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עברית
לפעם — meaning in English: For once
lefa'am · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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to/for a time
לפעם
lefa'am
ירדתי
yaradeti
בדיקת
bdikat
בורות
burut
בהכנעה
behakhna'a
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informal
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use 'לפעם' in casual conversations to express a sense of rarity or exception to a routine. For instance, someone might say, 'לפעם אני אעשה את זה,' meaning 'For once, I will do this,' when they are doing something out of character or not part of their usual habits, like trying a new dish.
Synonyms & nuances
A closely related term is 'פעם' (pam), which simply means 'once.' However, 'לפעם' adds a layer of emphasis, indicating that this occurrence is notable or significant. You would use 'לפעם' when you want to highlight that something is happening differently than usual.
Culture
'לפעם' has a rich cultural significance in Hebrew, often reflecting a desire for change or a break from monotony. It has evolved from earlier expressions in Yiddish, where similar phrases were used to convey a sense of novelty, often in humorous or light-hearted contexts. The word captures the essence of breaking free from one's usual patterns, resonating with many who seek spontaneity in life.
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