Lsn9

Hebrew 1 - Lesson 9

Lesson 9 introduces the direct object indicator "Et". It is also the Hebrew equivalent to the prepositions to/for. In Hebrew, a definite direct object is preceded by a direct object indicator (some people use a simple name 'particle' ) "ET". Generally speaking, a direct object is a noun that receives the action of the verb predicate.

I study the lesson.	.
I am reading the book.	.......
I drink the coffee.	.Shoteh/Shota
I buy the newspaper.
I write the letter.	.........
I want the cake.	...

Examples for sentences with "in direct" object:

I work at UVM.
I eat at home.
I talk with the student
I write to my brother.

Sentences with direct object but not definite:

I study a lesson.	.
I am reading a book.	.......
I drink coffee.	.Shoteh/Shota
I buying a newspaper.
I am writing a letter.	.........
I want a cake.	...

Definite by logic:

Uri, Orit, Burlington, Jerusalem, Israel.

I see Uri.
I hear Orit.
I know Uri.
I love Orit.

Indefinite according to Hebrew:

Math, physics, geography, German, English, Hebrew.

An alternative approach

If none of the above makes sense, or if you don't remember, there is an alternative test that you can apply. See if there is any other preposition in between the verb and the definite object. If there is a preposition, that means the object is not direct and there is no room for "ET".

To be more on the practical side: if you have a thought that you want to translate to Hebrew write it down in English and check the following: Between, the verb and the definite object, is there: in/at/on, with, about to, for from? If yes, don't add "ET".

To......

Lesson 9 also introduces the Hebrew equivalent of the prepositions For/To.
Combination of prepositions:
When the preposition

"Leh" (to/for) is used for a definite noun, two things happen:
1)The Hebrew definite article

"Ha" is dropped.
2)The preposition "Leh" (to/for), gets the vowel of the "Ha" and becomes "La".
A similar concept was introduce in lesson 5 regarding "Beh" / "Ba".

Hebrew/English differences Despite the similarity in sentence structure between Hebrew and English, some sentences cannot be translated literally. One of the reasons for that is that (similar to the problem with vowel match up) some vocab has a close equivalent in the other language but not a direct translation.

To express the idea that is embedded in the sentence "I have to talk to my teacher", the Hebrew text should be: I have to talk with my teacher.

To express the idea that is embedded in the sentence "I help Gidon", the Hebrew text should be: I help to Gidon. Since there is a need for a preposition there will not be "ET"

In this example it is only the prepositions that are dealt differently between the two languages

In the following example the verb also has to be replaced. To express the idea that is embedded in the sentence "They are traveling to Europe", that is a valid statement right?

the Hebrew text should be: "They are going(not walking) to Europe. Translating the thought: "They are traveling in Europe can be translated literally.