לחתוך
lachtokh
The English verb "cut" is translated into Hebrew as לחתוך (lachtokh).
לחתוך is the infinitive verb meaning to divide something using a sharp instrument. Related to this, the noun חיתוך refers to the act or process of cutting, while the adjective חתוך is used to describe something that has been cut, such as a piece of paper.
Meaning: to divide with a sharp instrument (verb)
Which one should you use?
The word חתוך functions as an adjective to describe the state of an object (being cut), whereas חיתוך is the noun describing the action of cutting itself.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form לחתוך is the infinitive, used to express the concept "to cut". When you want to say "he cut" in the past tense, it is more common to use the form חתך rather than other related forms.
How do you pronounce it?
lachtokh
Did you know?
- If you see a man at the gym described as חתוך, do not think he has been wounded. In modern slang, it is a high compliment meaning he is 'ripped' or has extremely well-defined muscles.
- In English, you might 'cut' a person's feelings, but in Hebrew, this metaphor does not work with לחתוך. You must use the verb לפגוע, which means 'to wound' or 'to hurt'.
- When you want to describe taking a 'shortcut', you do not use a word related to 'cutting'. Instead, you use קיצור, which translates literally to 'shortening'.
Examples in context
- תן לי לחתוך את הגזרים.Let me cut the carrots.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of לחתוך in a request.Tatoeba #1422553 by Eldad, translation #422956 by CM
- תשאיל לי משהו לחתוך בו.Lend me something to cut this with.This sentence is useful for asking to borrow a tool for the purpose of לחתוך.Tatoeba #1796308 by MrShoval, translation #10737726 by AlanF_US
- תשאיל לי משהו לחתוך בו את זה.Lend me something with which to cut this.Tatoeba #1796310 by MrShoval, translation #25248 by Luornu
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ido and Agur are preparing a salad in the kitchen.
- עידו Idoעגור, את יכולה לחתוך את העגבניות?Agur, at yechola lachtoch et ha-agvaniyot?Agur, can you cut the tomatoes?
- עגור Adiבטח, איפה הסכין?Betach, eifo ha-sakin?Sure, where is the knife?
- עידו Idoהיא על השולחן, תזהרי כשאת הולכת לחתוך.Hi al ha-shulchan, tizaheri kshe-at holechet lachtoch.It's on the table, be careful when you go to cut.
- עגור Adiתודה, אני אעשה את זה עכשיו.Toda, ani e'ese et ze achshav.Thanks, I'll do it now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
