How English and Other Languages Express “To Have”
In English, the verb “to have” is fundamental. It allows speakers to indicate possession, relationships, obligations, and much more, as in “I have a book” or “She has a cat.” Many other languages, such as French (“avoir”), Spanish (“tener”), or German (“haben”), also use a dedicated verb for possession.
This approach feels natural to speakers of these languages, making the absence of such a verb in Hebrew especially noticeable to learners.
How Hebrew Expresses Possession
In Hebrew, rather than using a verb like “to have,” the language employs a prepositional construction to convey possession. The most common structure is:
יש לי (yesh li) – literally “there is to me”
For example:
- יש לי ספר (yesh li sefer) – “I have a book” (literally: “There is to me a book”)
- יש לה חתול (yesh la chatul) – “She has a cat” (literally: “There is to her a cat”)
- יש לנו זמן (yesh lanu zman) – “We have time” (literally: “There is to us time”)
The phrase יש (yesh) means “there is” or “there are,” and it is followed by an indirect object (using the appropriate pronoun suffix) to indicate the possessor.
Why Doesn’t Hebrew Use a Verb for “To Have”?
The absence of a verb for “to have” in Hebrew is rooted in the language’s Semitic structure. Ancient Semitic languages, from which Hebrew descends, typically did not use a dedicated verb for possession. Instead, they relied on existential constructions, as seen in other related languages such as Arabic (“عندي” – “ʿindī”, “with me”).
This structure emphasizes the existence of something in relation to a person, rather than direct ownership. It reflects a different conceptual approach to possession—one that sees belongings as present with, or related to, a person rather than strictly “owned” by them.
Learning Tips: Mastering Possession in Hebrew
For learners, especially those using platforms like Talkpal, getting comfortable with this construction is a key step toward fluency. Here are some tips to help you master possession in Hebrew:
- Practice the Pronouns: Make sure you know the indirect object pronouns (לי, לך, לו, לה, לנו, לכם, להם, etc.), as these are essential in expressing possession.
- Think in Structures: Instead of translating directly from your native language, try to think in the Hebrew structure: “There is to me…”
- Listen and Repeat: Listen for “yesh” phrases in conversations or language learning materials, and repeat them to internalize the pattern.
- Notice the Negative: The negative form uses אין (ein), as in אין לי זמן (“I don’t have time” – literally “There is not to me time”).
How This Affects Other Areas of Hebrew Grammar
This unique way of expressing possession influences other aspects of Hebrew grammar. For example, it impacts how you talk about family, relationships, availability, or even obligations (“I have to…” is expressed using a different structure: צריך “tsarikh” or צריכה “tsrikha”).
It also fosters a mindset shift for learners, encouraging you to break away from direct translation and instead embrace the logic and flow of Hebrew itself.
Conclusion: Embracing the Hebrew Way
Understanding why Hebrew doesn’t have a verb for “to have” is more than just a grammar point—it’s a window into how the language and its speakers view relationships and existence. By mastering this unique structure, you’ll not only speak more naturally but also deepen your appreciation for the richness and history of Hebrew. If you’re learning with Talkpal or on your own, remember: embracing these differences is key to real fluency and confidence in Hebrew communication.
