שבח
shevach
The English phrase 'praise' is translated into Hebrew as שבח (shevach).
שבח is a noun meaning commendation or a favorable representation in words. You can also use the related verb forms to express the action of praising.
Meaning: commendation, favorable representation in words (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the singular form שבח exists, it is often more natural to use the plural form שבחים when talking about receiving general commendation or multiple compliments.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form שבחים is very commonly used to refer to 'praise' in a general sense, such as receiving compliments or positive feedback. For the verbal form, the infinitive 'to praise' is לשבח and the verb 'to give praise to' is שיבח \ שִׁבֵּחַ.
How do you pronounce it?
shevach
Did you know?
- The Hebrew root for שבח is cognate with the Arabic word sabḥ, which relates to movement or swimming.
- If you receive 'praise' in a professional Hebrew environment, you might hear the word כל הכבוד, which literally means 'all the honor', serving as a common way to express 'well done' or 'kudos'.
- While 'praise' in English can be used for people, in Hebrew, using certain high-level forms of שבח can sometimes sound overly sanctified, as if you are praising a deity rather than a person.
Examples in context
- הוא תמיד מחפש שבחים.He is always looking for praise.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use שבח when someone is seeking positive feedback.Tatoeba #5999613 by fekundulo, translation #289232 by CK
- שבחים לעד למי שהביאו את הקפה לאירופה.Praise be to those who brought coffee to Europe.This sentence shows how to offer praise to specific people.Tatoeba #725103 by Eldad, translation #6036332 by AlanF_US
- שבחים מעודדים את הסטודנטים לעבוד קשה.Praise stimulates students to work hard.This sentence demonstrates how praise can act as a stimulant.Tatoeba #1928468 by fekundulo, translation #33149 by orcrist
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a successful project presentation.
- איתי Itayראית את השבח שקיבלת מהמנהל?Ra'it et ha-shevach she-kibalt me-ha-menahel?Did you see the praise you received from the manager?
- עגור Adiכן, זה ממש הפתיע אותי.Ken, ze mamash hifti'a oti.Yes, it really surprised me.
- איתי Itayמגיע לך כל שבח על העבודה הזאת.Magia lecha kol shevach al ha-avoda hazot.You deserve all the praise for this work.
- עגור Adiתודה, איתי. זה מאוד נחמד ממך.Toda, Itay. Ze me'od nehmad mimcha.Thanks, Itay. That is very nice of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries שבח, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
