shall

Hebrew translation: See explanation below

18:26 Jan 6, 2002
English to Hebrew translations [Non-PRO]
Art/Literary
English term or phrase: shall
Only by seeking knowledge shall you conquer ignorance.
Debbie
Hebrew translation:See explanation below
Explanation:
Hi Debbie,

There is no exact equivalent. Hebrew grammar is very different:

First of all, most verbs vary with gender (m/f) and number (singular/plural).

Secondly, the future tense is usually indicated by a suffix (ending) to the verb. Even the person (here, 2nd person = you) is mostly indicated by a prefix or suffix.

For example, in 'shall you conquer', let's assume this is a singular female 2nd person (someone talking directly to you, Debbie).

To conquer = li-khbosh (le/li = to, k-b-s is the root of 'conquer'). Even here, it's all 1 word.

you shall conquer = tikhbeshi.

The masculine would be: tikhbosh.

The ti- prefix indicates the future tense for this root and construction. The 'i' at the end often indicates 2nd person f. singular.

In the present (you - Debbie - are conquering): at (you f. sing.) koveshet.

In the future: at tikhbeshi.

Sorry it's so complicated.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2002-01-06 21:39:03 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Oops, I meant in the past:
at kavasht. The \'at\' is optional, by the way, where it\'s obvious from the verb itself and there is no ambiguity.

Plural for \'you shall conquer\':
atem tikhbeshu (m.)
aten tikhboshna (f.)
Selected response from:

John Kinory (X)
Local time: 18:03
Grading comment
Thank you for your wonderful explanation! I vaguely remembered from my college Hebrew course that the Hebrew language really didn't have literal translations for words like "shall," but I couldn't remember how to conjugate the verb to imply it. I greatly appreciate your help...thank you again!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
5 +1See explanation below
John Kinory (X)


  

Answers


3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +1
See explanation below


Explanation:
Hi Debbie,

There is no exact equivalent. Hebrew grammar is very different:

First of all, most verbs vary with gender (m/f) and number (singular/plural).

Secondly, the future tense is usually indicated by a suffix (ending) to the verb. Even the person (here, 2nd person = you) is mostly indicated by a prefix or suffix.

For example, in 'shall you conquer', let's assume this is a singular female 2nd person (someone talking directly to you, Debbie).

To conquer = li-khbosh (le/li = to, k-b-s is the root of 'conquer'). Even here, it's all 1 word.

you shall conquer = tikhbeshi.

The masculine would be: tikhbosh.

The ti- prefix indicates the future tense for this root and construction. The 'i' at the end often indicates 2nd person f. singular.

In the present (you - Debbie - are conquering): at (you f. sing.) koveshet.

In the future: at tikhbeshi.

Sorry it's so complicated.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2002-01-06 21:39:03 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Oops, I meant in the past:
at kavasht. The \'at\' is optional, by the way, where it\'s obvious from the verb itself and there is no ambiguity.

Plural for \'you shall conquer\':
atem tikhbeshu (m.)
aten tikhboshna (f.)

John Kinory (X)
Local time: 18:03
PRO pts in pair: 43
Grading comment
Thank you for your wonderful explanation! I vaguely remembered from my college Hebrew course that the Hebrew language really didn't have literal translations for words like "shall," but I couldn't remember how to conjugate the verb to imply it. I greatly appreciate your help...thank you again!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Noah: As usual a very thorough and well-constructed answer from John. Kol hakavod Yoni!
2 hrs
  -> Thanks, Noah :-)
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.


See also:
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search