I'm learning
עברית
לשים — meaning in English: to put
lasim · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
to put
קוראים
kor'im
אחרת
acheret
מתי
matai
דולר
dolar
לשים
lasim
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word 'לשים' in various everyday situations, such as when they are placing objects on a table or putting away groceries. For example, one might say 'שים את הספר על השולחן' (put the book on the table) during casual conversations with family or friends.
Synonyms & nuances
'לשים' is often compared with 'להניח' (lehanich), which means 'to lay down' or 'to set down.' While 'לשים' implies a more general act of putting something somewhere, 'להניח' can suggest a more careful or gentle placement, often used for fragile items. Depending on the context, you might choose 'לשים' for everyday actions and 'להניח' when discussing more delicate situations.
Culture
The word 'לשים' comes from the root 'ש-י-מ' which relates to placing or setting things in Hebrew. In Israeli culture, the act of 'placing' can hold deeper significance, especially in the context of hospitality—where the act of placing food on a table is a gesture of welcoming and generosity. Interestingly, 'לשים' is also used in various idiomatic expressions, reflecting how ingrained the concept of 'putting' is in daily life.
FAQ
