Spelling systems
Different ways to write in Hebrew
There are three different word spellings systems in Modern Hebrew, you can read about each of them below. This dictionary focuses on 'ktiv menukad' and 'ktiv haser' spelling systems, the vowelized 'ktiv menukad' spellings are always present. In some (but not all) cases 'ktiv male' ones are exemplified.
'Ktiv menukad' (כתיב מנוקד)
Originally, Hebrew was written without any vowels or vowel symbols at all. Being the language of holy texts, where special attention was paid to pronunciation, the language acquired a system of symbols for correct vowels and syllables pronunciation - 'nikud' (ניקוד). The form of writing with them is called 'ktiv menukad' (כתיב מנוקד).
Sample: 'KUTONET' ('T-Shirt') with 'nikud'
- Holy texts (Torah and others) and prayers
- Textbooks for children and language beginners
- Dictionaries
'Ktiv haser' (כתיב חסר)
In everyday language use, the presence of pronunciation 'nikud' (ניקוד) symbols is felt redundant by native speakers. If a person knows the words, these symbols make reading harder, not easier. Also they are unsuitable for routine writing.
Sample: 'KUTONET' ('T-Shirt') without 'nikud'
- Colloquial writing (sometimes replaced with 'ktiv male')
- Newspapers, books (sometimes replaced with 'ktiv male')
- Subtitles (sometimes replaced with 'ktiv male')
- Road and shop signs (sometimes replaced with 'ktiv male')
'Ktiv male' (כתיב מלא)
In order to make reading and writing easier and to reduce confusing spellings, 'ktiv male' (כתיב מלא) have been introduced - the spelling system, where specific vowel sounds are identified by specific letters in all cases.
Sample: 'KUTONET' ('T-Shirt') with extra letters
- Colloquial writing
- Newspapers, books
- Subtitles
- Road and shop signs