מַה שִׁמְךָ
Ma Shimkha
“What's your name?”
Ma Shimkha (מַה שִׁמְךָ) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “what's your name?,” pronounced “mah shim-KHA.” The literal translation is “what [is] your name?.” A basic conversational question used when meeting someone for the first time. The form changes based on the gender of the person asked.
| Hebrew | מַה שִׁמְךָ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Ma Shimkha |
| English Meaning | What's your name? |
| Literal Translation | What [is] your name? |
| Pronunciation | mah shim-KHA |
| Category | Everyday Expressions |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew. The question appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible. In Genesis 32:27, the angel asks Jacob 'Ma shimkha?' — 'What is your name?' — before renaming him Israel. |
| Scripture Reference | Genesis 32:27 |
Names carry extraordinary weight in Hebrew culture. When you ask 'Ma Shimkha?' — 'What is your name?' — you're asking something the Bible treats as deeply significant. In Hebrew thought, a name (shem) is not just a label; it reveals the essence of a person. God changed Abram's name to Abraham to mark a change in destiny. Jacob became Israel after wrestling with the angel. God Himself has multiple names, each revealing a different aspect of His nature. So when you ask an Israeli 'Ma Shimkha?' you're entering a culture where names are believed to shape identity and destiny.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 32:27
“The man asked him, 'What is your name?' (Ma shimkha?) 'Jacob,' he answered.”
Where Does “Ma Shimkha” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew. The question appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible. In Genesis 32:27, the angel asks Jacob 'Ma shimkha?' — 'What is your name?' — before renaming him Israel.
When and How to Say “Ma Shimkha”
Ma Shimkha (מַה שִׁמְךָ) is asked to a male; Ma Shmekh (מַה שְׁמֵךְ) to a female. The answer is 'Shmi...' (My name is...). In casual modern Hebrew, some people just say 'Eikh kor'im lekha?' (How do they call you?).
Cultural Context of Ma Shimkha
In Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, children are named after deceased relatives to honor their memory. In Sephardi tradition, children are named after living relatives as an honor. Israeli names often carry biblical, modern Hebrew, or nature-themed meanings. The naming ceremony is one of the most significant events in a Jewish child's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “What's your name?” in Hebrew?
“What's your name?” in Hebrew is Ma Shimkha (מַה שִׁמְךָ), pronounced “mah shim-KHA.” The literal translation is “What [is] your name?.” A basic conversational question used when meeting someone for the first time. The form changes based on the gender of the person asked.
How do you pronounce Ma Shimkha?
Ma Shimkha is pronounced “mah shim-KHA.” The literal meaning is “What [is] your name?.”
How do you say 'What's your name?' to a woman in Hebrew?
To a woman, you say 'Ma Shmekh?' (מַה שְׁמֵךְ), pronounced 'mah shme-KH.' The difference from the masculine form (Ma Shimkha) is in the possessive suffix: -kha (your, masculine) vs. -ekh (your, feminine). Getting the gender right shows respect and language awareness.
Why are names important in Hebrew culture?
In Hebrew tradition, a name (shem) reveals essence and destiny. God named things in creation, changed people's names to mark transformation (Abram → Abraham, Jacob → Israel), and has multiple names Himself. Jews believe that parents receive divine inspiration when naming a child, and the Hebrew name carries spiritual significance throughout life.
What are popular Israeli names?
Popular Israeli names include biblical names (David, Sarah, Noam, Tamar), modern Hebrew names (Or/light, Tal/dew, Yam/sea), and nature names (Ilan/tree, Shaked/almond). The most popular Israeli baby names change annually, blending ancient tradition with modern creativity.
Sources & Further Study
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