אָלֶף־בֵּית
alef-bétmasculine
The Hebrew word for "alphabet" is אָלֶף־בֵּית (alef-bét). Wiktionary also lists אָלֶפְבֵּית (alefbét).
Meaning: an ordered set of letters used in a language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| אָלֶף־בֵּית | alef-bét | masculine |
| אָלֶפְבֵּית | alefbét | masculine |
The term refers to an ordered set of letters used in a language.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the first two letters of the Hebrew alphabet: 'Aleph' (א) and 'Bet' (ב).
How does it change in a sentence?
Both forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
alef-bét
Did you know?
- In some religious contexts, the letters of the אָלֶף־בֵּית are seen as the building blocks of the universe. Tradition suggests that God used these letters to create the world.
- English speakers use 'alphabet' because of the Greek words 'alpha' and 'beta', but these are actually derived from the Hebrew אָלֶף and בֵּית.
- The word אָלֶף־בֵּית is used as a metaphor for the basics of any subject. If you are learning the אָלֶף־בֵּית of a topic, you are learning its absolute fundamentals.
Examples in context
- היום נלמד את האָלֶף-בֵּית העבריToday we will learn the Hebrew alphabet
- היום אני מתחיל ללמוד את הא׳ב העברי!Today I am starting to learn the Hebrew alphabet!
- הוא לומד את הָאָלֶף־בֵּית.hu lomed et ha-alef-beit.He is learning the alphabet.
- הילד כותב את הָאָלֶף־בֵּית.hayeled kotev et ha-alef-beit.The boy is writing the alphabet.
Example conversation
A teacher is helping a student with a Hebrew lesson.
- מאיה Mayaדניאל, אתה מכיר את הָאָלֶף־בֵּית?Daniel, ata makir et ha-alef-beit?Daniel, do you know the alphabet?
- דניאל Danielכן, אני יודע את כל האותיות.Ken, ani yode'a et kol ha-otiot.Yes, I know all the letters.
- מאיה Mayaמצוין, בוא נתרגל עכשיו.Metsuyan, bo netargel achshav.Excellent, let's practice now.
- דניאל Danielאני מוכן להתחיל.Ani mukhan le-atchil.I am ready to start.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alphabet” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
