Gaining some knowledge of basic phrases in a foreign language can greatly enhance your travel experience or even help you communicate with people from different cultures right at home. One phrase that’s quite useful to have in your vocabulary is “hurry up.” In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “hurry up” in Hebrew, covering both formal and informal ways, and providing tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary.
Formal Ways to Say “Hurry Up” in Hebrew
When addressing someone formally in Hebrew, there are a few phrases you can use to convey the sense of urgency and ask them to hurry up.
1. מָהִיר דָּבָר!
The phrase “מָהִיר דָּבָר!” (mahir davar!) is a formal way of saying “hurry up” in Hebrew. It directly translates to “fast, please” and can be used in various situations when addressing someone politely.
Example: If you’re at a restaurant and waiting for the server to take your order, you can say, “מָהִיר דָּבָר! אֲנָא!” (mahar davar! ana!) which means “Hurry up please!” Or when you’re urging a coworker, you can say, “כְּבַל דָּבָר!” (keval davar!), which translates to “Hurry up, please!”
Informal Ways to Say “Hurry Up” in Hebrew
If you’re in a casual setting or speaking to friends, family, or peers, you can use more relaxed phrases to express the need to hurry up.
1. דְּחִיץ!
The Hebrew word “דְּחִיץ!” (dechitz!) is an informal and straightforward way to say “hurry up.” It is often used when addressing someone directly and implies a sense of urgency.
Example: If you are excitedly waiting for your friend to join you for a movie and they’re taking their time, you can say “דְּחִיץ! אָחִים!” (dechitz! achim!) which means “Hurry up! Brother/sister!” Or when you’re running late for a casual gathering with friends, you can say “תְּחוֹלֵל!” (techolel!) which translates to “Come on, let’s hurry up!”
Regional Variations
In Hebrew, there aren’t significant regional variations when it comes to saying “hurry up.” However, it’s worth noting that local slang and dialects might have small nuances in different regions. Regardless of the region, the phrases mentioned above will be understood and commonly used throughout Israel.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you effectively express a sense of urgency in Hebrew:
- Be mindful of your tone: When using these phrases, it’s crucial to consider your tone of voice. A friendly and polite tone will help you come across more positively, even when urging someone to hurry up.
- Use body language: In conjunction with the phrases, using appropriate body language conveys the urgency better. For instance, raising your eyebrows, gesturing with your hands, or tapping your foot lightly can all enhance the message.
- Practice pronunciation: Hebrew has unique sounds that may be unfamiliar to English speakers, so practicing the pronunciation of these phrases is vital. You can use language learning apps, online resources, or work with a tutor to improve your skills.
Remember, learning a few basic phrases in Hebrew can go a long way in establishing connections and showing respect when interacting with Hebrew speakers. So, don’t hesitate to use these phrases and embrace the opportunity to learn more about the language and culture.
