The Big Six Vowels • The Masoretes

Start simple
Six everyday signs cover most beginner texts

Say them
Voice beats silent reading for vowels

Sheva
Two vertical dots: silent or quick “ih”

Next step
Full charts after you master these

I. Your starter kit

Tiberian Hebrew has a rich vowel inventory. Beginners thrive when they master a core set first. Below, each sign is shown under the letter bet so you can compare shapes easily. Approximate English sounds are teaching shortcuts—not perfect phonetics.

בַ

Pataḥ

“a” as in father (short)

One horizontal line under the letter.

בָ

Qamats

Often “a” (or “o” in some traditions)

Looks like a little “T” under the letter.

בִ

Ḥireq

“i” as in machine

A single dot under the letter.

בֵ

Tsere

“e” as in they

Two side-by-side dots under the letter.

בֹ

Ḥolam

“o” as in go

A dot above (or on a vav: וֹ).

בּוּ

Shuruq

“u” as in flute

Vav with a mid-dot: וּ.

II. Meet the sheva

Two vertical dots under a letter (בְ) form a sheva. Sometimes it is silent (just closes a syllable). Sometimes it is a quick, reduced “ih.” Context decides. For now, when you see sheva at the start of a syllable in beginner words, try a light “ih.”

III. Sound out these friendly words

Hebrew	Approx. sound	Meaning
שָׁלוֹם	sha-LOM	Peace / hello
אֵם	em	Mother
אָב	av	Father
אוֹר	or	Light
תּוֹרָה	to-RAH	Torah / instruction

Family challenge: Cover the “Approx. sound” column. Take turns reading. Uncover to check. Celebrate near-misses—ears learn by trying.

IV. Optional deeper chart

Curious adults can browse a fuller overview on Wikipedia: Niqqud and the site module on Vocalization. Kids can skip this until the big six feel easy.