אותו — meaning in English: him

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

Guess the translation for him / it

אותו

oto

כן

ken

פריצת

pritsat

מאנית

manit

במערכה

bama'arakha

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers often use 'אותו' (oto) in everyday conversations when referring to a male person previously mentioned. For example, in discussing plans with friends, one might say, 'I saw him yesterday,' using 'אותו' to clarify who is being talked about. It's commonly used in both casual chat and more serious discussions.

Synonyms & nuances

'אותו' (oto) is directly translated as 'him,' but it can also be compared to the more formal 'הוא' (hu), which means 'he.' While 'הוא' is often used in formal speech, 'אותו' is more versatile, used in both casual and serious contexts, making it a go-to choice for conversational Hebrew.

Culture

'אותו' comes from the Hebrew root that relates to identity and possession. In a culture where relationships and community are highly valued, referring to someone using 'אותו' implies familiarity, showing that the speaker feels a connection to the person. Historically, this word has been part of the language since ancient times, appearing in biblical texts, illustrating the continuity of Hebrew through the ages.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'אותו' mean?

'אותו' (oto) translates to 'him' in English and is commonly used to refer to a male individual already mentioned in conversation.

Q.How do I use 'אותו' in a sentence?

You can use 'אותו' in sentences like 'אני מדבר עליו, אותו אני לא מכיר' which means 'I'm talking about him, I don't know him.' It helps clarify who you're discussing.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 'אותו'?

A common mistake is confusing 'אותו' with 'אותה' (ota), which means 'her'. Remember, use 'אותו' for males and 'אותה' for females to ensure clarity in conversation.

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