Chapter 5 - Definite Article Prefixed to Gutteral Consonants

Question 1

Rule: Compensatory Lengthening

Answer 1

When the initial consonant of a noun is a guttural (א, ע, ח), the Patach (short ‘a’) vowel of the definite article lengthens to a Qamets (long ‘a’).
Example: אִישׁ (a man) becomes הָאִישׁ (the man)

Question 1

When a definite article is added to nouns beginning with guttural consonants (א, ע, ח, ה), these consonants cannot take a Dagesh Forte. Instead, compensatory changes occur:

Answer 1

Compensatory Lengthening: The Patach (short ‘a’) vowel of the definite article lengthens to a Qamets (long ‘a’) to compensate for the loss of the Dagesh Forte.
Virtual Doubling: When ה or ח is the first consonant, the Dagesh Forte is rejected without lengthening the vowel.
Irregular Seghol Vowel: Before nouns that begin with unaccented ה, ח, or ע, the definite article appears with a Seghol vowel and without the Dagesh Forte.

Question 2

Rule: Irregular Seghol Vowel

Before nouns that begin with unaccented ה, ח, or ע, the definite article appears with a Seghol vowel and without the Dagesh Forte. (note I couldn’t get vowels to appear on consonants)

Answer 2

Example: חָכָם (a wise man) becomes הֶחָכָם (the wise man)
Example: עָנָן (a cloud) becomes הֶעָנָן (the cloud)

Question 2

Rule: Virtual Doubling

Answer 2

When ה or ח is the first consonant, the Dagesh Forte is rejected without lengthening the vowel.
Example: הֵיכָל (a palace) becomes הַהֵיכָל (the palace)