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עברית
זה — meaning in English: It
ze · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
It
לעבוד
la'avod
זה
ze
כאשר
ka'asher
בעיר
be'ir
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers frequently use the word זה (ze) in everyday conversations to refer to objects, concepts, or situations without needing to specify them further. For example, a parent might say 'זה יפה' (ze yafe) meaning 'it is beautiful' while pointing to a drawing made by their child, showcasing its use in informal family settings.
Synonyms & nuances
While זה (ze) translates to 'it,' another Hebrew word, זאת (zot), is used specifically for feminine nouns. This distinction is critical in Hebrew, as it influences sentence structure and agreement, prompting speakers to choose זה (ze) when referring to masculine nouns or neutral concepts.
Culture
The word זה (ze) has its roots in Biblical Hebrew, where it was used in various contexts to denote 'this' or 'it.' Its simplicity and directness reflect the straightforward nature of Hebrew communication, making it a staple in both spoken and written language. Interestingly, it plays a crucial role in the formation of phrases and sentences, emphasizing the importance of clarity in Hebrew discourse.
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