האַלטן
haltn/ˈhaɫtn̩/
The English word "stop" translates to האַלטן (haltn) in Yiddish.
While האַלטן can mean to stop, it is often used to mean to hold or to keep. To specifically mean to cease or stop an action or process, the verb is frequently used with the prefix אָפּ-, forming אָפּהאַלטן.
Meaning: not to continue (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The base form האַלטן literally means "to hold" or "to keep".
Which one should you use?
The form האַלטן often refers to holding, whereas the prefixed form אָפּהאַלטן is used to denote the cessation of an activity. The imperative form האַלט! is used when commanding a single person to stop or hold.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is often used with the separable prefix אָפּ- (op-) to mean "to stop" or "to cease" an activity.
How do you pronounce it?
haltn (/ˈhaɫtn̩/)
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, האַלטן can be used to mean 'to believe' or 'to consider' someone to be a certain way.
- While האַלטן means 'to stop' or 'to hold', it is also used to describe 'keeping' a tradition or a promise.
- The Yiddish word האַלטן is a direct linguistic cousin to the English word 'hold'.
Examples in context
- מיר קענען זיך נישט אָפּהאַלטן בײַ יעדער אָפּרו־סטאַנציע.We can't stop at every rest stop.This sentence shows how to use האַלטן in the context of a rest stop.Tatoeba #11724624 by shekitten, translation #10159529 by shekitten
Example conversation
Yitzhak is making a loud noise and Miriam asks him to quit.
- יצחק Yitzchakגוף, איך בין נאָך נישט פֿערטיק!Guf, ikh bin nokh nisht fertik!Wait, I'm not finished yet!
- מרים Miriamיצחק, ביטע האַלטן שוין!Yitzhak, bite haltn shoyn!Yitzhak, please stop already!
- יצחק Yitzchakנאָך איין מינוט.Nokh ein minut.Just one more minute.
- מרים Miriamניין, האַלטן יעצט!Neyn, haltn yetst!No, stop now!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry האַלטן, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries האַלטן, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
