shevaim

Shevaim (plural of *sheva*, Hebrew: שְׁוָאִים) are a type of diacritical mark used in the Hebrew script to indicate a *shva* (שְׁוָא), a short vowel sound. The *sheva* is one of the primary vowel marks in Hebrew, alongside the *cholem*, *patach*, *kamatz*, *tzipori*, and *hiriq*. Unlike other vowel marks, the *sheva* can appear in multiple forms depending on its position and function within a word.

The *sheva* serves several roles in Hebrew pronunciation and grammar. In its most common form, it represents a glottal stop or a very brief vowel sound, often transcribed as a schwa (ə) in English. However, its pronunciation can vary based on context, such as appearing as a silent marker in certain positions or influencing stress patterns. The *sheva* also plays a role in defining word boundaries and distinguishing between different words that might otherwise be identical without it.

There are several variants of the *sheva*, each denoted by a distinct diacritical mark:

- The *sheva na* (שְׁוָא נָא) is the most common form, appearing as a small dot beneath the consonant it modifies.

- The *sheva* can also appear as a *sheva* *cofi* (שְׁוָא קוֹפִי), a small dot above the consonant, often indicating a lighter or silent vowel sound.

- In some cases, the *sheva* may be written as a *sheva* *muqdam* (שְׁוָא מוּקְדָם), where the dot is placed before the consonant, typically in certain grammatical constructions.

The use of *shevaim* is essential for accurate Hebrew pronunciation and reading, as omitting or misplacing them can alter the meaning of words. They are particularly important in biblical and liturgical Hebrew, where precise vocalization is critical. Modern Hebrew, however, often relies on *nikud* (vowel points) for clarity, though *shevaim* remain a fundamental aspect of the script’s phonetic system.