Learning how to say “passport” in Hebrew is useful when traveling to Israel or when engaging in conversations with Hebrew speakers. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this term in Hebrew. Additionally, we will provide you with some tips, examples, and regional variations to help you grasp the various nuances of the language.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Passport in Hebrew
If you want to express “passport” in a formal context or with someone you do not know well, the appropriate term to use is “te’udat ma’avar” (תעודת מעבר). Let’s break this phrase down:
- “Te’udat” (תעודת) means “document” in Hebrew.
- “Ma’avar” (מעבר) means “passage” or “crossing.”
When combined, “te’udat ma’avar” refers to the official document that allows for international travel.
Informal Ways to Say Passport in Hebrew
In more informal contexts or when conversing with acquaintances, friends, or family, you can use a more casual term for “passport.” The commonly used informal term is “ma’avar” (מעבר). Unlike the formal term, this informal expression doesn’t include the word “document.”
Tips and Examples
If you find yourself discussing passports in Hebrew, here are some tips and examples that might prove helpful:
Tips:
- If you’re unsure about the appropriate level of formality, it’s generally safer to use the formal term “te’udat ma’avar.”
- When using the informal term “ma’avar,” make sure the context is suitable, such as conversations with friends or family members.
- Remember that in Hebrew, the adjective “Israeli” is “Yisraeli” (ישראלי). So, if you want to specify an Israeli passport, you can use “te’udat ma’avar Yisraeli” for a formal reference, or “ma’avar Yisraeli” for an informal one.
Examples:
Formal: אני צריך להכין תעודת מעבר חדשה לטיסה הבאה. (Ani tzarich lehakim te’udat ma’avar chadasha letisa haba’a.)
Translation: I need to renew my passport for the next flight.
Informal: אם אתה רוצה ללכת לחופשה בחו”ל, תוודא שהמעבר שלך תקף. (Im atah rotse lilchet lechufsha bachutz, tivade shehama’avar shelcha takaf.)
Translation: If you want to go on vacation abroad, make sure your passport is valid.
Regional Variations
Hebrew is predominantly spoken in Israel; however, regional variations can exist. One such variation involves the pronunciation of the word “passport.” In some regions of Israel, particularly among Sephardic Jews, the term “passport” is pronounced as “tepachat” (טיפוחת) instead of “te’udat ma’avar.” However, the official standard term remains “te’udat ma’avar” and is understood throughout the country.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “passport” in Hebrew. You now know that “te’udat ma’avar” is the formal term, while “ma’avar” is the more casual and commonly used expression. Remember to check the appropriate level of formality based on your conversational context and utilize “ma’avar Yisraeli” when referring to an Israeli passport. Keep practicing and enjoy your next trip to Israel!
