סלח — meaning in English: Forgive

sa'laḥ · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for Forgive

כאן

kan

סלח

sa'laḥ

כאלה

Ka'ele

אני

ani

חלק

chelek

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Hebrew for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'סלח' in emotional contexts, such as when asking for forgiveness after a fight or expressing understanding towards someone's mistake. You might hear it during personal conversations with friends or family, especially after a disagreement, where one party seeks to mend the relationship.

Synonyms & nuances

'סלח' is often compared to the word 'מחול' (meḥul), which also means to forgive. However, 'סלח' conveys a sense of immediate release of resentment, while 'מחול' can imply a more formal or profound reconciliation, often with a focus on the emotional process involved.

Culture

'סלח' comes from the Hebrew root ס-ל-ח (S-L-Ḥ), which is deeply embedded in Jewish traditions and texts. The concept of forgiveness is not only central to personal relationships but also prominent in religious contexts, especially during Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when individuals seek forgiveness from others and from God. This highlights the word's significance in both everyday life and spiritual practice.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce סלח in Hebrew?

'סלח' is pronounced as 'sa'laḥ,' where the 'ḥ' represents a guttural sound common in Hebrew.

Q.What is the root of the word סלח?

The root of 'סלח' is ס-ל-ח (S-L-Ḥ), which is associated with forgiveness and pardon in various forms throughout Hebrew literature.

Q.Can סלח be used in formal contexts?

'סלח' is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in conversations about personal matters or during religious discussions.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

1000 frequent Hebrew Words