Preposition Rules Flashcards
How do Hebrew prepositions function?
Much like English prepositions.
What is the word following the preposition called?
The object of the preposition.
What are the three types of Hebrew Prepositions?
- Independent
- Maqqef which are prepositions connected to the word they modify my a raised horizontal stroke called a maqqef.
- Inseparable prepositions which are connected directly to their objects.
What are the three inseparable prepositions?
בְּ / לְ / כְּ These prepositions NEVER occur independently
What will appear before most consonants with an inseparable preposition?
A vocal shewa
What happens when an inseparable preposition is connected to a word beginning with a reduced/ hateph vowel?
The inseparable preposition will be spelled with the corresponding short vowel of the hateph vowel.
What happens when an inseparable preposition connects to a word which begins with a vocal shewa?
The shewa under the inseparable preposition reduces to a hireq.
What happens when an inseparable preposition is connected with a word which has the definite article and daghesh forte?
The vowel markings are retained but the ה is replaced by the consonant of the preposition.
What is unique about the preposition מִן?
It can function as a inseparable preposition or a maqqef prepositioin.
If it functions as an inseparable preposition נ is dropped and turns into a daghesh forte, but this daghesh forte is rejected by gutterals ( ר א ח ה ע) resulting in either compensatory lengthening or virtual doubling.
What are three special uses of the preposition מִן?
- Comparative use “better than”
- Superlative use “the most”
- Partitive use “some of”
Bonus question on the definite article marker:
Definite direct objects are usually marked with the accusative marker אֵת / אֶת־
It is used in Hebrew prose and has a grammatical function that has no translation value.
Is the definite object marker אֵת / אֶת־ ever translated?
No
