אהבה
ahava
The English phrase 'love' is translated into Hebrew as אהבה (ahava).
אהבה is a noun referring to a state of strong affection. Related verb forms can also express being strongly inclined towards doing something (similar to 'adore' or 'be into') or the act of caring about someone and wishing them well.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
Which one should you use?
While אהבה is the noun for 'love', the verb forms change based on gender and person. Use אוהב for a masculine singular subject that loves, and אוהבת for a feminine singular subject that loves.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun אהבה has a plural form, אהבות, which means 'loves'.
How do you pronounce it?
ahava
Did you know?
- In traditional Jewish poetry, the word אהבה is often paired with יראה, meaning 'awe' or 'fear', to describe the complete relationship between a human and the Divine.
- The word אהבה shares a linguistic ancestor with the ancient Ugaritic word ảhbt, showing that the way Hebrews expressed affection has remained structurally similar for thousands of years.
- While English uses 'love' for both people and objects, in Hebrew, using the verb אוהב for an inanimate object like a 'pizza' can sometimes sound strangely intense or even poetic rather than casual.
Examples in context
- הם דיברו על אהבהThey talked about love.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the noun אהבה in a context of conversation.Tatoeba #10073069 by mutskt, translation #306144 by CK
- פעם היא אהבה אותו.She used to love him.This sentence is useful for showing how the noun אהבה functions in a past tense context.Tatoeba #1709994 by MrShoval, translation #887491 by CK
- זו לא אהבה אמיתית.This is not true love.This sentence is useful for showing how to negate the noun אהבה.Tatoeba #2128977 by MrShoval, translation #1522975 by donkirkby
- אהבת חייLove of my life
- הם/הן אנשים אהוביםThey are beloved people
- זה מקום אהוב עלייThis is a place I love
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya and Noam are talking about their relationship.
- מאיה Mayaנועם, אני מרגישה אהבה גדולה אליך.Noam, ani margisha ahava gdola elecha.Noam, I feel a great love for you.
- נועם Noamגם אני מרגיש אהבה אליך, מאיה.Gam ani margish ahava elayich, Maya.I also feel love for you, Maya.
- מאיה Mayaזה מרגש שאתה אומר את זה.Ze meragesh she'ata omer et ze.It is exciting that you say that.
- נועם Noamהאהבה שלנו היא הדבר הכי חשוב לי.Ha'ahava shelanu hi hadavar hachi chashuv li.Our love is the most important thing to me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אהבה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
