Meet the Hebrew alphabet

22 letters. A new way to read the world.

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The Hebrew alphabet, also called the aleph-bet, has 22 letters. Start with a few familiar shapes, listen to their names and explore a word together. The chart includes five forms used only at the end of a word.

Hebrew reads from right to left. Most letters represent consonants; vowel marks called nikud help beginners know which vowels to say. These English sound hints use modern Israeli pronunciation, while some families and communities use other traditions.

A letter can also represent a number in Hebrew. The values below show the ordinary gematria system. For a first reading lesson, focus on recognizing shapes and sounds before exploring numerical patterns.

Frequently asked questions

How many letters are in the Hebrew alphabet?

There are 22 letters. Five have a different shape at the end of a word; these final forms do not increase the count to 27.

Is Hebrew written from right to left?

Yes. Hebrew words begin on the right. The English instructions and English names on this page read from left to right.

What do the numbers beside the letters mean?

They are ordinary gematria values, used in Hebrew numbering. They are not pronunciation instructions or a prediction about a person.

Explore each letter

Aleph (AH-lef)

Usually silent; carries a vowel

Value: 1

Bet (bet)

b as in ball; v without the dot

Value: 2

Gimel (GEE-mel)

g as in goat

Value: 3

Dalet (DAH-let)

d as in door

Value: 4

He (heh)

h as in hat; often silent at word endings

Value: 5

Vav (vahv)

v; also o or u with vowel marks

Value: 6

Zayin (ZAH-yin)

z as in zebra

Value: 7

Het (khet)

kh, like the ch in Scottish loch

Value: 8

Tet (tet)

t as in top

Value: 9

Yod (yohd)

y as in yes; also helps mark i

Value: 10

Kaf (kahf)

k with a dot; kh without it

Value: 20 · Final form: ך

Lamed (LAH-med)

l as in leaf

Value: 30

Mem (mem)

m as in moon

Value: 40 · Final form: ם

Nun (noon)

n as in nest

Value: 50 · Final form: ן

Samekh (SAH-mekh)

s as in sun

Value: 60

Ayin (AH-yin)

Often silent in modern Israeli speech

Value: 70

Pe (peh)

p with a dot; f without it

Value: 80 · Final form: ף

Tsadi (TSAH-dee)

ts as in cats

Value: 90 · Final form: ץ

Qof (kohf)

k as in kite

Value: 100

Resh (resh)

r; often made at the back of the mouth

Value: 200

Shin (sheen)

sh with a right dot; s with a left dot

Value: 300

Tav (tahv)