הנשמה שלי
haneshama sheli
In Hebrew, "my soul" is expressed as הנשמה שלי (haneshama sheli).
While this phrase can be used literally in a spiritual context, it is very commonly used as a warm, colloquial term of endearment for a loved one.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the definite noun הנשמה (the soul) and the possessive pronoun שלי (of me/my).
How do you pronounce it?
haneshama sheli
Did you know?
- In modern Israel, נשמה ('soul') is often used as a generic, friendly address for strangers, such as a shopkeeper or a taxi driver, similar to how 'honey' or 'dear' is used in some English dialects.
- The root of נשמה is shared with the Hebrew verb for 'to breathe', meaning the 'soul' is literally the 'breath' that animates a human.
- In some traditional Jewish contexts, the word נשמה is used as a euphemism for a deceased person, referring to them as a 'soul' rather than using their name.
Examples in context
- הגוף שלי ישן, אבל הנשמה שלי צעירה.My body is old, but my soul is young.This sentence is useful for illustrating the contrast between the physical body and the soul using הנשמה שלי.Tatoeba #13853785 by rul, translation #13852156 by rul
Example conversation
A couple is having a quiet moment at home.
- נועה Noaאיך עבר היום שלך, הנשמה שלי?eich avar hayom shelcha, ha'neshama sheli?How was your day, my soul?
- דניאל Danielהיה עמוס, אבל עכשיו טוב.haya amus, aval achshav tov.It was busy, but now it's good.
- נועה Noaאני כל כך שמחה שאתה כאן.ani kol kach smecha she'ata kan.I am so happy that you are here.
- דניאל Danielגם אני, אהובתי.gam ani, ahuvati.Me too, my love.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
