אַתָּה
'atámasculine
In Hebrew, the word for "you" is אַתָּה ('atá). Wiktionary also lists אַתְּ.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| אַתָּה | 'atá | masculine |
| אַתְּ | feminine |
The terms are used as subject pronouns to address the person or people being spoken to. In certain contexts, the particle יא can be used before epithets for emphasis.
Which one should you use?
The masculine singular form is אַתָּה, while the feminine singular form is אַתְּ. For plural addresses, use אַתֶּם for a group of males and אַתֶּן for a group of females.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronouns must agree with the gender and number of the person addressed. Use אַתָּה for one male, אַתְּ for one female, אַתֶּם for multiple males and אַתֶּן for multiple females.
How do you pronounce it?
'atá
Did you know?
- While אַתָּה is the standard word for 'you', Hebrew speakers often omit the pronoun entirely. Since the verb is conjugated for the person, the pronoun is only added when the speaker wants to emphasize the subject.
- The word אַתָּה is a cognate of the Arabic word anta. This similarity is a result of both languages belonging to the Northwest Semitic family.
- Hebrew lacks a formal 'you' like the French 'vous' or Spanish 'usted'. To show respect to a superior, speakers use the person's title or a polite phrase instead of changing the word אַתָּה.
Examples in context
- בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלהֵינוּ וֵאלהֵי אֲבותֵינוּ, אֱלהֵי אַבְרָהָם אֱלהֵי יִצְחָק וֵאלהֵי יַעֲקב.You are blessed, oh Lord, our God and God of our fathers, God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob.This sentence shows the use of אַתָּה in a religious context.Tatoeba #3005463 by fekundulo, translation #3005285 by judaismo
- אתה יכול לעזור לי?Could you help me?
- האם את יכולה להעביר לי את הקובץ?Can you pass me the file?
- נשמע כמו ש את יודעת מה את עושה.Sounds like you know what you are doing.
- אתה רוצה לצאת לקפה?Do you want to go out for coffee?
- חדשות? איך את מרגישה היום?News? How are you feeling today?
- אַתָּה עוֹזֵר לִי מְאוֹד.ata ozer li me'od.You are helping me a lot.
- מָתַי אַתָּה חוֹזֵר הַבַּיְתָה?matay ata khozer habayta?When are you returning home?
Example conversation
Agur is asking Ido about his lunch.
- עגור Adiמה אַתָּה רוצה לאכול?Ma atah rotze le'echol?What do you want to eat?
- עידו Idoאני רוצה פיצה.Ani rotze pizza.I want pizza.
- עגור Adiזה נשמע טעים.Ze nishma ta'im.That sounds delicious.
- עידו Idoבוא נזמין עכשיו.Bo nazmin achshav.Let's order now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
