Learn how to introduce yourself
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| Welcome to HebrewPod101.com’s “Ivrit be-shalosh dakot”. The fastest, easiest, and most fun way to learn Hebrew. |
| Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod. Hi, I'm Yana. It’s a pleasure to meet you. |
| In this series, we’re going to learn basic Hebrew expressions. It’s super easy and it only takes three minutes! |
| In this lesson, you’re going to learn how to introduce yourself in Hebrew. In Hebrew there is no formal and informal language. You can use this introduction in both cases and keep it simple. However, in Hebrew there is a difference between male and female language. |
| Let’s first see how Israeli people introduce themselves in a simple way. |
| Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod. Hi, I’m Yana. It’s a pleasure. |
| [slowly] Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod. |
| Start by saying: Shalom, ani... then, say your name. Shalom, ani Yana. Finally, say Naim meod. |
| Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod. |
| And now let’s see the same sentence if you wish to be more specific in addressing the person you are introduced to; |
| If you are introducing yourself to a woman, you should say; |
| Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod lehakir otah. |
| Hi, I am Yana. It’s a pleasure to meet you (female). |
| [slowly] Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod lehakir otah. |
| If you are talking to a man, you should say; |
| Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod lehakir otha. |
| Hi, I am Yana. It’s a pleasure to meet you (male). |
| [slowly] Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod lehakir otha. |
| So, what has changed from the previous introduction? |
| Let’s take a close look at these together. |
| The last part of the introduction has been changed based on the gender of the person you are talking to. |
| Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod lehakir otah for a woman, versus Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod lehakir otha for a man. |
| Ani- I am, in this case has not been changed, and in both cases stands for “I am”(regardless of your gender). |
| The last sound of the last word changes, however. Otah, if you’re speaking to a woman, and otha, if you’re speaking to a man. |
| One more time: The simple way to introduce yourself in Hebrew is Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod. |
| In case you want to address the person you are talking to, say; |
| Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod lehakir otah (female). |
| Shalom, ani Yana. Naim meod lehakir otha. (male) |
| Now it’s time for Yana’s Insights. |
| When you introduce yourself, it's a good habit to shake hands in Israel. If you don’t want to worry about using the right word for men or women, just say Naim meod, as I said at the beginning of this lesson. |
| There is no cultural importance if you add the last part to the introduction. It just makes the sentences more complete. |
| Do you know how we say “thank you” in Hebrew? You’ll learn how to say this and many other words in the next lesson. Ad ha-paam ha-baa! Till next time! |
115 Comments
HideLet's introduce yourself in Hebrew!
Shalom yana,
Shalom ani daniel naim meod lehakir otah
Dear Elizabeth Adams,
Thank you for posting and sharing this difficulty with us.
The difference between "otkha" and "otakh" lies in the last syllable, which is in one case "kha" and in the second "akh". You can slow down the lesson video (using the x1 button and choosing 0.5x or 0.75x) and listen carefully when "otakh" is said (1:40) vs. when "otkha" is said (1:47).
I hope this will help 😄 Please let us know if further clarification is needed 👍
Best,
Roi
Team HebrewPod101.com
I am not hearing the pronounciation difference between otha and otah. Can you help.
Hi Samuel Santos,
Thanks for posting.
Yes, exactly! everything that you wrote is correct. Well done 😄👍👍
Best,
Roi (רוֹעִי)
Team HebrewPod101.com
שָׁלוֹם רוֹעִ!
So, Hebrew has cases!?
Let me put it this way for, at least for me, a better understanding.
Declination of second person (--y-o-u--), in singular number, masculine and feminine forms:
forms: --------Masculine --|-- Feminine
cases:
---------
Nominative אַתְּ אַתָּה
Accusative אוֹתָךְ אוֹתְךָ
Dative לָךְ לְךָ
nominative = subject
accusative = direct object (the one needing אֶת)
dative = indirect object (to/for)
Tell me , בבקשה, am I correct?
תוֹדָה רַבָּה
Hi בּלאל,
Thanks for posting and for introducing yourself!
I'm Roi, very nice to meet you too! אני רועי, נעים מאוד להכיר אותך
We hope you'll enjoy learning Hebrew with us! Please feel free to post in case you have any questions 👍👍
Best,
Roi
Team HebrewPod101.com
שׁלןם , אני בלאָל נעימ מאוד להכיר אותף
Hi Lauren C,
Thanks for posting your question! I'll try to explain.
In English, there is no difference between "you" in "you are nice", to the "you" in "I like you" or the you in "I give you".
However, many languages - Hebrew included - are handling these situations differently by separating these three into a nominative case, accusative case and dative case.
In Hebrew -
The nominative for singular second person is: אַתְּ (feminine) and אַתָּה (masculine) - example: "את נחמדה" (you're nice)
The nominative for singular second person is: אוֹתָךְ (feminine) and אוֹתְךָ(masculine) - example: "אני מחבב אותך" (I like you)
The nominative for singular second person is: לָךְ(feminine) and לְךָ (masculine) - example: "...אני נותן לך" (I give you...)
I hope that helps 👍
Best,
Roi
Team HebrewPod101.com
Thanks for the video! I have a question . . . why in this sentence do you use "otah" and "otha" for you instead of "at" and "ata"? Or could you use both terms interchangeably (naim meod lehair at.)
Shalom Victoria and Isabel,
Toda raba for taking the time to leave us a comment! 😇
If you have any questions, let us know. 😉
Kind regards,
Levente (לבנטה)
Team HebrewPod101.com