Greetings, language enthusiasts! If you’re eager to learn how to express the pronoun “they” in Hebrew, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both the formal and informal ways to say “they” in Hebrew, keeping in mind any regional variations that might exist. We’ll provide you with plenty of tips, examples, and guidance along the way. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “They” in Hebrew
In formal situations, such as when speaking to someone you don’t know very well or with whom you have a professional relationship, you’ll generally use the word “hem” to refer to a group of people or to a mixture of genders. Here are a few examples:
הם אוהבים לטייל בערים חדשות. (Hem ohev-im Latey-el ba-areem chadashot.)
They like to travel to new cities.
ההורים אוהבים את ילדיהם. (Ha-horim ohev-im et yelad-ey-hem.)
The parents love their children.
Remember to use the appropriate verb conjugation (in this case, the masculine plural form) when referring to the actions of a group of people. Keep in mind that Hebrew verb conjugation is gender-specific.
Informal Ways to Say “They” in Hebrew
In informal situations, Hebrew offers two different options for expressing “they,” depending on the gender composition of the group you’re referring to.
Masculine Group: “Hem”
הם היו פה עד עכשיו. (Hem hayu po ad achi-yav.)
They have been here until now.
As the masculine form is used for groups that include both males and females, “hem” is the default option in mixed-gender informal conversations.
Feminine Group: “Hen”
When referring to a group consisting strictly of females, the pronoun “hen” is substituted for “hem” in informal settings. Here’s an example:
הן העדיפו ללכת לקולנוע. (Hen ha-adifu le-lechet la-ko-lno-a.)
They preferred to go to the cinema.
Make sure to adapt the verb conjugation to match the feminine plural form when using “hen” to refer to actions performed by a group of ladies.
Tips and Regional Variations
When you’re learning Hebrew, it’s valuable to bear in mind a few additional tips and regional variations:
- Dialectal Variations: While the formal pronoun “hem” is widely used in all regions, some informal regional variations exist. For example, in certain dialects, you might hear “hayu” instead of “hem” for mixed-gender groups.
- Verb Agreement: Remember to adapt the verb form to match the gender and number of the group you’re referring to. This rule applies to both formal and informal situations.
- Listening Practice: To better grasp the nuances of using “they” in Hebrew, listen to native speakers in different situations. This will familiarize you with regional accents, colloquialisms, and speech patterns.
- Practice makes Perfect: The more you practice using “they” in Hebrew, the more comfortable and fluent you’ll become. So, don’t shy away from real-life conversations or language exchange programs to sharpen your skills.
With these insights and guidance, you’re well-equipped to express “they” in Hebrew confidently. Remember, language learning takes time, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey.
Wishing you great success in your Hebrew language adventures!
