סבתא וסבא
savta ve'saba
The English phrase "grandma and grandpa" is translated into Hebrew as סבתא וסבא (savta ve'saba).
סבתא וסבא is a collective term used for one's maternal or paternal grandmother and grandfather. While the phrase literally translates to "grandmother and grandfather," it is the most common way to refer to "grandparents" as a group.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of savta (grandmother) and ve'saba (and grandfather).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
סבתא וסבא is the standard, affectionate way to refer to grandparents in everyday speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hebrew, the conjunction ve (and) is prefixed to the second noun rather than being a standalone word.
How do you pronounce it?
savta ve'saba
Did you know?
- In some traditional Jewish communities, you might hear the Yiddish terms 'Bubbe' and 'Zayde' used instead of סבתא וסבא, reflecting a blend of cultural heritages.
- The word סבתא is not originally Hebrew but was borrowed from Aramaic, a language that was the primary lingua franca of the ancient Near East.
- In many Israeli families, the terms סבתא and סבא are used as names to address the grandparents, even when other grandparents are present, often adding a geographic or descriptive modifier.
Examples in context
- אני מתרגש לראות את סבתא וסבא.ani mitrages lir'ot et savta ve'saba.I am excited to see grandma and grandpa.
- סבתא וסבא באו לבקר אותנו.savta ve'saba ba'u levaker otanu.Grandma and grandpa came to visit us.
- האם סבתא וסבא גרים קרוב?ha'im savta ve'saba garim karov?Do grandma and grandpa live nearby?
Example conversation
Agur and Ido are talking on the phone about a family visit.
- עגור Adiעידו, מתי סבתא וסבא מגיעים?Ido, matai savta ve'saba magi'im?Ido, when are grandma and grandpa arriving?
- עידו Idoהם מגיעים בשעה שש, עגור.Hem magi'im be'sha'a shesh, Agur.They are arriving at six, Agur.
- עגור Adiזה נהדר, אני אכין להם משהו טוב.Ze nehedar, ani achin lahem mashehu tov.That is great, I will prepare something good for them.
- עידו Idoהם בטוח ישמחו מאוד.Hem betuach yesmechu me'od.They will surely be very happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries סבתא, CC BY-SA 4.0.
