Learning how to say “learn” in Hebrew is an essential step in your quest to master this beautiful language. Whether you’re planning a trip to Israel, connecting with Hebrew-speaking friends and family, or simply want to expand your linguistic horizon, this guide will equip you with the formal and informal ways to express “learn” in Hebrew. We’ll also cover some regional variations you might come across, offering valuable tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Learn” in Hebrew
1. לִלְמֹד (Lilmod): This is the most common and standard term for “learn” in formal Hebrew. It can be used in various contexts, such as in education, studying, or acquiring new skills. For example:
Example: אני למדתי עברית באוניברסיטה. (Ani lamadeti ivrit ba’universita.)
Translation: I learned Hebrew at the university.
2. לִלְמוֹד (Lilmud): This is another formal term used to express “to learn” in Hebrew. It is typically used when discussing the process of gaining knowledge or acquiring a specific subject. For example:
Example: הָרַפִּיד למד ללמד בפנימית. (Harapid lamad lilmud bepnimit.)
Translation: The teacher learned to teach in the internal school.
Informal Ways to Say “Learn” in Hebrew
1. לִגְמֹר (Ligmor): This informal term can be used to express “to learn” in a casual conversation or among peers. It can convey a sense of acquiring knowledge or completing a task. For example:
Example: אני רוצה לגמור את הספר הזה. (Ani rotze ligmor et hasefer haze.)
Translation: I want to finish reading this book.
2. לְעַזֵּב (Le’azev): This informal term, though often used to mean “to abandon” or “to quit,” can also be employed to express “to learn” more casually in certain contexts. For example:
Example: אני ממש לא רוצה לעזוב את השפה הזו, אני רוצה ללמוד אותה. (Ani mamash lo rotze le’azov et hasafa hazo, ani rotze lilmod ota.)
Translation: I really don’t want to quit this language; I want to learn it.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you further understand how to use these terms:
- When expressing the act of learning something specific, such as a subject or a new skill, it is common to place the direct object after the verb. For example: אני לומד אנגלית (Ani lo-med Anglit), meaning “I am learning English.”
- For a more specific form of learning, such as studying for an exam or acquiring advanced knowledge, you can use the verb לֵמֵד (Lemed) followed by the direct object. For example: אני לומד למדעי המחשב. (Ani lo-med le’madaei hamachshev.)
It’s worth noting that Hebrew offers a rich vocabulary with different nuances for these terms, often influenced by the specific context and regional variations. The variations mentioned above are widely understood across different Hebrew-speaking regions.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “learn” in Hebrew, both in formal and informal contexts. Remember that “לִלְמֹד” (Lilmod) and “לִלְמוֹד” (Lilmud) are the common formal terms, while “לִגְמֹר” (Ligmor) and “לְעַזֵּב” (Le’azev) are the informal equivalents. Embrace the beauty of the Hebrew language and continue to explore its rich vocabulary. Practice using these words in conversations and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Hebrew learning. כל הכבוד (Kol hakavod) – well done!
