Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “thousands” in Hebrew. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this number, as well as some regional variations. We’ll provide you with numerous tips and examples to help you master this word with ease.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Thousands” in Hebrew
Let’s begin with the formal ways to say “thousands” in Hebrew. The most common formal term used to express this number is “אלפים” (alafim). This word is derived from the Hebrew word “אלף” (elef), which means “thousand.” It is important to note that “alafim” is the plural form of “elef” and is used when referring to more than one thousand.
Here are a few examples of how “אלפים” (alafim) can be used in sentences:
המספר של המאה בשתי עשרה אלף טיפות מים. (Ha’mispar shel ha’ma’ah beshtei-esreh elef tifot mayim.) – The number of the meter is twelve thousand drops of water.
הוא זכה באלפי דולרים. (Hu zakha be’alfei dolarim.) – He won thousands of dollars.
Another formal way to express the word “thousands” is by using the phrase “אלפי יחיד” (alfei yachid), which translates to “thousands of individuals.” This phrase is commonly used when referring to large groups of people or objects.
Here are a couple of examples demonstrating the usage of “אלפי יחיד” (alfei yachid):
אלפי העובדים בחברה הם רבים ומגוונים. (Alfei ha’ovdim ba’chavera hem rabim u’meguvanim.) – The company has thousands of employees who are diverse and varied.
קניתי כרית אדמה של אלפי יחיד כותנה טבעית. (Kaniti karit adama shel alfei yachid kutnah teva’it.) – I bought a natural cotton pillowcase made from thousands of individual threads.
Informal Ways to Say “Thousands” in Hebrew
In informal settings, Hebrew speakers often use the term “עשרות אלפים” (asorot alafim) to express the equivalent of “tens of thousands.” This phrase is typically used when describing large quantities or estimating numbers.
Here are a few examples of how “עשרות אלפים” (asorot alafim) can be used:
המשקאות הם במחיר עשרות אלפים ש”ח. (Ha’mesha’ka’ot hem bemakir asorot alafim shekel chadash.) – The drinks are priced at tens of thousands of shekels.
אני רואה כל מיני פרחים בשדות, עשרות אלפים! (Ani ro’eh kol mini perachim basadot, asorot alafim!) – I see all kinds of flowers in the fields, tens of thousands!
Regional Variations
While Hebrew is the official language in Israel, there can be some regional variations in dialect and pronunciation. When it comes to saying “thousands,” the main variation lies in the pronunciation of the word “אלפיים” (alpayim), which is another common way to express “thousands” in Hebrew. In some regions, it may be pronounced as “אלפים” (alafim) instead.
It’s important to be aware of these regional differences, as you may encounter both pronunciations depending on the location you are in. Nevertheless, “אלפים” (alafim) is universally understood and widely used throughout Hebrew-speaking regions.
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “thousands” in Hebrew! We hope this guide has provided you with the knowledge and confidence to express this number accurately in both formal and informal contexts. Remember, the formal term “אלפים” (alafim) and the informal phrase “עשרות אלפים” (asorot alafim) will be your go-to choices in most situations. Keep practicing and incorporating these words into your Hebrew vocabulary, and you’ll soon become comfortable using them naturally. Enjoy your journey into Hebrew language and culture!