אבא
aba
אבא (aba) is the Hebrew word for dad.
אבא is an informal noun used to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While אבא is the common word for dad, the more formal term for father is אב.
How do you pronounce it?
aba
Did you know?
- While אבא is the standard way to say 'dad', in some very religious or old-fashioned contexts, you might hear 'Abba' used as a direct address to God.
- The word אבא was borrowed from Aramaic into Hebrew, making it a doublet of the native Hebrew word אב.
- The word אבא is used as a generic term of endearment for any older male figure who provides guidance or protection, not just biological parents.
Examples in context
- אבא קנה לי ספר.Dad bought me a book.This sentence shows how to use אבא to describe an action performed by a father.Tatoeba #5532914 by fekundulo, translation #5313682 by mailohilohi
- מה שלום אבא שלי?How's my dad doing?This sentence is useful for asking how one's own אבא is doing.Tatoeba #1404104 by MrShoval, translation #436261 by lukaszpp
- מה שלום אבא שלך?How is your dad?This sentence is useful for asking how someone else's אבא is doing.Tatoeba #2060585 by nava, translation #953331 by CK
- אַבָּא, אֶפְשָׁר לֵלֵךְ לַגַּן הַיּוֹם?Abba, can we go to the park today?
- אָבִי, תּוֹדָה עָלֶיךָ שֶׁהָיִיתָ תָּמִיד לִידִי.Father, thank you for always being there for me.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Noa are talking about their weekend plans.
- דניאל Danielאת הולכת לבקר את אבא?At holekhet levaker et abba?Are you going to visit dad?
- נועה Noaכן, אני נוסעת אליו מחר.Ken, ani nosa'at elav machar.Yes, I am traveling to him tomorrow.
- דניאל Danielתמסרי לו דרישת שלום ממני.Timsri lo drishat shalom mimeni.Give him my regards.
- נועה Noaבטח, אבא ישמח לשמוע ממך.Betach, abba yismach lishmoa mimcha.Sure, dad will be happy to hear from you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אבא, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
