Lesson 173: Formal Correspondence
Formal Hebrew has its own elevated register, with set phrases you won’t hear in speech. These are the building blocks of an official letter or email. Tap any line to hear it.
Opening
לִכְבוֹד מַר כֹּהֵן,
lichvod mar kohen,
Dear Mr. Cohen, (formal)
הֲרֵינִי פּוֹנֶה אֵלֶיךָ בְּנוֹגֵעַ לְ...
hareini pone elecha benogea le...
I am writing to you regarding…
The body
אוֹדֶה לְךָ אִם תּוּכַל לְטַפֵּל בָּעִנְיָן.
ode lecha im tuchal letapel ba’inyan.
I would be grateful if you could handle the matter.
מְצֹרָף בָּזֶה הַמִּסְמָךְ הַנִּדְרָשׁ.
metsoraf baze hamismach hanidrash.
Attached herewith is the required document.
Closing
בְּתוֹדָה וּבְבִרְכָּה,
betoda uvivracha,
With thanks and regards,
בְּכָבוֹד רַב,
bechavod rav,
Respectfully yours,