שב — meaning in English: Sit down

shev · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for Sit down

לפה

le'peh

שב

shev

עשינו

asinu

הז

haz

פול

pul

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Hebrew for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

informal very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'שב' (shev) when inviting someone to take a seat, whether in a casual setting with friends or during a more formal meeting. For instance, a host might say 'שב' when welcoming guests into their home, or a teacher might use it to ask students to sit down at the start of class.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'שב' is the most straightforward way to say 'sit down,' another word like 'לשבת' (lashevet) means 'to sit' in a more general sense. You might choose 'שב' when directly instructing someone to take a seat, whereas 'לשבת' could be used when discussing the act of sitting more broadly.

Culture

'שב' has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language, where sitting down was often associated with rest and reflection. In Israeli culture, the act of sitting together often symbolizes community and togetherness, making this simple command a gateway to shared experiences, whether at a family meal or a friendly gathering.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'שב' in Hebrew?

'שב' is pronounced as 'shev,' with a soft 'sh' sound at the beginning. It's a simple two-syllable word that's easy to remember!

Q.When should I use 'שב' instead of other words for 'sit'?

'שב' is best used in informal contexts when you want to directly instruct someone to sit down. For more formal discussions about the concept of sitting, you might opt for 'לשבת' (lashevet).

Q.Is 'שב' used in different contexts?

'שב' can be used in various contexts, from casual settings like homes and cafes to more structured environments like classrooms or meetings. However, its informal nature makes it less suitable in very formal situations.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

1000 frequent Hebrew Words