Hebrew Point Segol

It adds an e vowel to the Hebrew consonant it marks. In בֶ, segol sits below ב and supplies the vowel. Hebrew writing generally records consonants without most vowels. Niqqud—the Hebrew vowel-point system—makes pronunciation explicit where readers need it.

Segol belongs to the Tiberian pointing system, developed by Jewish scholars called Masoretes in Tiberias during the early Islamic period. The earliest surviving evidence for this form is in manuscripts; the Leningrad Codex, copied in the 11th century, is one later witness. Palestinian and Babylonian pointing were related systems with different sign inventories. Tiberian later became the standard written system, even where oral readings differed.

Enter the mark after its Hebrew consonant. In Keyman Galaxie Hebrew Mnemonic 3.3.1, press # or è after the consonant.

Is segol the same as tsere?

They are different spellings, though Israeli Hebrew usually merges their sounds. The Tiberian reading tradition distinguished segol from tsere; contemporary Israeli Hebrew usually gives both the e sound in “bed.” A pointed word still uses one spelling, so the marks are not interchangeable.

Hataf segol is a related Hebrew vowel point: it marks a reduced, shorter e vowel.

How do I type Hebrew segol?

Enter the consonant first, then segol. In Hebrew text, type ב followed by ֶ to get בֶ. Another Hebrew mark can share that base, as in בֶּ.

Font rendering affects mark placement; keep the point and its consonant together on one line.