As in other binyanim, the narrative form looks like the imperfect, with a וַ prefix in front of the imperfect signal letter. The characteristic sh’va under the signal letter remains. Unlike the narrative forms of other binyanim, there is an exception to the rule that the signal letters are always doubled with a dagesh after the וַ: when the imperfect signal letter is יְ, for masculine or mixed plural, that yud does not get a dagesh, but the sh’va is voiced nonetheless. וַיְדַבֵּר is pronounced va-y’-da-ber. When the signal letter is ת or נ, it gets its usual dagesh, and when the signal letter is א, the וַ changes to וָ as usual.

As in binyan pa’al, the singular narrative forms of ל”ה verbs lose their final ה. In a number of roots, the stress moves forward and there is a vowel change in the final syllable.