הַ־
ha-
The English phrase "the" is translated into Hebrew as הַ־ (ha-).
Meaning: article (article)
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike in English, where "the" is a separate word, the Hebrew definite article הַ־ is a prefix that is attached directly to the beginning of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
ha-
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to place the article before a preposition. However, in Hebrew, the article must be attached to the noun that follows the preposition.
Did you know?
- Hebrew does not have an indefinite article like 'a' or 'an'. To say 'a book', you simply use the word for 'book' without הַ־.
- In certain poetic or biblical contexts, the article הַ־ can be used to turn a common noun into a proper name or a title of high honor.
- In Hebrew, you cannot put הַ־ before an adjective to say 'the [adjective] one'. Instead, you must attach the article to the noun itself, even if the adjective comes first.
Examples in context
- הַכֶּלֶבThe dog
- הַחֲתוּלThe cat
