U05B7

U+05B7, named HEBREW POINT PATAH, is a Unicode code point in the Hebrew block. It is one of the niqquim, the system of diacritic vowel signs used to indicate vowel quality in pointed Hebrew text. In Unicode it is encoded as a combining mark, belonging to the general category Mn, and is designed to attach to the preceding consonant rather than standing as a separate character.

Function and usage: The patah represents a short open vowel sound, typically transcribed as /a/. It appears under a consonant in pointed Hebrew text to guide pronunciation. Modern everyday Hebrew writing often omits niqquim, but they are still used in liturgical texts, language learning materials, dictionaries, and pedagogical resources to indicate vocalization and pronunciation.

Encoding and rendering: As a combining diacritic, U+05B7 relies on the base consonant to define its position and appearance. Rendering can vary by font, but the diacritic is designed to align with the consonant it accompanies. It is commonly used in conjunction with other niqquim or cantillation marks in more fully pointed texts.

Relation to related signs: U+05B7 is part of the broader set of Hebrew niqquim, which includes signs for other vowel sounds such as patah, qamats, hireq, tsere, and segol. These marks together provide a complete vocalization system for Hebrew script.

See also: Hebrew niqquim, Unicode Hebrew block, HEBREW POINT QAMATS.