אח גדול
ach gadol/ʔaːχ/ → /ʔaːħ ɡaˈdol/word by word
The Hebrew phrase for "big brother" is אח גדול (ach gadol).
The phrase is used to describe a brother who is older than another sibling.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of אח (ach), meaning "brother" and גדול (gadol), meaning "big" or "large".
How do you pronounce it?
ach gadol. The first part is pronounced /ʔaːχ/ and the second part is /ʔaːħ ɡaˈdol/.
Did you know?
- In many Hebrew-speaking contexts, referring to a non-relative as an אח (ach) is a common way to express deep friendliness or solidarity.
- While אח גדול (ach gadol) describes a sibling, it is also the exact Hebrew name used for the concept of 'Big Brother' from George Orwell's '1984'.
- If you were talking about an 'older sister' instead of a brother, you would change the gender of both words to אחות גדולה (achot gedola).
Examples in context
- אני ואחי הגדול אוהבים לרוץ ביחד בחוף הים.My big brother and I love running together on the beach.
- יש לי אח גדול.yesh li ach gadol.I have a big brother.
- הוא אח גדול וטוב.hu ach gadol ve-tov.He is a big and good brother.
Example conversation
Agur and Noam are talking about their families.
- עגור Adiנועם, יש לך אחים?Noam, yesh lecha achim?Noam, do you have siblings?
- נועם Noamכן, יש לי אח גדול אחד.ken, yesh li ach gadol echad.Yes, I have one big brother.
- עגור Adiהוא גר איתכם בבית?hu gar itchem ba-bayit?Does he live with you at home?
- נועם Noamלא, הוא כבר עבר לדירה משלו.lo, hu kvar avar le-dira meshelo.No, he already moved to his own apartment.
