Learning how to say “leave” in Hebrew is an essential skill, whether you’re planning a trip to Israel, connecting with Hebrew-speaking friends, or exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Hebrew language. In this guide, we will introduce you to the various ways to express “leave” in Hebrew, including both formal and informal approaches. You’ll also find examples, tips, and even a glimpse into any regional variations that may exist.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Leave” in Hebrew
1. להתפטר (Lehitpatér)
This is the formal way of saying “to leave,” often used in professional or legal contexts.
Example: הוא התפטר מהתפקיד שלו. (Hu hitpatér mehatfakíd sheló.) – He resigned from his position.
2. לעזוב (Le’azov)
This verb is widely used when referring to leaving a place, terminating a relationship, or abandoning an object. It can be used in various contexts and conveys a more formal tone.
Example: היא החליטה לעזוב את העיר. (Hi hakhlitá le’azov et ha’ir.) – She decided to leave the city.
3. להופקע (Lehofké’a)
Primarily used in official or bureaucratic settings, this term implies “to officially leave” from an organization or institution.
Example: המורה פנה לראש המחלקה כדי להודיע על כוונתו להופקע. (Ha’more pana le’rosh hamakhleka kdei lehodia al kavontó lehofké’a.) – The teacher turned to the department head to announce his intention to leave.
Informal Ways to Say “Leave” in Hebrew
1. לצאת (Latsét)
Often used in informal everyday conversations, this verb expresses the act of “leaving” in a casual manner.
Example: אני חייב לצאת מהבית. (Ani kha’yav latsét mehabayit.) – I have to leave the house.
2. לעזוב מקום (Le’azov makom)
This phrase directly translates to “to leave a place” and is commonly used colloquially.
Example: אחרי שיחה ארוכה, הוא החליט לעזוב את המקום. (Acharé sihá arúcha, hu hakhlit le’azov et hamakom.) – After a long conversation, he decided to leave the place.
3. לפרוש (Lefarosh)
More commonly used in reference to separating from a group or event, this verb is a popular way to express “leave” informally.
Example: הם פרשו מהחברים שלהם. (Hem parshu mehakhaverim shelhem.) – They left their friends.
Regional Variations
Hebrew is spoken in various regions, and while the aforementioned terms are widely understood, some variations exist depending on the region:
- North: In northern Israel, “to leave” can be expressed using the term “לעזב” (Le’azav) instead of “לעזוב” (Le’azov).
- South: In the southern regions of Israel, it is common to hear “לעזוב” (Le’azov) pronounced as “לעזובו” (Le’azovu).
Tips for Using “Leave” in Hebrew
1. Context Is Key: When choosing the appropriate way to say “leave,” consider the context and level of formality required in the situation.
2. Pay Attention to Verb Forms: Ensure that you use the correct verb form and tense to match the subject and object of your sentence.
In Conclusion
Mastering the different ways to say “leave” in Hebrew, both formally and informally, expands your language abilities and enables you to express yourself in a variety of situations. Remember to adapt your choice of words based on the level of formality and the context in which you are communicating. With practice, you will confidently navigate conversations, connect with native speakers, and immerse yourself in the Hebrew language and culture.
