אבא
aba
The Hebrew word for daddy is אבא (aba).
אבא is used to mean 'Daddy' or 'Dad'. It is the standard, informal way to address a father.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While אבא is the common term for 'Dad' or 'Daddy', the word אב is a formal, literary term for 'father' and is rarely used in direct speech to address one's parent.
How do you pronounce it?
aba
Did you know?
- In many Hebrew-speaking families, the word אבא is used as a slang term to refer to a 'boss' or a person in charge of a situation.
- The word אבא is actually a loanword from Aramaic rather than being a purely Hebrew-derived term.
- In many religious contexts, the word אבא is used to address God as a loving and personal father.
Examples in context
- אבא קנה לי ספרים.Daddy bought me books.This sentence shows how to use אבא when describing a past action.Tatoeba #1982969 by fekundulo, translation #2659832 by Joseph
- מתי יחזור אבא הביתה?When is Daddy coming home?This sentence uses אבא to ask about a person's return.Tatoeba #8139284 by fekundulo, translation #4856295 by Hybrid
- אבא היה במשרד שלו, מתחת לדירה שלנו.Daddy was in his office, under our flat.This sentence uses אבא to describe a person's location.Tatoeba #5969214 by fekundulo, translation #35109 by sacredceltic
- אַבָּא, אני אוהב אותך מאוד.Daddy, I love you very much.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A daughter is asking her father for a snack.
- דניאל Danielאבא, אני רעבה!Abba, ani re-eva!Daddy, I'm hungry!
- עגור Adiמה את רוצה לאכול, עגור?Ma at rotza le-echol, Agur?What do you want to eat, Agur?
- דניאל Danielאבא, אני רוצה תפוח.Abba, ani rotza tapuach.Daddy, I want an apple.
- עגור Adiבסדר, אני אביא לך תפוח.Beseder, ani avi lech tapuach.Okay, I will bring you an apple.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אבא, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
