How to Say Dates in Hebrew: Formal and Informal Ways

Knowing how to say dates in Hebrew is useful for both day-to-day conversations and formal occasions. In this guide, we will cover the different ways to express dates in Hebrew, including formal and informal variations. While Hebrew is spoken in various regions, we will focus on the standard Israeli Hebrew used throughout the country.

Formal Way of Expressing Dates

When speaking in a formal or professional setting, such as in business or official correspondence, it is important to use the appropriate language to convey dates. Here are some phrases commonly used to express dates formally in Hebrew:

1. הַיּוֹם ה’ (Today) – Pronounced “ha-yom hamesh.”
2. מָחָר (Tomorrow) – Pronounced “mahar.”
3. אֶתְמוֹל (Yesterday) – Pronounced “etmol.”
4. עַדְיֹן (Still) – Used to express “yet” or “not yet.” Pronounced “adey-yon.”

When stating the full date, Hebrew follows the order of day, month, and year. Here’s an example of how a formal date is expressed:

הַיּוֹם הַשֻּׁבִּיעִי בְּאַיָּר הַשָּׁנִי אֶלֶף תֵּשַׁע מֵאוֹת שִׁמְעוֹן עֶשְׂרֵה
(Ha-yom ha-shvi’i beAyar ha-sheni elef tesha me’ot shim’on esreh)

Translation: Today is the seventh of May, 2029

Note that in Hebrew, the year is often expressed using the Jewish calendar, which is based on a lunar cycle. The year is usually indicated by the abbreviation א.ת. (A.T.) or תש”ע (abbreviated form of 5700, plus the current Hebrew decade).

Informal Way of Expressing Dates

For casual or informal conversations with friends and family, a simplified form of expressing dates is often used in Hebrew. Here are some common expressions for informal conversation:

1. הַיּוֹם (Today) – Pronounced “ha-yom.”
2. מָחָר (Tomorrow) – Pronounced “mahar.”
3. אֶתְמוֹל (Yesterday) – Pronounced “etmol.”
4. עוֹד יוֹם (Another day) – Used to express “another day” or “another time.” Pronounced “od yom.”

The order of stating the full date remains the same in informal conversations: day, month, year. Here’s an example of how an informal date is expressed:

הַיּוֹם שְׁבִיעִי בַּאַיָּר
(Ha-yom shvi’i ba-ayyar)

Translation: Today is the seventh of May

Tips for Saying Dates in Hebrew

Here are some additional tips to help you effectively express dates in Hebrew:

• Listen and Practice: Listen to native Hebrew speakers pronouncing dates to develop a better understanding of the correct pronunciation.
• Pay Attention to Context: In some cases, the context might require you to provide additional information about the date, such as specifying a particular day of the week.
• Use Visual Aids: Utilize visual aids, such as calendars or date charts, to reinforce your learning and help you remember the different date-related terms in Hebrew.
• Stay Updated: Familiarize yourself with Jewish holidays and important dates in Israel to enhance your cultural understanding and effectively communicate with native Hebrew speakers.

Now that you have learned some key phrases and tips, practice saying dates in Hebrew with friends or language exchange partners. Immerse yourself in Hebrew-speaking environments to gain more confidence and fluency.

Remember, mastering date expressions in Hebrew takes time and practice. With persistence and dedication, you will soon become proficient in comfortably conveying dates in both formal and informal contexts.

Enjoy your journey of learning Hebrew and have fun exploring the rich culture of Israel!