זו — meaning in English: this

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

Guess the translation for this (f.)

הארי

[khelek] ha'ari

פעמוני

pa'amonei

היורשה

hayurshe

זו

שליט

shalit

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word זו (zo) in everyday conversation to specify objects, people, or ideas that are nearby or relevant to the discussion. For instance, you might hear someone say, 'זו התמונה שאני אוהב' (This is the picture I love) when pointing to a photo during a family gathering.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym to זו (zo) is ההיא (ha'hi), which means 'that' in reference to something farther away. While זו (zo) is used for things that are close or immediately relevant, ההיא (ha'hi) denotes distance, both physically and metaphorically.

Culture

The Hebrew word זו (zo) traces its roots back to ancient Hebrew, where it served as a demonstrative pronoun emphasizing proximity. Interestingly, Hebrew is a language that evolved significantly over the centuries, transitioning from biblical texts to modern usage, and words like זו continue to be a vital part of daily speech, showcasing the development of the language.

FAQ

Q.What does the word זו mean in Hebrew?

In Hebrew, זו (zo) means 'this.' It is used to refer to objects, people, or ideas that are nearby or directly relevant to the conversation.

Q.How do you use זו in a sentence?

You can use זו (zo) to introduce or emphasize a subject, such as 'זו המכונית שלי' (This is my car). It directly points to the car you are referencing.

Q.Is there a plural form of זו in Hebrew?

Yes, the plural form is אלה (ele), meaning 'these.' You would use it when referring to multiple items, like 'אלה הספרים' (These are the books).

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