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למעלה — meaning in English: up

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

Guess the translation for up / upward
נפתח
niftakh
למעלה
lemala
באותן
be'otan
בגמר
bagmar
הניתנת
hanitenet
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'למעלה' (lemala) when giving directions, such as pointing out where to find a store or describing the view from a tall building. It's also used in everyday conversations, like when talking about climbing a mountain or elevating one's spirits in a metaphorical sense.
Synonyms & nuances
'למעלה' is often used interchangeably with 'עַל' (al), which means 'on' or 'upon.' However, 'למעלה' specifically implies a direction or elevation upwards, while 'עַל' can refer more broadly to position without the directional connotation.
Culture
The word 'למעלה' has roots in ancient Hebrew literature, often associated with spiritual elevation and upward journeys, both physically and metaphorically. In Jewish tradition, 'up' can signify a connection to the divine, making this simple word resonate deeply in various contexts, from mundane to sacred.
FAQ
Q.What does 'למעלה' mean in English?
'למעלה' translates to 'up' in English, indicating direction or location that is higher than a reference point.
Q.How do you use 'למעלה' in a sentence?
You can use 'למעלה' in sentences like 'הטיסה הלכה למעלה' (The flight went up) or 'הדבר הזה חשוב למעלה' (This thing is important up there) when referring to elevated perspectives.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'למעלה'?
A common mistake is confusing 'למעלה' with 'מעלה' (ma'ala), which means 'up' but is often used in a more abstract sense, such as elevating status or rank. Always use 'למעלה' for physical elevation.
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