אחת שתיים שלוש
akhat shtayim shalosh
The phrase "one two three" in Hebrew is אחת שתיים שלוש (akhat shtayim shalosh).
This sequence is commonly used as a countdown to signal the start of an activity, such as taking a photo or starting a race.
How does it change in a sentence?
The numbers in this sequence, אחת שתיים שלוש, are the feminine forms of one, two and three.
How do you pronounce it?
akhat shtayim shalosh
Did you know?
- While אחת שתיים שלוש is used for a photo, a Hebrew speaker might say סבבה ('sababa') immediately after the action to signal that the result was great.
- The word שלוש for 'three' shares the same ancient root as the English word 'triple', as both come from a common ancestor describing the number three.
- In Hebrew, you use the feminine forms אחת שתיים שלוש for counting regardless of what you are counting. Using the masculine forms would sound like you are specifically counting people or masculine objects.
Examples in context
- האירוע מתחיל בשעה שלושThe event starts at three o'clock.
- אחת שתיים שלוש, וקופצים!achat shtayim shalosh, ve-koptzim!One two three, and jump!
Example conversation
Two friends are getting ready to take a photo together.
- איתי Itayרוטם, תסתכלי למצלמה!Rotem, tistakli la-matzlema!Rotem, look at the camera!
- רוטם Rotemאני מוכנה, איתי.ani muchana, Itai.I'm ready, Itai.
- איתי Itayאחת שתיים שלוש, חיוך!achat shtayim shalosh, chiyuch!One two three, smile!
- רוטם Rotemיצאה תמונה נהדרת.yatz'a tmuna nehederet.It's a great photo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries שלוש, CC BY-SA 4.0.
