מה זה אומר?
What does that mean?
Ma ze omer?
questionsAsk for the meaning of a word or phrase.
Context: Useful when you hear an unfamiliar word. A natural follow-up question to "how-do-you-say".
How to Use "What does that mean?" in a Conversation
Example conversation:
A: Useful when you hear an unfamiliar word.
B: מה זה אומר?
This phrase is considered neutral in register and is at a beginner difficulty level for Hebrew learners.
How to Pronounce "מה זה אומר?"
Ma ze omer?
Break it down: Ma - ze - omer?
Hebrew is read from right to left. The transliteration above follows English reading order (left to right) to help you pronounce each sound correctly.
Cultural Tips for Using This Phrase
In Israel, this phrase works in most situations, from talking to friends to speaking with shopkeepers or colleagues.
This phrase stays the same regardless of the speaker's gender, making it easy to learn and use for beginners.
Body language matters in Israel. When saying "what does that mean?", Israelis will appreciate your effort to speak Hebrew, even if imperfect. Don't be afraid to try!
Learning "What does that mean?": Quick Reference
| Hebrew | מה זה אומר? |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Ma ze omer? |
| English | What does that mean? |
| Category | questions |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Gender-specific | No: same for everyone |
Translate with the Roles Made Explicit
Download baba for modern Israeli Hebrew with roles, slang, idioms, cultural context, tone, and transliteration. To translate a whole message with the right gender and register, use the free Hebrew to English translator.
Questions About "What does that mean?" in Hebrew
How do you say "What does that mean?" in Hebrew?
"What does that mean?" in Hebrew is "מה זה אומר?". Useful when you hear an unfamiliar word. A natural follow-up question to "how-do-you-say".
Is "מה זה אומר?" formal or informal?
"מה זה אומר?" is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.
How do you pronounce "מה זה אומר?"?
Pronounced: Ma ze omer?