גיל — meaning in English: age

gil · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for age / joy

מהותי

mahuti

גיל

gil

שעליה

she'aleha

בסמים

basamim

רחבות

rakhavot

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word גיל in everyday conversations when discussing someone's age, such as asking 'מה גילך?' (What is your age?). It's also common in formal settings like medical appointments or legal matters, where precise age is significant.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'שנים' (shanim), which means 'years.' However, גיל specifically refers to the concept of age, while שנים can denote a duration of time or a count of years. Use גיל when discussing someone's age directly, but you might choose שנים when counting years in a broader context.

Culture

The word גיל has roots in the biblical Hebrew, reflecting not just the concept of age but also stages of life, which were often marked in ancient Jewish culture. In Israel, it’s not just about the number of years; it often signifies life experiences and rites of passage, making it a culturally rich term.

FAQ

Q.How do you say 'age' in Hebrew?

The word for 'age' in Hebrew is גיל (gil). It's commonly used in various contexts, including conversations about someone’s age or life stage.

Q.Is גיל used in formal writing?

Yes, גיל is appropriate for both informal conversations and formal writing, such as in reports or legal documents where age is relevant.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word גיל?

One common mistake is confusing גיל with the word זמן (zman), which means 'time.' Remember, גיל specifically refers to age, while זמן refers to the concept of time more broadly.

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