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עברית
את — meaning in English: You
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You
את
et
אמרה
Amrah
הגדול
hagadol
אמרתי
amarti
דוקטור
doktor
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informal
very common
Usage
Native speakers use את (et) primarily in everyday conversations, particularly when addressing someone directly. You might hear it during casual chats with friends, in family gatherings, or when giving instructions to someone. For example, a parent might say 'אתה יכול לעזור לי?' (Can you help me?) to their child.
Synonyms & nuances
While את (et) is used as a direct object marker, a close synonym is 'אתה' (ata), which specifically means 'you' in a direct address. Use את when you need to indicate what the action is directed towards, whereas אתה would be used when speaking directly to someone.
Culture
The word את (et) actually serves a grammatical purpose in Hebrew, functioning as a direct object marker rather than simply meaning 'you.' This can be intriguing for learners, as it highlights the uniqueness of Hebrew structure. Over time, את has evolved to be an essential part of many sentences, showcasing the fluidity and complexity of the Hebrew language.
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