Hebrew Vowels: Kamets Hatuf

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The next Hebrew vowel is a variation of the Kamets that we discussed previously. It is called Kamets Hatuf, where the Hatuf is pronounced ha-toof; the h sound is the h or ch of the Hebrew letter Chet.

Kamets Hatuf looks identical to Kamets; it is like a small inverted T shape under the letter. However, it is pronounced o, like the English words on or gone. Almost always the normal Kamets is used (pronounced a), but in a small number of words Kamets Hatuf is used instead. Kamets Hatuf (pronounced o) is only used when there is a closed, unaccented syllable. In all other cases, it is the regular Kamets, pronounced a.

Here are two common Hebrew words which have Kamets Hatuf:

  all, each, every, used 3143 times in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).

This is pronounced kol, not kal.

  wisdom, used 77 times in the Tanakh.

This is pronounced hoch-ma, not hach-ma.

If you see what appears to be Kamets and you are not sure whether to pronounce it a or o, ask yourself two simple questions. Is the syllable open? If so, it is pronounced a. If the syllable is closed (meaning that it ends with a consonant), ask yourself a further question: does this syllable have an accent (i.e. is it accented)? If so, it is pronounced a. Otherwise, if the syllable is closed and there is no accent (as in the two examples above), it is pronounced o.

When we say an accented syllable, we mean literally that – the word has a Hebrew accent (one of the teamim, or cantillation marks) above or below the letter. We discuss the Hebrew accents in a separate group of lessons.

If you still find it difficult to tell when the Kamets is pronounced a or o, the best plan is to listen to Hebrew being read or spoken. With practice, you will soon find out which words are pronounced with which vowel sound. As always, experience is the best guide.

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