If you’re looking to learn how to say “cousin” in Hebrew, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to address your cousin in Hebrew. Whether you’re planning a trip to Israel or simply want to connect with your Hebrew-speaking family members, knowing the appropriate terms is essential.
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Formal Ways to Say Cousin
When addressing your cousin in a formal setting or with people you are less familiar with, you can use the term “dod” for a male cousin and “doda” for a female cousin. These terms are widely understood and respectful. Here are a few examples of how you can use them:
Examples:
- Male Cousin: אני רואה את הדוד שלי, אברהם. (Ani ro’eh et ha-dod sheli, Avraham.) – I am seeing my cousin, Avraham.
- Female Cousin: הדודה שלי טסה לחו”ל. (Ha-doda sheli tsa le-chutz la’aretz.) – My cousin (female) is flying abroad.
Informal Ways to Say Cousin
In more informal settings, such as when speaking with close family members or close friends, you might use different terms to address your cousin. Here are some commonly used informal words for cousin in Hebrew:
1. אחיין (Akhein):
This term is often used to refer to a male cousin, especially among Sephardic Jews. It is a warm and affectionate way to address a cousin and implies a close relationship. Below is an example:
אני לוקח את האחיין שלי לטיול בים. (Ani loke’ach et ha-akhein sheli le-ti’ul ba-yam.) – I am taking my cousin (male) on a trip to the sea.
2. אחיות (Akhayot):
This term is used to refer to a female cousin. Similar to “akhein,” it signifies a close bond. Here’s an example of how to use it in a sentence:
האחיות שלי הן הכי טובות. (Ha-akhayot sheli hen ha-ki tovot.) – My cousins (females) are the best.
Regional Variations
Hebrew is spoken in various regions, and certain terms might vary depending on the dialect or cultural background. Here are a couple of regional variations for the word “cousin” in Hebrew:
North African Variation:
In North African Jewish communities, such as those from Morocco or Tunisia, you might come across the term “khale” (m) or “khalouta” (f) to mean cousin. It is worth noting that these terms might not be as widely understood outside of these specific communities.
Yemenite Variation:
Among Yemenite Jewish communities, the term “akh” (m) or “ukht” (f) is used to refer to cousins. These variations are unique to this cultural group and may not be as commonly known elsewhere.
Summary
Whether you’re looking to address your cousin formally or informally, knowing the appropriate terms in Hebrew will help you communicate effectively. Remember to use “dod” or “doda” for formal situations and “akhein” or “akhayot” for informal occasions. Additionally, different regional variations may exist, such as “khale” or “khalouta” in North African communities and “akh” or “ukht” among Yemenite Jews.
