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By Hila
The Hebrew Letter Pe (פֶּה)
The 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet — makes a "p" or "f" sound, and its name means "mouth."
About the Letter Pe
Pe is the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Aleph Bet), with a gematria value of 80. Its Hebrew name is פֶּה — the word for "mouth." The letter's shape is traditionally described as a mouth slightly open, with the small inner hook representing a tooth or tongue peeking out. This shape-name-meaning connection makes Pe one of the most intuitive letters to remember in the entire alphabet.
Pe is one of the six letters that change sound based on the presence or absence of a dagesh (dot inside the letter). With a dagesh, the letter is called Pe and sounds like "p." Without a dagesh, it is called Fe and sounds like "f." In children's texts with Nikud, the dagesh is always clearly marked, making this distinction easy to learn.
The Two Sounds of Pe
Pe — "p" sound
When a dagesh (dot) appears inside Pe, it makes the "p" sound — as in "park" or "penguin." You will see this form written as פּ (with a dot inside). In words like פֶּה (peh, mouth) and פַּרְפַּר (parpar, butterfly), the dagesh is clearly visible.
Fe — "f" sound
Without the dagesh, Pe is called Fe and makes an "f" sound — as in "farm" or "phone." You will see this form written as פ (no dot inside). Many Hebrew words use the Fe sound: for example, סֵפֶר (sefer, book) ends in a Fe sound.
Pe vs. Fe Rule: In texts with Nikud, look for the dot inside the letter. Dot = Pe ("p"). No dot = Fe ("f"). In unpointed adult Hebrew text, the rule of thumb is: Pe at the beginning of a word usually has a dagesh (Pe, "p"); Pe in the middle or end of a word often lacks a dagesh (Fe, "f"). But always verify from context.
How to Recognize Pe and Pe Sofit
Pe (פ) has a distinctive shape: a curved outer body with a small inner hook or "tongue" curling back inside the lower right. Think of it as a wide-open mouth with a tiny tooth visible inside. The outer curve sweeps from top-right, around the bottom, and back up.
Pe Sofit (ף) is used when Pe appears at the end of a word. It shares the same outer curve at the top but extends in a long straight vertical stroke downward, dropping well below the baseline — with no inner hook. When you see a long descending stroke at the end of a word with a curved top, that is Pe Sofit.
Common Confusion: Pe (פ) is most often confused with Kaf (כ) — both have a similar curved outer shape. The key difference is the inner hook: Pe has a small tongue curling back inside; Kaf has no inner protrusion — it is smooth inside. Check the interior: tongue present = Pe, smooth interior = Kaf. Also watch for Bet (ב), which similarly has a horizontal base but opens to the right with no inner hook.
Example Words with Pe
Common Hebrew words that start with or prominently feature Pe — a great starting point for young learners.
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| פֶּה | (peh) | mouth |
| פֶּרַח | (perach) | flower |
| פַּרְפַּר | (parpar) | butterfly |
| פֶּסַח | (pesach) | Passover |
How to Teach Pe to Children
Pe has two built-in teaching advantages: a strong name-meaning connection (Pe = mouth) and a clear visual hook (the shape looks like a mouth). Start there and the letter becomes unforgettable.
Teaching Tip: Point to your mouth and say "Pe means mouth — and it looks like a mouth open to speak." Trace the curved shape and show the small inner hook: "See the little tooth inside?" Then demonstrate both sounds: "When it has a dot, say 'puh' like the beginning of mouth (pe). Without a dot, say 'fff' like blowing out a candle." The visual of blowing out Shabbat candles is a vivid "f" anchor for Jewish families.
Pe on the Dreidel
In Israel, the Hanukkah dreidel carries the letter Pe (פ) standing for פֹּה (poh, "here") — part of the phrase "a great miracle happened HERE." Outside Israel it is Shin (ש) for "there." Children in Israel grow up knowing Pe = here, a powerful and joyful mnemonic.
Pe in Nature Words
Pe begins several beloved nature words: פֶּרַח (perach, flower), פַּרְפַּר (parpar, butterfly), and פִּיל (pil, elephant). These concrete, visual words are ideal for building early vocabulary alongside letter recognition.
Practice Through Play
Kriakala's interactive games teach Pe in both its Pe and Fe forms, with audio that demonstrates each sound clearly — so children hear the difference before they have to produce it.
Practice Pe with Kriakala
Kriakala is a Hebrew reading app for children ages 4–7, designed by an Israeli reading specialist. The app teaches all 22 Aleph Bet letters — including Pe and its Fe variant, and Pe Sofit — through interactive games with audio that model correct pronunciation.
Practice Pe for Free
Download Kriakala and help your child learn Pe, Fe, and all 22 Hebrew letters through fun, interactive games designed for young readers ages 4–7.
Download Kriakala FreeFrequently Asked Questions about Pe
Pe and Fe are the same letter shape. When a dagesh (dot) appears inside the letter, it is called Pe and sounds like "p." Without the dagesh, it is called Fe and sounds like "f." In printed children's texts with Nikud, the dagesh is always marked, making it easy to know which sound to use.
Pe Sofit (ף) is the special form of Pe used at the end of a word. The regular Pe (פ) has a small inner hook that curves back inside the letter. Pe Sofit (ף) drops straight down below the baseline in a long vertical stroke, with no inner curve. The sound is the same — "p" or "f" — depending on whether a dagesh is present.
Pe (פֶּה) means "mouth" in Hebrew — and the letter's shape is said to resemble a mouth slightly open, with the inner hook representing a tooth or tongue. This name-meaning-shape connection makes Pe one of the most memorable letters to teach young children.
Pe appears on the Hanukkah dreidel in Israel, standing for פֹּה (poh, "here") — as in "a great miracle happened HERE." Pe also opens פֶּסַח (Pesach, Passover), פֶּרַח (perach, flower), and פַּרְפַּר (parpar, butterfly) — some of the most child-friendly Hebrew vocabulary.