November 10, 2023
• Edited (Nov 10, 2023)

ח khet - numeric value 8

ח is the first consonant that does not have an equivalent pronunciation in English. In Modern Hebrew, it is pronounced exactly the same as secondary pronunciation of Kaf (כ). In Aramaic ח is pronounced like a harsher H, something between H and the Modern Hebrew pronunciation of ח. Many languages have both the sound of ה (He) and Aramaic sound of ח (Khet) marked as the same letter H. They don't capture the slight sound difference between the two, by using a different letter, like Hebrew/Aramaic does.

Modern pronunciation of ח is very noticeable, as if somebody is clearing up their throat of phlegm. Such sound is found also in languages like Dutch or German. For example, in German the CH in Bach or Dach is pronounced as  ח in Modern Hebrew.

חי (Khai) in Hebrew means life. Eve in Hebrew is חוה (Khava). אחי (Akhi) in both Hebrew and Aramaic means My Brother.