שעה — meaning in English: Time

sha'a · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for hour / time

ברשותו

birshuto

מסמר

masmer

הקלאסית

haklasit

שעה

sha'a

סיפק

sipek

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers frequently use the word שעה (sha'a) in everyday conversations when discussing appointments, schedules, or deadlines. For example, you might hear someone ask, 'מה השעה?' (What time is it?) when they want to know the current time, or they may specify a meeting time by saying, 'ניפגש בשעה חמש' (Let's meet at five o'clock).

Synonyms & nuances

While שעה (sha'a) directly translates to 'time,' another similar word is זמן (zman), which means 'period' or 'duration.' You would typically use שעה when referring specifically to a clock time, while זמן can be used in broader contexts, such as describing a significant moment in history or an era.

Culture

The word שעה (sha'a) has roots in the ancient Hebrew language, where it was used to denote intervals of time. In modern Israel, the concept of time is culturally significant, especially in the context of the workweek and religious observances. For instance, the Sabbath (שבת, Shabbat) begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday, making the precise measurement of time crucial in religious practice.

FAQ

Q.How do you say 'What time is it?' in Hebrew?

You would say, 'מה השעה?' (Ma ha'sha'a?). This is a common phrase used to inquire about the current time.

Q.How do you use שעה in a sentence?

You can use שעה to specify a time for an event, for example: 'הסרט מתחיל בשעה שבע' (The movie starts at seven o'clock).

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

One common mistake is using שעה when referring to durations instead of specific times. Remember, שעה is used for asking or stating the time on a clock, while זמן should be used for periods or durations.

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