Lesson 126: Verb Patterns (Binyanim)
Every Hebrew verb belongs to one of seven patterns — בִּנְיָנִים (binyanim, literally “buildings”) — layered onto a three-letter root. The pattern signals whether the action is simple, causative, reflexive, or passive. Tap any line to hear it.
Simple action (pa’al)
אֲנִי לוֹמֵד עִבְרִית.
ani lomed ivrit.
I’m learning Hebrew.
הוּא כָּתַב מִכְתָּב.
hu katav michtav.
He wrote a letter.
Intensive and causative (pi’el, hif’il)
הַמּוֹרָה מְלַמֶּדֶת אוֹתָנוּ.
hamora melamedet otanu.
The teacher teaches us. (pi’el)
הוּא הִדְלִיק אֶת הָאוֹר.
hu hidlik et ha’or.
He turned on the light. (hif’il)
Reflexive and passive (hitpa’el, nif’al)
אֲנִי מִתְלַבֵּשׁ מַהֵר.
ani mitlabesh maher.
I get dressed quickly. (hitpa’el)
הַדֶּלֶת נִסְגְּרָה.
hadelet nisgera.
The door closed / was closed. (nif’al)