Rasham vs. Katav: Understanding the Difference Between רָשַׁם and כָּתַב

Many Hebrew learners wonder whether it is correct to say: המורה ביקשה לרשום חיבור", רשמתי" ,"מאמר", or "רשום בתורה". This confusion appears because the two verbs seem similar, but they are not interchangeable. A clear distinction exists between רָשַׁם and כָּתַב in both history and usage.

Katav: The Standard Verb for Writing Words

Historical evidence shows that כָּתַב has been widely used since Biblical times. Some scholars believe that כָּתַב originally referred to engraving on stone, like the לוחות described as “חרות על הלוחות.”Biblical texts demonstrate that כָּתַב soon expanded to writing on other materials such as parchment and wood. A well-known example appears when Baruch ben Neriah writes “בַּדְּיוֹ,” confirming that כָּתַב applies to ink writing as well. Modern Hebrew continues to use כָּתַב as the default verb meaning “to write words using letters.”

Correct uses include: The teacher asked “לכתוב חיבור.”I wrote “כתבתי מאמר.”The text states “כתוב בתורה.”

Rasham: The Verb of Marking and Sketching

The verb emerged from Aramaic and appears in Hebrew mainly in the Book of Daniel. The original meaning referred to marking, engraving, or leaving a visible sign. Talmudic sources explain that רָשַׁם is not the same as writing letters but rather “leaving a mark that remains.” A classic example appears in the instruction that גבריאל should “רשום תיו,” meaning to place a symbolic mark, not to write a word. Halachic discussions highlight the distinction: כָּתַב refers to forming letters, while רָשַׁם refers to drawing shapes or making lines.

Modern Hebrew: The Distinction Still Holds

Contemporary usage maintains the separation between the two verbs. The verb רָשַׁם typically describes sketching, diagramming, or marking:

• תרשים

• רישום

• רשימה

Daily language often uses רָשַׁם for short notes, quick reminders, phone numbers, or adding a name to a list. The verb כָּתַב continues to express writing longer texts or forming actual words.

Common Confusion Today

Many speakers mistakenly use רָשַׁם in place of כָּתַב, sometimes because רָשַׁם sounds “more formal.” Language-care experts maintain that the classical distinction is still preferable. Certain expressions require רָשׁוּם, such as:

• רשום בספר השיאים

• רשום בפנקס הבוחרים

• מכתב רשום

General writing contexts require כָּתוּב, such as:

• כתוב בתורה

• כתוב באתר החדשות

Conclusion

Clear usage depends on choosing the correct verb:

• כָּתַב for writing words and letters

• רָשַׁם for marking, sketching, or listing