The letter ח, called khet, is pronounced like the “ch” sound in the German “doch” or the “j” in the Spanish “ojos” (IPA /x/). In Modern Hebrew, ח is pronounced the same as the second pronunciation of כ. This pronunciation will be represented by “kh” in this book. In English this letter is sometimes romanized as “ch”.
The letter ע, called ayin, in Modern Hebrew is either pronounced like a glottal stop (IPA /ʔ/) or is silent. Therefore it functions basically the same as א. When there is a glottal stop, it will be represented by ‘ in the pronunciation in this book.
The letter ק, called qof, is pronounced like the “k” sound in “kick” (IPA /k/). In Modern Hebrew ק is pronounced the same as the first pronunciation of כ.
TRY NOT TO CONFUSE
The letter ה, called he from Unit 3, resembles the new letter khet ח. The difference is that he has a small space between the left stroke and the top of the letter whereas khet is connected. Remember ה is pronounced “h” and ח is pronounced “kh”.
The new letter ע resembles the letter צ from Unit 6. Pay close attention to the bottom of each letter to not confuse them. Remember צ is pronounced “ts” and ע is pronounced as either a glottal stop or is silent.
PRACTICE
Try to read these Hebrew words. The English translation is given next to each word. The correct pronunciations are given in the answers below.
1. חזיר (pig)
2. אח (brother)
3. אחות (sister)
4. חנות (shop)
5. חלון (window)
6. כובע (hat)
7. נעל (shoe)
8. עצם (bone)
9. זקן (beard)
10. ירוק (green)
11. קרח (ice)
12. קטן (small)
ANSWERS
1. khazir
2. akh
3. akhot
4. khanut
5. khalon
6. kova
7. na’al
8. etsem
9. zakan
10. yarok
11. kerakh
12. katan