אני אוהב אותך, אבא
ani ohev otkha, aba
The English phrase "I love you, daddy" is translated into Hebrew as אני אוהב אותך, אבא (ani ohev otkha, aba).
This phrase is an expression of affection spoken by a child to their father.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as אני (ani) meaning "I", אוהב (ohev) meaning "love", אותך (otkha) meaning "you [masculine singular]" and אבא (aba) meaning "daddy".
Which one should you use?
The phrase uses the masculine singular pronoun אותך (otkha) because the recipient is a father.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes depending on the gender of the person speaking. The default form אני אוהב אותך, אבא is used only when the speaker is male. If the speaker is a girl, the verb changes from the masculine ohev to the feminine ohevet, resulting in אני אוהבת אותך, אבא.
How do you pronounce it?
ani ohev otkha, aba
Did you know?
- Because the word אבא is so universal, it is often used in Hebrew slang as a generic term for an older male authority figure, regardless of kinship.
- The word אבא (aba) for 'daddy' is actually a loanword from Aramaic, a language closely related to Hebrew. While Hebrew has its own ancient word for 'father', the more casual 'daddy' version was adopted from its neighbor.
- The Hebrew root for 'love' found in אוהב is the same root used to describe a 'lover' or 'beloved' in Biblical poetry.
Examples in context
- אני אוהב אותך, אבא, וגם את אמא.ani ohev otkha, abba, vegam et ima.I love you, daddy, and mommy too.
- אני אוהב אותך, אבא, אתה הכי טוב.ani ohev otkha, abba, ata hachi tov.I love you, daddy, you are the best.
Example conversation
A young child is hugging their father before going to sleep.
- עגור Adiאני אוהב אותך, אבא.Ani ohev otcha, aba.I love you, daddy.
- נועם Noamגם אני אוהב אותך, חמוד.Gam ani ohev otcha, chamud.I love you too, sweetie.
- עגור Adiנספר סיפור לפני השינה?Nispar sipur lifnei hashena?Will we tell a story before bed?
- נועם Noamבטח, בוא נבחר ספר.Betach, bo nivchar sefer.Sure, let's pick a book.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אבא, אני, CC BY-SA 4.0.
