Ordinal Numbers and Date Expressions in Hebrew

Overview

The concept of Ordinal Numbers and Date Expressions (מספרים סודרים ותאריכים) is a intermediate-level topic in Hebrew grammar. Ordinals: ראשון, שני, שלישי... (first, second, third). Date format: ב-1 בינואר. Formal dates use Hebrew calendar.

Understanding ordinal numbers and date expressions builds on your knowledge of Numbers and is essential for constructing natural-sounding Hebrew sentences. This topic is classified at the B1 level of the CEFR framework, meaning it is expected of learners at the intermediate stage.

At the intermediate level, ordinal numbers and date expressions allows you to express more nuanced ideas and understand a wider range of authentic Hebrew texts and conversations. This concept will significantly expand your ability to communicate with precision.

How It Works

Key Principles

Ordinals: ראשון, שני, שלישי... (first, second, third). Date format: ב-1 בינואר. Formal dates use Hebrew calendar.

Core Forms

Hebrew	Meaning
הפעם הראשונה.	The first time.
הקומה השלישית.	The third floor.
ב-15 במרס.	On March 15th.
המאה העשרים ואחת.	The twenty-first century.

Ordinal Numbers

Number	Masculine	Feminine
1st	ראשון	ראשונה
2nd	שני	שנייה
3rd	שלישי	שלישית
4th	רביעי	רביעית
5th	חמישי	חמישית

Date Formats

Context	Format	Example
Everyday	ב- + number + ב- + month	ב-15 במרס
Formal	ב- + ordinal + ב- + month	בחמישה עשר במרס
Hebrew calendar	date + Hebrew month	ט"ו באדר

Examples in Context

Hebrew	English	Note
הפעם הראשונה.	The first time.	common usage
הקומה השלישית.	The third floor.	common usage
ב-15 במרס.	On March 15th.	common usage
המאה העשרים ואחת.	The twenty-first century.	common usage
הפגישה הרביעית.	The fourth meeting.	ordinal with noun
המקום השני.	Second place.	ordinal for ranking
בפעם העשירית.	For the tenth time.	higher ordinal
המאה ה-21.	The 21st century.	modern date format

Common Mistakes

Applying English patterns to Hebrew

• Wrong: Structuring ordinal numbers and date expressions the same way as in English
• Right: Learn and follow the Hebrew-specific rules
• Why: While some concepts exist in both languages, the specific rules and patterns usually differ. Direct translation often produces errors.

Forgetting gender agreement

• Wrong: Using a form that does not agree in gender with other sentence elements
• Right: Ensure gender agreement throughout the sentence
• Why: Gender is pervasive in Hebrew grammar. Almost every part of a sentence must agree in gender.

Overgeneralizing the rule

• Wrong: Applying the basic rule to all cases without exception
• Right: Learn the exceptions alongside the rule
• Why: Hebrew has regular patterns with notable exceptions. Both the rules and the exceptions need to be learned.

Usage Notes

At the B1 level, ordinal numbers and date expressions is an important step toward intermediate fluency. Focus on the most common patterns first, and gradually expand to less frequent ones as you gain confidence.

Try to notice these forms when watching Israeli TV shows, listening to podcasts, or reading simple articles. Active exposure will help reinforce the patterns you learn in structured study.

Practice Tips

1. Create flashcards with examples of ordinal numbers and date expressions. On one side, write the Hebrew; on the other, the English translation and a note about the rule. Review daily until the pattern feels natural.
2. Practice with a language partner or tutor. Have them create sentences that test your understanding of ordinal numbers and date expressions, and then try producing your own sentences using the same patterns.

Related Concepts

• Numbers — prerequisite concept