What does it mean word for word?
The word באמת is composed of the preposition ב (in) and the noun אמת (truth), literally meaning 'in truth'.
Which one should you use?
While באמת is the standard way to say 'actually' or 'really' within a sentence, there are different forms used specifically for expressing surprise or requesting confirmation: באמת? is the standard question, while הֲאֻמְנָם? and ואללה? are used for specific levels of formality.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For expressing surprise, באמת? is the standard form. הֲאֻמְנָם? is a very formal, literary way to ask for confirmation or express surprise, whereas ואללה? is highly colloquial slang used to express surprise or to prompt someone to continue a story, much like saying 'And then what?' in a very informal way.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
be'emet
Did you know?
- The colloquial ואללה? used to say 'really' is borrowed from Arabic. It is so common in Israel that it is used by Hebrew speakers regardless of their own ethnic background.
- In some Jewish mystical traditions, removing the first letter of אמת (truth) creates מת (death).
- The word אמת (truth) is composed of the first א, the middle מ and the last ת letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Examples in context
- זה לא קרה באמת.That didn't really happen.This sentence shows how to use באמת to negate a claim.Tatoeba #1977313 by MrShoval, translation #265232 by CK
- מה קרה לך באמת?What really happened to you?This sentence demonstrates the use of באמת to ask about an actual event.Tatoeba #5477317 by fekundulo, translation #3907387 by CK
- באמת אין לי מזל.I really am unlucky!This sentence illustrates using באמת as an intensifier for a feeling.Tatoeba #1615123 by MrShoval, translation #410605 by CK
- הוא באמת ילד חכםHe is really a smart boy.
- אֵיזֶה בֶּאֶמֶת אחלה תמונה!What a really amazing picture!
- 741 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rotem and Daniel are talking about a surprising news story.
- רוטם Rotemשמעת את החדשות?shama'at et ha-khadashot?Did you hear the news?
- דניאל Danielלא, מה קרה?lo, ma kara?No, what happened?
- רוטם Rotemהוא באמת עזב את העבודה.hu be-emet azav et ha-avoda.He actually left the job.
- דניאל Danielאני לא מאמין לזה!ani lo ma'amin le-ze!I can't believe it!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
