גברת
gveret
The Hebrew word for lady is גברת (gveret).
The term גברת is used to refer to a woman politely. In modern Hebrew, calling a woman גברת can sometimes sound overly formal or even slightly sarcastic depending on the tone, similar to calling someone 'lady' in English.
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
Which one should you use?
While גברת can mean 'lady', it is the standard Hebrew word for 'Mrs.' when used with a surname.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
גְּבֶרֶת is a common term for lady in formal situations. Using גברת to address a woman directly is a formal way to show respect, similar to 'Ma'am' or 'Madam' in English. גְּבִירָה is a formal equivalent to lady.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word גברת is a feminine noun and does not change form based on the adjective following it.
How do you pronounce it?
gveret
Did you know?
- Hebrew lacks a direct equivalent to the English 'Lady' when used as a noble title of birth, such as 'Lady Diana'. In those cases, Hebrew often borrows the English word or uses 'princess'.
- The term גבירה is the feminine counterpart to the word for 'lord' or 'master' in many historical contexts.
- While גברת is often used for 'Mrs.', it does not necessarily imply that the woman is married, unlike the English usage.
Examples in context
- ובכן זו גברת אוואנס.So this is Lady Evans.This sentence is useful for introducing someone using the form גברת.Tatoeba #5450665 by fekundulo, translation #35118 by AlanF_US
- גברת צעירה באה לבקרו.A young lady came to see him.This sentence is useful for describing a person using the form גברת.Tatoeba #3809074 by Eldad, translation #3809071 by Hybrid
- איפה היית, גברת צעירה?Where have you been, young lady?This sentence is useful for addressing someone using the form גברת.Tatoeba #5525825 by fekundulo, translation #5350317 by Hybrid
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam is addressing Rotem formally in a professional setting.
- נועם Noamסליחה, גברת רוטם, את יכולה לעזור לי?Slicha, gveret Rotem, at yechola la'azor li?Excuse me, Ms. Rotem, can you help me?
- רוטם Rotemבטח, מה קרה?Betach, ma kara?Sure, what happened?
- נועם Noamאני מחפש את המשרד של המנהלת.Ani mechapes et hamisrad shel hamanahalet.I am looking for the manager's office.
- רוטם Rotemזה ממש כאן, בוא איתי.Ze mamash kan, bo iti.It is right here, come with me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
