Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “stay” in Hebrew! Whether you’re a traveler visiting Israel, have friends or family members who speak Hebrew, or simply want to learn a new language, this guide will provide you with various ways to express the concept of “stay” in both formal and informal settings.
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Formal Ways to Say “Stay” in Hebrew
When you need to use a more formal tone or address someone respectfully, here are some options you can use:
1. לָהֵישֵׁב (Leheishev)
This is the most common word for “to stay” in Hebrew when speaking formally. It can be used in various situations, such as asking someone to stay or recommending someone to settle in a particular place.
Example: נָאֶה לָךְ לְהֵישֵׁב בִּמְלוֹן? (Na’eh lach leheishev bimlon?) – Would you like to stay at the hotel?
2. לִשְׁהוֹת (Lishhot)
This alternative for “to stay” is less common but still used formally. It can also convey the meaning of “to sojourn” or “to reside.”
Example: הַאִירוּעֵי שֶׁהִשְׁהִיתוּ לְמָשֶׁךְ שְׁבוּעַ (Ha’iruei shehishhitu le’mashech shavu’a) – The tourists stayed for a week.
Informal Ways to Say “Stay” in Hebrew
In informal situations, among friends, or when speaking to someone of a close age, you can use these more casual phrases:
1. לִישֵׁב (Lishev)
This is the informal equivalent of “to stay” in Hebrew. It is commonly used in everyday conversations.
Example: תִּשְׁבְּי עוֹד קַצַּת? (Tishbi od katzat?) – Want to stay a bit longer?
2. לְהִשְׁאִיר אֵת (Lehis’ir et)
This informal phrase literally translates to “to leave with.” It is commonly used when asking someone to stay with you or leave something behind.
Example: הַתִּישֵׁב אֵת כְּלֵי הַאֳרוֹחִים שֶׁלִּי? (Hatishev et k’lei ha’orochim sheli?) – Can you leave my belongings?
Tips for Using “Stay” in Hebrew
Here are some additional tips and variations to help you use the word “stay” more effectively in Hebrew:
1. Adding Personal Pronouns
In Hebrew, it is common to include personal pronouns before the verb to clarify who you are addressing. For instance, saying “תִּשְׁבְּי” (Tishbi) instead of just “שֵׁב” (Shev) when speaking informally to a female friend.
2. Regional Variations
Hebrew is spoken in various regions, and minor differences in vocabulary and pronunciation may exist. However, the examples provided in this guide are widely understood throughout Israel, regardless of regional variations.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to say “stay” in Hebrew. Whether you need to express “stay” formally or casually, you are now equipped with various phrases and examples. Remember to adapt your language based on the situation and your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
