Hitpael in Hebrew: Why “To Be Disappointed” Isn’t Passive in Hebrew

One of my favorite Hebrew quirks: sometimes, Hebrew uses Hitpael for something that in English looks completely passive. Example: לְהִתְאַכְזֵב — “to be disappointed.”

In English, “be disappointed” is passive (be + past participle). In Hebrew, it’s not passive at all — it’s Hitpael, the reflexive/middle-voice binyan. I even made a video on this exact point. If you want to hear me walk you through it and show examples, don’t miss it.

Why Hebrew chooses hitpael over passive binyanim

Hebrew tends to frame emotions as something that happens inside you, not something that’s “done” to you. When you say הוּא הִתְאַכְזֵב, you’re not focusing on whoever “disappointed” him. You’re saying: he became disappointed. The shift happened within.

That’s why Hebrew chooses Hitpael here instead of a true passive.

• True passive (pual, hufal, nifal) = external action done to the subject.

• Hitpael = internal change, even if triggered from outside.

Table explaining the difference between Hitpael and passive forms in Hebrew verbs.

Examples of English verbs in passive that are in Hitpael in Hebrew

Each is about what’s happening inside the subject/ person: to get excited - לְהִתְרַגֵּשׁ

to be confused - לְהִתְבַּלְבֵּל

to be amazed - לְהִתְפַּלֵּא

Why this matters for serious learners of Hebrew verbs

If you can conjugate Hitpael without thinking, you’ll pick up this nuance automatically. You’ll use it correctly in real time, without translating from English in your head.

If you can’t? Then it’s a fun fact — but it won’t change your Hebrew until you’ve got full command of the binyanim and conjugations.

That’s exactly why my Hebrew Verb Mastery Course exists — to take you from “interesting trivia” to “I use this every time I speak.” It’s the only truly high-quality Hebrew verb course out there, and my students agree it’s worth far more than what they pay for it.

Quick takeaway

Native-level Hebrew isn’t about memorizing lists. It’s about knowing how the language really works and using it fluently. Hitpael’s “passive-but-not-really” quirk is just one example — and once you own it, you’ll sound like you’ve been speaking Hebrew your whole life.