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Hebrew alphabet · Lesson 7 of 22

Zayin ז

Step 1 of 4

Meet Zayin

The seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Zayin makes a [z] sound, as in “zoo.”

Zayin Hebrew Letter (ז): Sound, Words & Practice

What you’ll learn

  • Recognize Zayin: ז.
  • Hear its [z] sound, as in “zoo.”
  • Read Zayin in real words like זְבוּב (fly).

How Zayin sounds

Zayin (ז) is the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Its name is pronounced 'zayin.' In modern Hebrew, the letter represents [z], like the 'z' in the English word 'zoo.'

Step 2 of 4

Zayin in real words

See Zayin in two new Hebrew words and a phrase, and review the Segol, Shuruk, Patah and Kamatz Gadol vowel marks from earlier letters.

Words to Practice:

זְבוּב

zvuv

fly (insect)

The Hebrew word זְבוּב [zvuv] means 'fly' (the insect) and has one syllable. It has four letters: Zayin (ז), Bet (ב), Vav (ו), and Bet (ב) again. In modern Hebrew, the initial Sheva is not pronounced as a separate vowel here, so the word begins [zv]. Both Bet letters have no Dagesh and represent [v]. Vav with Shuruk (וּ) supplies the vowel [u].

זֶה

ze

this/this is

The Hebrew word (זֶה) [ze], which translates to 'this' or 'this is' in English, consists of only two distinct letters: Zayin (ז) and Hey (ה). A Segol beneath the Zayin produces the [e] sound. The letter Hey has no vowel and, in this case, is silent at the end of the word.

זֶה אַבָּא

ze aba

This is Dad.

The Hebrew phrase זֶה אַבָּא [ze a-ba] consists of two familiar words: זֶה ('this') and אַבָּא ('dad' or 'father'). Together, they mean 'This is Dad.'

Conclusions

You've learned the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Zayin. We've learned two new words and a phrase that use Zayin. Now, let's practice to really remember it.

Step 3 of 4

Put it into practice

Choose an answer, check it, then read the explanation.

Question 1 of 14 Choose one answer

Find the letter 'Zayin' among the given Hebrew letters.

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: ז

The Hebrew letter Zayin (ז) is the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It represents the [z] sound, like in the English word 'zebra.'

Question 2 of 14 True or false

Does the letter Zayin (זֶ) marked with Segol produce the [ze] sound?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: True

Segol represents the [e] sound, and when combined with Zayin (זֶ), it produces [ze].

Question 3 of 14 Choose one answer

How do you pronounce the Hebrew word for 'this' (זֶה)?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: [ze]

The Hebrew word 'זֶה' consists of Zayin (ז) with Segol, producing [ze], and Hey (ה), which is silent in this case. Together, they form [ze].

Question 4 of 14 Choose one answer

How do you pronounce the letter Hey (הָ) when marked with Kamatz Gadol?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: [ha]

Kamatz Gadol represents [a] in modern Hebrew. When combined with Hey (הָ), it produces [ha].

Question 5 of 14 True or false

Does the letter Zayin (זָ) marked with Kamatz Gadol produce the [za] sound?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: True

Kamatz Gadol represents the [a] sound. When combined with Zayin (זָ), it produces [za].

Question 6 of 14 Choose one answer

How is Bet (ב) without Dagesh pronounced, as at the end of זְבוּב?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: [v]

Bet without Dagesh represents [v], like the final sound in 'love.' Bet with Dagesh (בּ) represents [b].

Question 7 of 14 Choose one answer

How is the word 'זָהָב' pronounced?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: [za-hav]

The word זָהָב means 'gold' and has two syllables: [za-hav]. Zayin with Kamatz Gadol (זָ) produces [za], Hey with Kamatz Gadol (הָ) produces [ha], and the final Bet without Dagesh represents [v]. The final [v] closes the second syllable.

Question 8 of 14 Choose one answer

How is the letter Bet (בַ) without Dagesh and marked with Patah pronounced?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: [va]

Patah represents [a] in modern Hebrew. When combined with Bet (בַ) without Dagesh, it produces [va].

Question 9 of 14 True or false

Does Vav (וֹ) with Holam Male produce the [vi] sound?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: False

Holam Male (וֹ) represents [o]. Keep the vowel steady; the English vowel in 'goat' is only an approximation. This form does not produce [vi].

Question 10 of 14 Choose one answer

How is the letter Gimel (גָ) pronounced when marked with Kamatz Gadol?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: [ga]

Kamatz Gadol represents the [a] sound. When combined with Gimel (גָ), it produces [ga].

Question 11 of 14 True or false

In modern Hebrew, does Zayin (ז) represent the [ts] sound?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: False

In modern Hebrew, Zayin (ז) represents [z], like the 'z' in 'zoo.' It does not represent [ts].

Question 12 of 14 Choose one answer

Which Hebrew word means 'fly' (the insect)?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: זְבוּב

The Hebrew word for 'fly' (the insect) is זְבוּב [zvuv]. It has one syllable.

Question 13 of 14 Choose one answer

What is the correct transliteration of the Hebrew word זֶה?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: [ze]

The word זֶה is transliterated as 'ze,' meaning 'this' or 'this is.'

Question 14 of 14 Choose one answer

Which Hebrew phrase means 'This is Dad'?

Source answer and explanation

Source answer: זֶה אַבָּא

The Hebrew phrase זֶה אַבָּא [ze a-ba] means 'This is Dad.'

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