אחי
achi
The Hebrew word for buddy is אחי (achi).
אחי is used to address male acquaintances or even strangers in casual settings. While the root word refers to a brother, it functions as a friendly way to say "buddy" or "pal".
Meaning: friend or casual acquaintance (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The word אחי literally means "my brother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
אחי is an informal term used among peers, similar to the English "bro" or "buddy".
How does it change in a sentence?
A common alternative to אחי is the phrase אח שלי, which carries the same slang meaning of "buddy".
How do you pronounce it?
achi
Did you know?
- The phrase אח שלי can be used to express extreme frustration or a plea for patience, acting as a linguistic sigh rather than a greeting.
- The root word אח is used in the phrase אחלה, which means 'great' or 'cool', though the two words are now used in entirely different social contexts.
- Because the word is so common in casual speech, using the more formal word for friend, חבר, in a casual setting might actually make you seem distant or unfriendly.
Examples in context
- מה שתגיד, אחי.Whatever you say, buddy.This sentence shows how to use אחי when agreeing with someone.Tatoeba #5895182 by fekundulo, translation #11011800 by shekitten
- מה קורה, אחי?Ma kore, achi?What's up, buddy?
- תודה רבה, אחי.Toda raba, achi.Thanks a lot, buddy.
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting at a cafe.
- עגור Adiהיי נועם, מה קורה אחי?Hai Noam, ma kore achi?Hi Noam, what's up buddy?
- נועם Noamהכל טוב, מה איתך?Hakol tov, ma itcha?Everything is good, how about you?
- עגור Adiגם אצלי הכל מעולה.Gam etzli hakol meuleh.Everything is great with me too.
- נועם Noamבוא נזמין קפה.Bo nazmin kafe.Let's order a coffee.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
