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הקירות — meaning in English: The walls

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Guess the translation for the walls
המשמשים
hameshamshim
לגילוי
lagilui
מעברו
me'evro
שוכנים
shokhnim
הקירות
hakirot
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neutral very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word 'הקירות' (hakirot) in everyday conversations, particularly when discussing home renovations or describing the structure of a building. For example, someone might say, 'הקירות צריכים צבע חדש' (The walls need a new coat of paint) when planning a home improvement project.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for 'הקירות' is 'קירות פנימיים' (k'irot p'nimiyim), meaning 'internal walls.' While 'הקירות' refers to walls in a general sense, the latter specifically denotes the interiors of a building. Use 'הקירות' when discussing walls broadly, and reserve 'קירות פנימיים' for more specific architectural contexts.
Culture
'הקירות' has a fascinating etymology, deriving from the root 'קיר' (kir), which means 'wall.' In Israeli architecture, walls hold cultural significance, symbolizing protection and privacy. Historically, walls in ancient cities were built not just for shelter but also as a defense mechanism, and today they retain that symbolic importance in both urban and rural settings.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word 'הקירות' mean?
'הקירות' translates to 'the walls' in English. It is used to refer to the physical walls of a structure, whether in a house, an office, or any enclosed space.
Q.How do you pronounce 'הקירות'?
The word 'הקירות' is pronounced as 'hakirot.' The 'ha' prefix indicates 'the,' making it a definite noun.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'הקירות'?
One common mistake is using 'קירות' (without the 'ה' prefix) to mean 'the walls.' Remember that 'הקירות' specifically refers to 'the walls' as a defined term, while 'קירות' can denote 'walls' in a more general sense.
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