדִים workers 22.20b noda (no-DA) it-became-known ki (ki) that ha-khavera (ha-kha-ve-RA) the-company metakhnenet (me-takh-NE-net) plans lefater (le-fa-TER) to-fire ovdim (ov-DIM) workers
22.21a הַמּוֹמְחִים the-experts טוֹעֲנִים claim שֶׁ that הַמַּצָּב the-situation יִשְׁתַּפֵּר will-improve בְּ in הַשָּׁנָה the-year הַבָּאָה the-coming 22.21b ha-mumkhim (ha-mum-KHIM) the-experts to'anim (to-a-NIM) claim she- (she) that ha-matsav (ha-ma-TSAV) the-situation yishtaper (yish-ta-PER) will-improve be- (be) in ha-shana (ha-sha-NA) the-year ha-ba'a (ha-ba-A) the-coming
22.22a הַדֹּבֶרֶת the-spokesperson הִכְחִישָׁה denied כִּי that הָיוּ there-were שִׂיחוֹת talks חֲשָׁאִיּוֹת secret 22.22b ha-doveret (ha-do-VE-ret) the-spokesperson hekhkhisha (hekh-khi-SHA) denied ki (ki) that hayu (ha-YU) there-were sikhot (si-KHOT) talks khasha'iyot (kha-sha-i-YOT) secret
22.23a הִתְבָּרֵר it-became-clear שֶׁ that הַדּוֹ״ח the-report שֶׁ that פֻּרְסַם was-published שָׁגוּי erroneous 22.23b hitbarer (hit-ba-RER) it-became-clear she- (she) that ha-dakh (ha-DAKH) the-report she- (she) that pursam (pur-SAM) was-published shaguy (sha-GUY) erroneous
22.24a עֵדִים witnesses סִפְּרוּ told כִּי that רָאוּ they-saw אֶת (object) הָאֵרוּעַ the-event בְּעֵינֵיהֶם with-their-eyes 22.24b edim (e-DIM) witnesses sipru (sip-RU) told ki (ki) that ra'u (ra-U) they-saw et (et) (object) ha-eru'a (ha-e-RU-a) the-event be-einehem (be-ei-nei-HEM) with-their-eyes
22.25a הַמְּקוֹרוֹת the-sources מָסְרוּ reported שֶׁ that הַהַחְלָטָה the-decision תִּתְקַבֵּל will-be-accepted מָחָר tomorrow 22.25b ha-mekorot (ha-me-ko-ROT) the-sources masru (mas-RU) reported she- (she) that ha-hakhlata (ha-hakh-la-TA) the-decision titkabel (tit-ka-BEL) will-be-accepted makhar (ma-KHAR) tomorrow
22.26a נִמְסַר it-was-reported כִּי that הַנָּשִׂיא the-president יְבַקֵּר will-visit בַּמְּדִינָה in-the-country בְּחֹדֶשׁ in-month הַבָּא next 22.26b nimsar (nim-SAR) it-was-reported ki (ki) that ha-nasi (ha-na-SI) the-president yevaker (ye-va-KER) will-visit ba-medina (ba-me-di-NA) in-the-country be-khodesh (be-KHO-desh) in-month ha-ba (ha-BA) next
22.27a הַסֶּקֶר the-survey הֶרְאָה showed שֶׁ that רֹב majority הַצִּבּוּר the-public תּוֹמֵךְ supports בַּהַצָּעָה in-the-proposal 22.27b ha-seker (ha-SE-ker) the-survey her'a (her-A) showed she- (she) that rov (rov) majority ha-tsibur (ha-tsi-BUR) the-public tomekh (to-MEKH) supports ba-hatsa'a (ba-ha-tsa-A) in-the-proposal
22.28a הֻכְרַז it-was-announced כִּי that הַפֶּסְטִיבָל the-festival יִתְקַיֵּם will-take-place כַּמְּתֻכְנָן as-planned 22.28b hukhraz (hukh-RAZ) it-was-announced ki (ki) that ha-festival (ha-fes-ti-VAL) the-festival yitkayem (yit-ka-YEM) will-take-place ka-metuknan (ka-me-tukh-NAN) as-planned
22.29a הַמַּנְכָּ״ל the-CEO הוֹדָה admitted שֶׁ that הַחֲבֵרָה the-company נִמְצֵאת is-found בְּקשָׁיִים in-difficulties 22.29b ha-mankal (ha-man-KAL) the-CEO hoda (ho-DA) admitted she- (she) that ha-khavera (ha-kha-ve-RA) the-company nimtset (nim-TSET) is-found be-keshayim (be-ke-sha-YIM) in-difficulties
22.30a יֵשׁ there-are דִּווּחִים reports שֶׁ that הַמַּשָׂא the-negotiations וּמַתָּן and-discussions נִכְשַׁל failed 22.30b yesh (yesh) there-are divukhim (di-vu-KHIM) reports she- (she) that ha-masa (ha-ma-SA) the-negotiations u-matan (u-ma-TAN) and-discussions nikhshal (nikh-SHAL) failed
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22.16 רֹאשׁ הַמֶּמְשָׁלָה הוֹדִיעַ כִּי יִהְיוּ בְּחִירוֹת בְּמָרְץ׃ The Prime Minister announced that there will be elections in March.
22.17 הַמִּשְׁטָרָה גִּלְּתָה שֶׁהַחֲשׁוּד בָּרַח מִן הָאָרֶץ׃ The police discovered that the suspect fled from the country.
22.18 דֻּבַּר הַיּוֹם כִּי הַמְּחִירִים יַעֲלוּ בַּעֲשָׂרָה אָחוּז׃ It was reported today that prices will rise by ten percent.
22.19 הַשָּׂרָה אָמְרָה שֶׁהַתָּכְנִית תֵּצֵא לַפֹּעַל בְּקָרוֹב׃ The minister said that the plan will go into action soon.
22.20 נוֹדַע כִּי הַחֲבֵרָה מְתַכְנֶנֶת לְפַטֵּר עוֹבְדִים׃ It became known that the company plans to fire workers.
22.21 הַמּוֹמְחִים טוֹעֲנִים שֶׁהַמַּצָּב יִשְׁתַּפֵּר בַּשָּׁנָה הַבָּאָה׃ The experts claim that the situation will improve next year.
22.22 הַדֹּבֶרֶת הִכְחִישָׁה כִּי הָיוּ שִׂיחוֹת חֲשָׁאִיּוֹת׃ The spokesperson denied that there were secret talks.
22.23 הִתְבָּרֵר שֶׁהַדּוֹ״ח שֶׁפֻּרְסַם שָׁגוּי׃ It became clear that the report that was published is erroneous.
22.24 עֵדִים סִפְּרוּ כִּי רָאוּ אֶת הָאֵרוּעַ בְּעֵינֵיהֶם׃ Witnesses told that they saw the event with their own eyes.
22.25 הַמְּקוֹרוֹת מָסְרוּ שֶׁהַהַחְלָטָה תִּתְקַבֵּל מָחָר׃ The sources reported that the decision will be accepted tomorrow.
22.26 נִמְסַר כִּי הַנָּשִׂיא יְבַקֵּר בַּמְּדִינָה בְּחֹדֶשׁ הַבָּא׃ It was reported that the president will visit the country next month.
22.27 הַסֶּקֶר הֶרְאָה שֶׁרֹב הַצִּבּוּר תּוֹמֵךְ בַּהַצָּעָה׃ The survey showed that the majority of the public supports the proposal.
22.28 הֻכְרַז כִּי הַפֶּסְטִיבָל יִתְקַיֵּם כַּמְּתֻכְנָן׃ It was announced that the festival will take place as planned.
22.29 הַמַּנְכָּ״ל הוֹדָה שֶׁהַחֲבֵרָה נִמְצֵאת בְּקשָׁיִים׃ The CEO admitted that the company is in difficulties.
22.30 יֵשׁ דִּווּחִים שֶׁהַמַּשָׂא וּמַתָּן נִכְשַׁל׃ There are reports that the negotiations failed.
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22.16 רֹאשׁ הַמֶּמְשָׁלָה הוֹדִיעַ כִּי יִהְיוּ בְּחִירוֹת בְּמָרְץ׃
22.17 הַמִּשְׁטָרָה גִּלְּתָה שֶׁהַחֲשׁוּד בָּרַח מִן הָאָרֶץ׃
22.18 דֻּבַּר הַיּוֹם כִּי הַמְּחִירִים יַעֲלוּ בַּעֲשָׂרָה אָחוּז׃
22.19 הַשָּׂרָה אָמְרָה שֶׁהַתָּכְנִית תֵּצֵא לַפֹּעַל בְּקָרוֹב׃
22.20 נוֹדַע כִּי הַחֲבֵרָה מְתַכְנֶנֶת לְפַטֵּר עוֹבְדִים׃
22.21 הַמּוֹמְחִים טוֹעֲנִים שֶׁהַמַּצָּב יִשְׁתַּפֵּר בַּשָּׁנָה הַבָּאָה׃
22.22 הַדֹּבֶרֶת הִכְחִישָׁה כִּי הָיוּ שִׂיחוֹת חֲשָׁאִיּוֹת׃
22.23 הִתְבָּרֵר שֶׁהַדּוֹ״ח שֶׁפֻּרְסַם שָׁגוּי׃
22.24 עֵדִים סִפְּרוּ כִּי רָאוּ אֶת הָאֵרוּעַ בְּעֵינֵיהֶם׃
22.25 הַמְּקוֹרוֹת מָסְרוּ שֶׁהַהַחְלָטָה תִּתְקַבֵּל מָחָר׃
22.26 נִמְסַר כִּי הַנָּשִׂיא יְבַקֵּר בַּמְּדִינָה בְּחֹדֶשׁ הַבָּא׃
22.27 הַסֶּקֶר הֶרְאָה שֶׁרֹב הַצִּבּוּר תּוֹמֵךְ בַּהַצָּעָה׃
22.28 הֻכְרַז כִּי הַפֶּסְטִיבָל יִתְקַיֵּם כַּמְּתֻכְנָן׃
22.29 הַמַּנְכָּ״ל הוֹדָה שֶׁהַחֲבֵרָה נִמְצֵאת בְּקשָׁיִים׃
22.30 יֵשׁ דִּווּחִים שֶׁהַמַּשָׂא וּמַתָּן נִכְשַׁל׃
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Passive Constructions with "That" News Hebrew frequently uses passive forms with כִּי: -
נִמְסַר כִּי (nimsar ki) - "it was reported that" -
דֻּבַּר כִּי (dubar ki) - "it was said that" -
הֻכְרַז כִּי (hukhraz ki) - "it was announced that" -
נוֹדַע כִּי (noda ki) - "it became known that"
Choice Between שֶׁ and כִּי In news reporting: -
כִּי is preferred after verbs of communication (said, announced, reported) -
שֶׁ is used for embedded relative clauses within reported statements -
Both can appear in the same sentence for different functions
Impersonal Constructions Hebrew news uses impersonal forms to maintain objectivity: -
הִתְבָּרֵר שֶׁ (hitbarer she-) - "it became clear that" -
יֵשׁ דִּווּחִים שֶׁ (yesh divukhim she-) - "there are reports that"
Reporting Verb Patterns Common reporting verbs followed by כִּי: -
הוֹדִיעַ (hodi'a) - announced -
גִּלָּה (gila) - discovered/revealed -
טָעַן (ta'an) - claimed -
הִכְחִישׁ (hikhkhish) - denied -
הוֹדָה (hoda) - admitted -
מָסַר (masar) - reported/conveyed
Word Order in News Hebrew -
Often verb-first for dramatic effect or breaking news -
Subject follows verb in passive constructions -
Time expressions typically come early in the sentence
Formal Register Markers -
Preference for כִּי over colloquial שֶׁ in formal contexts -
Use of full forms rather than contractions -
Technical vocabulary and official titles
Common Mistakes to Avoid -
Using אֲשֶׁר in modern news contexts (too formal/archaic) -
Forgetting to attach שֶׁ to the following word -
Confusing when to use כִּי vs. שֶׁ after reporting verbs -
Using informal language in news writing
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The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering autodidactic approaches to classical and modern languages. These Hebrew lessons follow the Institute's proven methodology, which emphasizes:
Comprehensive Interlinear Glossing: Every lesson provides detailed word-by-word analysis with transliteration and pronunciation guides, allowing students to build vocabulary systematically while understanding grammatical structures.
Cultural and Literary Context: Rather than teaching language in isolation, each lesson incorporates authentic literary texts and cultural insights, helping learners understand not just how to speak Hebrew, but how Hebrew speakers think and express themselves.
Genre-Based Learning: By including specialized sections on different genres (news, literature, conversation), students gain exposure to various registers and styles of Hebrew, preparing them for real-world language use.
Self-Paced Structure: Designed specifically for autodidacts, these lessons can be studied independently without a teacher. The consistent format across all lessons allows learners to develop effective study habits and track their progress.
The Latinum Method: Drawing on classical language pedagogy, the Institute applies time-tested techniques to modern language learning. The interlinear approach, popularized in 19th-century classical education, proves equally effective for contemporary languages.
These lessons are particularly valuable for: -
Self-directed learners who prefer studying at their own pace -
Students seeking to understand Hebrew texts in religious or academic contexts -
Anyone interested in deep linguistic understanding rather than mere conversational ability -
Learners who appreciate structured, systematic approaches to language acquisition
The Latinum Institute's materials have received positive reviews from students worldwide. See reviews at: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
For more information about the Institute's methodology and full course offerings, visit the method page at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk
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