Modern Hebrew Language

Modern Hebrew, or Ivrit, is the standard form of the Hebrew language spoken today in Israel and by Jewish communities worldwide.

Revived from ancient Hebrew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Modern Hebrew is a vibrant, living language used in everyday communication, education, and media.

Key Features of Modern Hebrew:

  • Alphabet: Uses the Hebrew script, consisting of 22 consonants and written from right to left. Vowel sounds are indicated by diacritical marks called niqqud, though these are often omitted in everyday writing.
  • Grammar: Features a root-based system where most words are derived from three-consonant roots, leading to a rich morphology and various word forms.
  • Vocabulary: Incorporates ancient Hebrew words, as well as modern terms borrowed from other languages like English, Russian, and Arabic to accommodate contemporary life.
  • Pronunciation: Standard Modern Hebrew pronunciation is based on the Sephardic tradition, with some influences from Ashkenazi Hebrew.

Modern Hebrew is used in all facets of life in Israel, from government and business to education and culture. Learning Modern Hebrew opens up opportunities to engage with Israeli culture, literature, and history, and to communicate with Hebrew speakers worldwide.

Scroll to Top