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The Many Uses of the 'גרש': Beyond the Basics

Updated: Sep 22

Discover how this small Hebrew symbol plays a big role in language



The גרש is more than just a punctuation mark. Originally part of the טעמי המקרא (cantillation marks used in the Torah), its main role in modern Hebrew is to indicate abbreviations. You'll see it at the end of shortened words like 'מס (short for מספר) or 'עמ (short for עמוד).


But wait – there's more! The גרש has some quirky and fascinating uses in everyday Hebrew, especially when it comes to helping readers make sense of words that feel foreign to the flow of the language. These uses haven’t been officially discussed by the Academy of the Hebrew Language, but they’ve become quite common in Hebrew writing. Let’s dive into some of these fun uses:


A. Marking Foreignness in a Word


Sometimes, a גרש is used to signal that a word comes from a different language or to help distinguish it from a similar-sounding Hebrew word. For example, חבר'ה (from Yiddish) helps us differentiate it from the Hebrew words חֶבְרָה (society) or חֲבֵרָה (friend). Similarly, תכל'ס shows the Yiddish pronunciation of the Hebrew word תַּכְלִית (purpose). In these cases, the גרש appears right before the last letter of the word. This usage is similar to how גרשיים are used in Rashi’s commentary to indicate French words.

B. Separating Word Elements – Especially with Non-Hebrew Suffixes


When Hebrew borrows from other languages or adds non-Hebrew suffixes, the גרש can come to the rescue! For example, you’ll see it in affectionate forms like אבא'לה (or אבאל'ה) and רבקה'לה (or רבקהל'ה), where the לה' adds a playful, diminutive touch. You’ll also find it in borrowed names like מק'גי (McGee), מקדונלד'ס (McDonald's), הרשי'ז (Hershey's), או'קונור (O'Connor), and even רוק'נרול (Rock & Roll).

In many cases, the גרשmimics the use of an apostrophe in English spelling.


C. Showing Omitted Consonants in Slang or Casual Speech


The גרש can also show where letters are dropped in casual speech. For example:

- תוריד ת'יד (Drop the hand) instead of תוריד את היד

- אבא ש'ך (Your dad) instead of אבא שלך


To Use or Not to Use the גרש?


Interestingly, in many of these cases (especially with English names or suffixes), the גרש isn’t always necessary. You’ll often see words like תכלס ,רוחלה ,מקגי ,קלוגס, or הרשיז written without it. Sometimes, this leads to confusion, like with names: should it be רבקהל'ה or רבקה'לה? That depends on who you ask.


The גרש is a small mark, but it adds so much flavor and nuance to Hebrew writing. Whether you’re abbreviating, adding foreign flair, or just trying to sound casual, don’t forget to show this little symbol some love.

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