In Hebrew, the word for “year” is “shanah.” In this guide, we will explore how to say “year” in different contexts, formal and informal ways, and touch upon any regional variations if applicable. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Year” in Hebrew
1. The most commonly used formal term for “year” in Hebrew is “shanah.” This term is widely understood and used across all regions and contexts.
Note: “Shanah” is used as a feminine noun. So, when using it in a sentence, you need to pair it with feminine adjectives and verbs.
2. Another formal term for “year” in Hebrew is “sh’nat.” This form is utilized when expressing the possession of a certain year or indicating duration.
For example:
“I was born in the year 1990” → “Noladeti bash’nat 1990”
Informal Ways to Say “Year” in Hebrew
1. In casual conversations, you might come across an informal way to refer to a “year” in Hebrew. People will occasionally use the term “shanot,” which is the plural form of “shanah.”
For example:
“We’re planning to travel next year” → “Anachnu mechakim l’tsoa ba’shanot ha’ba’ot.”
2. Another informal term that you may encounter is “sha’a,” which literally means “hour.” However, it is occasionally used in a more figurative sense to refer to a “year.” Please note that this usage is less common and can be considered more colloquial.
For example:
“See you next year” → “Nireh otcha ba’sha’a ha’ba’a.”
Regional Variations
When it comes to the word for “year,” Hebrew does not differ significantly across different regional dialects. However, some variations may exist in pronunciation or vernacular terms. Here are a few examples:
- Israeli Hebrew: The standard form of Hebrew spoken in Israel predominantly uses the term “shanah.”
- Mizrahi Hebrew: Mizrahi Jews, especially those originating from Middle Eastern countries, might occasionally use the word “saneh” to refer to a “year.”
- Yemenite Hebrew: Yemenite Jews may use the term “shonah” instead of “shanah” to mean “year.”
Tips and Examples
1. When counting years, it’s important to follow Hebrew grammar rules. For example, when saying “two years,” instead of using the word “shanatayim,” you would say “shney shanim” (literally, “two years”).
2. To specify a certain year, you can use the preposition “shel” (meaning “of”) before the appropriate number. For instance, “shel 5779″ would mean “the year 5779.”
3. Whe discussing “last year,” you can use the term “shana sh’avarah” or simply “shavua” (meaning “week”) to convey the same meaning. Both expressions are commonly used.
For example:
“Last year was challenging” → “Shana sh’avarah haytah mugshanah”
“I visited Paris last year” → “Bikashti et Pariz bashavua ha’aharon”
4. When referring to “next year,” you can use the term “shana haba’ah” or simply “bashanah ha’ba’ah” (meaning “in the coming year”). Both expressions are commonly understood.
For example:
“Next year, I plan to learn Hebrew” → “Bashanah ha’ba’ah, ani margish likroiv et ha’ivrit”
“In the coming year, we hope for prosperity” → “Bashanah ha’ba’ah, anachnu mitzlachim l’tova”
Remember, the context and the people you are conversing with can influence the choice of words.
In Conclusion
We have explored various ways to say “year” in Hebrew, both formally and informally. We also touched upon regional variations and provided tips and examples to enhance your understanding.
Whether you choose to use the formal “shanah” or the more casual “shanot,” mastering these terms will help you navigate conversations and better connect with Hebrew speakers. Enjoy your language learning journey and have a great time exploring the richness of Hebrew culture!
