Say the Hebrew “R” Right: Easy Tricks for Kids
The Hebrew letter ר (resh) is pronounced differently than the English “R.” It’s more of a soft, back-of-the-throat sound—similar to the French or German “R.” Kids may find it strange at first, but with playful practice, they can learn to say it clearly and confidently.
What Makes the Hebrew “R” Special?
- It’s pronounced at the back of the throat (a uvular sound).
- It’s softer and shorter than the English R.
- It can sound like a light gargle or a soft growl.
Words That Use the Hebrew “R”
- רגל (regel) – Leg
- ראש (rosh) – Head
- רוצה (rotzeh / rotzah) – Want (boy / girl)
- רעש (ra’ash) – Noise
- רופא (rofeh) – Doctor
Games and Activities to Practice the “R” Sound
Gargle and Go
Have kids gently gargle water to feel where the sound should come from—then try saying “resh” with a giggle.
R Sound Parade
Line up toy animals or objects with names that include “R” in Hebrew. Say each name with emphasis on the resh.
Mirror Practice
Practice resh words in front of a mirror and compare the tongue and mouth position to English R sounds.
Silly Sentences
Create funny Hebrew sentences using lots of resh words and say them with dramatic flair.
How Dinolingo Supports Pronunciation Practice
Dinolingo offers Hebrew audio with native speakers so kids can hear the resh sound in real context. Through songs, repetition, and stories, the sound becomes more natural with practice.
Use Dinolingo’s printable audio aids and word lists to practice resh-focused words offline.
Final Thoughts
Learning the Hebrew “R” can feel silly but that’s part of the fun. With practice, games, and Dinolingo’s help, kids can sound more like native speakers every day.
Sources:
