Learning how to say “by” in Hebrew is an essential part of understanding the language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced Hebrew learner, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various ways to express this simple word. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to say “by” in Hebrew, as well as provide you with some tips, examples, and variations. Hebrew, a Semitic language spoken by millions of people around the world, does not have a direct equivalent for the English word “by.” However, there are several alternative expressions that Hebrew speakers use to convey similar meanings. Let’s dive into them!
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1. Formal Ways to Say “By” in Hebrew
In formal Hebrew, particularly in writing or official contexts, the most commonly used way to express “by” is through the preposition “על-ידי” (al-yadi). This phrase literally translates to “on the hand of.” For example:
הספר נכתב על־ידי מחבר מצליח. (Ha’sefer niktav al-yadi mekhaver matzliach)
The book was written by a successful author.
Another formal alternative to express “by” is using the preposition “בידי” (be-yadi). This literally translates to “in my hand.” It’s important to note that this form is less common but is still used in certain formal contexts. For example:
היצירה ששמעתם הובילה בידי רקדנית מוכשרת. (Ha-yetsira she-shamatem hovila beyadi rakdanit muksheret)
The performance that you heard was led by a talented dancer.
2. Informal Ways to Say “By” in Hebrew
Informal Hebrew often relies on different expressions to convey the meaning of “by.” One common way to say “by” in informal speech is by using the word “עם” (im), which translates to “with.” This usage implies that something was accomplished alongside someone or with the help of someone. Here’s an example:
הצעירים טיילו בעיר עם חבריהם. (Ha-tza’irim taylu ba-ir im khavreyhem)
The youngsters walked around the city with their friends.
Another informal way to express “by” is by using the preposition “על” (al), which can mean “on” or “about.” It is often used to indicate the person responsible for an action. Let’s see an example:
האופרה היפה נוצרה על־ידי הקומפוזיטור המוכשר. (Ha-opera ha-yafa notra al-yadi ha-kompozitor ha-mukshar)
The beautiful opera was created by the talented composer.
3. Other Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you further understand how to say “by” in Hebrew:
- The Hebrew language heavily relies on prepositions to express different meanings, so keep in mind that there might not always be a direct translation for certain English words.
- Pay attention to the context in which “by” is used, as it can determine which preposition is appropriate.
- Remember that prepositions are often followed by a pronominal suffix to indicate possession or ownership. For example, “על-ידיי” (al-yaday) means “by me” or “on my hand.”
- Practice using these expressions in various sentences to become more comfortable with their usage.
Now that you have learned different ways to say “by” in Hebrew, you can confidently use them in your conversations or written communication. Remember that language is dynamic, and these expressions may have contextual variations and regional differences. Keep exploring and practicing Hebrew to gain a deeper understanding of the language and its nuances.
