Lesson 6 · 15 min
The Word אֶת (Direct Object Marker)
אֶת (et) is one of the most common words in Hebrew — and it has no English translation. It marks a definite direct object: it points at the specific thing the verb acts on.
Use אֶת Before Definite Objects
When the object has הַ, is a name, or is otherwise specific — put אֶת in front of it. Flip the switch — watch אֶת appear only for the definite object.
I see the boy
אֲנִי רוֹאֶה אֶת הַיֶּלֶד
She reads the book
הִיא קוֹרֵאת אֶת הַסֵּפֶר
He closes the door
הוּא סוֹגֵר אֶת הַדֶּלֶת
Needs אֶת?
If the object is 'a something' (no הַ, not a name), drop the אֶת.
- I see the dogאֲנִי רוֹאֶה הַכֶּלֶב
- I see a boyאֲנִי רוֹאֶה יֶלֶד
- She loves Davidהִיא אוֹהֶבֶת דָּוִד
- We eat an appleאֲנַחְנוּ אוֹכְלִים תַּפּוּחַ
- He closes the doorהוּא סוֹגֵר הַדֶּלֶת
- She reads a bookהִיא קוֹרֵאת סֵפֶר
אֶת + Pronoun Endings
'Me', 'him', 'her' as objects are built from אֶת plus an ending. Tap to flip.
Quick check
Which is correct for 'I see the dog'?
When you’re ready, mark this book done.