The Basics: What are Possessive Pronouns?

Possessive pronouns are an essential part of any language, indicating ownership or possession. In English, these include words such as “my,” “your,” “his,” “her,” “its,” “our,” and “their.” Hebrew is no exception, and understanding its possessive pronouns is key to mastering this ancient and rich language.

Hebrew Possessive Pronouns: Construct State (Smichut)

In Hebrew, possessive pronouns are expressed through the construct state (smichut in Hebrew). This form is created by combining a noun with a following noun or a pronoun, enabling you to express the relationship between the two words, such as ownership or belonging.

Possessive Pronoun Suffixes in Hebrew

In Hebrew, possessive pronouns are appended to a noun or their construct state form as suffixes. Attached directly to the noun or construct, these suffixes indicate who the possession belongs to. Here’s a breakdown of the singular and plural forms of Hebrew possessive pronoun suffixes:

Examples of Hebrew Possessive Pronouns in Action

To better illustrate the usage of Hebrew possessive pronouns, let’s examine some examples:

1. My book: ספרי (sefer + i = sefari)
2. Your (masculine) car: מכוניתך (mekhonit + kha = mekhonitkha)
3. Her dog: כלבה (kelev + a = kelba)
4. Our home: ביתנו (bayit + nu = beitenu)

Conclusion

In summary, understanding possessive pronouns in Hebrew grammar requires comprehending the construct state (smichut) and the attachment of suffixes to indicate possession. By learning and practicing these forms, you will enhance your communication skills in Hebrew, connecting with Hebrew speakers in a more meaningful and natural way.