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Hebrew has seven verb patterns (binyanim) that systematically modify root meanings. Pa'al (active simple), Pi'el (intensive/causative), Hif'il (causative), Hitpa'el (reflexive/reciprocal), Nif'al (passive/middle), Pu'al (passive intensive), Hof'al (passive causative). Mastering all seven turns ~3000 root systems into ~21000+ functional verbs. This lesson reviews each binyan with examples, common irregular verbs, and the patterns that bind them. After this lesson you can read most Hebrew text without grammar guessing.
Cultural note, The 7-binyan system is what makes Hebrew elegantly compact. Once you see how כ-ת-ב (write) generates katav (he wrote, Pa'al), kitav (he addressed, Pi'el), hichtiv (he dictated, Hif'il), hitkattav (they corresponded, Hitpa'el), nichtav (it was written, Nif'al), kutav (it was addressed, Pu'al), huchtav (it was dictated, Hof'al), Hebrew opens up. Native Israelis don't memorize tables, they hear the pattern.
Pa'al: Simple Active
Pi'el: Intensive/Causative
Hif'il: Causative
Hitpa'el: Reflexive/Reciprocal
Nif'al/Pu'al/Hof'al: Passive Patterns
Same Root, Seven Patterns: Walking K-T-B Through All Binyanim
The triliteral root K-T-B (write) generates seven distinct verb meanings. Master this for any other root.