Hebrew verbs are built around a system of patterns called Binyanim (בניינים, meaning "buildings" or "constructions"). These structures determine a verb's meaning, voice (active/passive), and intensity. Mastering the seven Binyanim is essential for fluency because they shape how verbs express actions, states, and relationships.

Here’s a breakdown of each Binyan, its function, and examples to help you understand their usage.

1. פָּעַל (Pa’al) – The Simple Active Binyan

Function: The most basic form, used for simple, active verbs.

Examples:

• כָּתַב (katav) – "he wrote"

• אָכַל (akhal) – "he ate"

• שָׁמַר (shamar) – "he guarded"

This is the default form for most verbs in Hebrew and is neutral in voice (neither reflexive nor passive).

2. פִּעֵל (Pi’el) – The Intensive Active Binyan

Function: Adds intensity, repetition, or causation to the verb.

Examples:

• דִּבֵּר (diber) – "he spoke" (more emphatic than Pa’al)

• לִמֵּד (limed) – "he taught" (causing someone to learn)

• שִׁבֵּר (shiber) – "he smashed" (stronger than "broke")

Pi’el often turns a basic action into a more forceful or deliberate one.

3. הִפְעִיל (Hif’il) – The Causative Active Binyan

Function: Indicates causing someone else to do something.

Examples:

• הִכְנִיס (hikhnis) – "he brought in" (caused to enter)

• הִרְגִּישׁ (hirgish) – "he made someone feel"

• הִדְלִיק (hidlik) – "he turned on (a light)"

Hif’il is essential for expressing indirect actions ("made X do Y").

4. הִתְפַּעֵל (Hitpa’el) – The Reflexive Binyan

Function: Used for reflexive, reciprocal, or self-directed actions.

Examples:

• הִתְרַחֵץ (hitrakhets) – "he washed himself"

• הִתְכַּשֵּׁר (hitkasher) – "he called (himself)"

• הִתְפַּלֵּא (hitpale) – "he wondered"

This Binyan often describes actions done to oneself or mutual actions ("they hugged each other").

5. נִפְעַל (Nif’al) – The Simple Passive Binyan

Function: The passive counterpart to Pa’al.

Examples:

• נִכְתַּב (nikhtav) – "it was written"

• נֶאֱכַל (ne’ekhal) – "it was eaten"

• נִשְׁמַר (nishmar) – "it was guarded"

Nif’al is used when the subject is acted upon rather than doing the action.

6. פֻּעַל (Pu’al) – The Intensive Passive Binyan

Function: The passive form of Pi’el.

Examples:

• דֻּבַּר (dubar) – "it was spoken"

• לֻמַּד (lumad) – "it was taught"

• שֻׁבַּר (shubar) – "it was smashed"

Pu’al is less common in modern Hebrew but appears in formal or literary contexts.

7. הֻפְעַל (Huf’al) – The Causative Passive Binyan

Function: The passive form of Hif’il.

Examples:

• הֻכְנַס (hukhnas) – "it was brought in"

• הֻרְגַּשׁ (hurgash) – "it was made to feel"

• הֻדְלַק (hudlak) – "it was turned on"

Huf’al is rare in everyday speech but appears in legal, academic, or technical language.

Why Learn the Binyanim?

Understanding Binyanim helps you:✔ Conjugate verbs correctly✔ Grasp nuances in meaning (e.g., "break" vs. "shatter")✔ Recognize passive vs. active voice✔ Decipher advanced Hebrew texts

While some Binyanim (like Pu’al and Huf’al) are less common, knowing them improves comprehension of formal Hebrew, including biblical and modern literature.

Final Tip

Practice by identifying Binyanim in real sentences. Over time, you’ll naturally recognize patterns and use them effortlessly!

Would you like a breakdown of verb conjugation within each Binyan? Let me know how I can help further!