Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to say “brother” in Hebrew, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need to address your brother directly or refer to someone else’s brother, this guide will provide you with all the essential information, including formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Brother” in Hebrew
If you want to convey respect or maintain a formal tone, you can use the following terms when referring to your brother:
- Achi / אָחִי: This is the most common and general term for “brother” in Hebrew. It encompasses both older and younger brothers and can be used in various contexts.
- Adon / אֲדוֹן: This term translates to “sir” or “mister” and is commonly used for formal address. Some people may use it to address their brother in a polite and distant way.
- Achi hagadol / אָחִי הַגָּדוֹל: If you specifically want to refer to your “older brother” in a formal manner, this term will come in handy.
Informal Ways to Say “Brother” in Hebrew
When speaking to a close friend or family member in an informal setting, you can use these more casual expressions:
- Achi / אָחִי: As mentioned above, “Achi” is the general term for “brother” and can be used both formally and informally. However, in an informal context, it can convey a sense of warmth and closeness.
- Dodi / דוֹדִי: This term literally means “uncle,” but it is widely used to refer to a close male friend or brother in an affectionate way.
- Achshavon / אַחְשָׁוֹעוֹן: In informal Hebrew, “Achshavon” is sometimes used to mean “bro.” It has gained popularity among younger generations.
Regional Variations
While Hebrew is the official language of Israel, there are minor regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. However, when it comes to the word “brother,” the variations are minimal, and the terms mentioned above are commonly used across different regions.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you understand and use the term “brother” in Hebrew:
Tip: Hebrew is read from right to left, so make sure to pay attention to the correct spelling and pronunciation of words.
Example 1: If you want to say “My brother is older,” you would say “Achi hagadol” (אָחִי הַגָּדוֹל).
Example 2: When addressing your brother directly, you can simply say “Achi” (אָחִי) or “Achi ha-yakar” (אָחִי הַיָּקָר), which means “my dear brother.”
Example 3: In an informal conversation with a friend, you might say “Dodi chaver tov” (דוֹדִי חָבֵר טוֹב), which means “my good friend.”
Example 4: For a less formal expression, you could use “Achshavon” (אַחְשָׁוֹעוֹן) and say “Mah nishma, achshavon?” (מַה נִשְׁמַע אַחְשָׁוֹעוֹן), meaning “What’s up, bro?”
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned the different ways to say “brother” in Hebrew, both formally and informally, you can confidently communicate with your brother or address someone else’s brother in Hebrew. Remember to consider the context and level of formality when choosing the right term. Feel free to practice using these expressions and explore more Hebrew vocabulary along the way. Enjoy your language journey and strengthen those brotherly bonds!
