how to say “serious” in Hebrew
having trouble seeing the print?
רְצִינִי, חָמוּר
Never experienced Ulpan La-Inyan?
We’re offering free demo classes
throughout the summer.
The translation of serious into Modern Hebrew, when referring to a person, an offer, etc. is רְצִינִי (reh-tsee-NEE) in the masculine and רְצִינִית (reh-tsee-NEET) in the feminine.
For example:
הוּא בָּחוּר רְצִינִי.
He’s a serious young man. (in Hebrew, this is a compliment)
(hoo bah-KHOOR reh-tsee-NEE)
יֵשׁ כַּמָּה מָעֳמָדִים רְצִינִיִּים לַמִּשְׂרָה.
There are several serious candidates for the position.
(yesh kah-MAH moh-ah-mah-DEEM reh-tsee-nee-YEEM lah-mees-RAH)
To describe a situation, an action, etc. as serious or grave, however, you’d use a different word: חָמוּר (khah-MOOR) in the masculine and חֲמוּרָה (khah-moo-RAH) in the feminine. These words usually refer to things that shouldn’t have been done.
For example:
לִכְתּוֹב עַל קִיר בֵּית הַכְּנֶסֶת זֶה מַעֲשֶׂה חָמוּר.
To write on the wall of the synagogue is a serious act.
(leekh-TOHV ahl keer BEH-eet hah-keh-NEH-set zeh mah-ah-EH khah-MOOR)
חָמוּר is likely not related to the word חָמוֹר (khah-MOHR) meaning donkey.
Further build your
Hebrew vocabulary with…
Hebrew vocabulary with…
 |
| with a special discount for Ulpan La-Inyan enthusiasts like yourself |
