Hong Kong, 2008. (Zion Ozeri/Jewish Lens)

Hebrew Words

Some basic Hebrew words for a beginner.

Abba (pronounced AH-buh):  Father

אבּא


Adonai: God

אַדָנָי


Ahava (pronounced ah-hah-VAH): Love

אהבה


Bevakashah (pronounced buh-VAH-kuh-shah): Please; you’re welcome

בּבקשה


Eema (pronounced EE-muh)Mother; mom

אמא


Elohim (pronounced el-oh-HEEM): God

אלוהים


EeshMan, person

איש


Eeshah (pronounced ee-SHAH): Woman; wife

אישה


Ken: Yes

כן


Lo: No

לא


L’hitraot (pronounced luh-heet-rah-OTE): Goodbye, see you later

להתראות


Mishpacha (pronounced meesh-pakh-HAH): Family

משפּחה


Olam (pronounced oh-LAHM): World, universe

עולם


Or: Light

אור


Shalom: Peace; hello; goodbye

שלום


Todah (pronounced toe-DAH): Thank you

תודה

Discover More

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Common Hebrew (and Aramaic) shorthand translated and explained.

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This prayer is traditionally recited on Rosh Hashanah by a flowing body of water.

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This popular Jewish phrase of congratulation is a literally a comment on the alignment of the stars.