ראוי
ra'úy
The English word 'worthy' is translated into Hebrew as ראוי (ra'úy).
The adjective ראוי is used to describe someone or something that is deserving or has sufficient worth. When you want to say that something is worthy of a specific thing, such as praise or attention, you place the preposition ל (meaning 'to' or 'for') after the adjective.
Meaning: deserving, or having sufficient worth (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it describes, using the feminine form ראויה for feminine subjects. The plural form for masculine or mixed-gender groups is ראויים.
How do you pronounce it?
ra'úy
Did you know?
- The root of ראוי is shared with the word ראיון, meaning 'interview'. Both words relate to the idea of being looked at or evaluated by another person.
- The word ראוי shares a root with the Hebrew verb 'to see' (רָאָה), though its connection to the sense of 'deserving' is an ancient and specialized development.
- While English uses 'worthy' as a standalone adjective, Hebrew speakers often prefer to use the word מתאים (mat'im) to express that something is 'fitting' or 'suitable' in everyday conversation.
Examples in context
- היא אישה ראויה להערצה.She is a woman worthy of admiration.This sentence shows the use of ראוי to describe a woman worthy of admiration.Tatoeba #1205355 by Eldad, translation #1205350 by Eldad
- הרומן ראוי לשבח.The novel is worthy of praise.This sentence demonstrates how to say a novel is worthy of praise using ראוי.Tatoeba #5996614 by fekundulo, translation #46523 by CK
- אינני ראויה לידידותך.I am not worthy of your friendship.This sentence uses the feminine form ראויה to express being unworthy of friendship.Tatoeba #2116483 by fekundulo, translation #11181084 by mutskt
Example conversation
Daniel and Agur are discussing a colleague's promotion.
- דניאל Danielהוא באמת ראוי לקידום הזה.Hu be'emet ra'uy la-kidum ha-ze.He is really worthy of this promotion.
- עגור Adiאני מסכימה, הוא עבד קשה מאוד.Ani maskima, hu avad kashe me'od.I agree, he worked very hard.
- דניאל Danielזהו צעד ראוי וצודק.Ze-hu tsa'ad ra'uy ve-tzodek.It is a worthy and just step.
- עגור Adiאני שמחה בשבילו, דניאל.Ani smekha bishvilo, Daniel.I am happy for him, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ראוי, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ראוי, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
