אני רוצה אותך
ani rotzeh otakh
The English phrase "I want you" is translated into Hebrew as אני רוצה אותך (ani rotzeh otakh).
This phrase is used to express romantic or sexual desire for another person.
Which one should you use?
In Hebrew, the verb rotzeh (want) must be paired with a direct object marker (represented here in the suffixed form אותך) to indicate the person being wanted.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form אני רוצה אותך (ani rotzeh otakh) is used specifically when the speaker is male and is addressing a female listener.
How do you pronounce it?
ani rotzeh otakh
Did you know?
- While 'wanting' a person in English can be a casual expression of desire, saying אני רוצה אותך in a professional setting is a major social blunder that sounds like an accidental sexual proposition.
- In romantic Hebrew poetry, writers often avoid the word רוצה (want) entirely, opting for words that translate to 'longing' (געגוע) to sound more elegant and less blunt.
- The word אני (ani) used for 'I' is an incredibly stable linguistic relic, remaining virtually unchanged from its Proto-Semitic roots for thousands of years.
Examples in context
- אני רוצה אותך אתי כאן.I want you with me now.This sentence shows how to express wanting someone to be present with you.Tatoeba #3051414 by Eldad, translation #2011800 by CK
- אני רוצה אותך.I want you.This sentence is a direct translation of the phrase.Tatoeba #5406993 by fekundulo, translation #17707 by CK
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is spending a romantic evening together.
- נועם Noamאת נראית מדהים הלילה.at nir'et madhim halayla.You look amazing tonight.
- רוטם Rotemתודה, גם אתה נראה נהדר.toda, gam ata nir'e nehedar.Thanks, you look great too.
- נועם Noamאני רוצה אותך עכשיו.ani rotze otakh achshav.I want you now.
- רוטם Rotemאני רוצה אותך גם אני.ani rotza otkha gam ani.I want you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
