I'm learning
עברית
זה — meaning in English: It
ze · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
this / that
ראשי
rashi
ולנסות
ulenasot
ההון
hahon
זה
ze
פירמידה
piramida
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers often use זה in everyday conversations to refer to objects or concepts that are nearby or are being discussed. For example, if you're in a café pointing to a pastry, you might say, 'זה טעים' (It's delicious). It is also used in more abstract contexts, such as explaining a situation or idea, like saying 'זה בעיה' (It's a problem).
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym of זה is 'הוא' (hu) when referring specifically to masculine nouns, but זה is more versatile as it can refer to both masculine and feminine nouns depending on context. You would choose זה when making a reference to something more general or when the gender is not specified.
Culture
The word זה has its roots in ancient Hebrew, where it served as a demonstrative pronoun. Over time, it evolved to become a staple in modern Hebrew conversation, showcasing its flexibility to refer to various subjects. Interestingly, in Hebrew, pronouns are often used more liberally than in English, which adds a layer of expressiveness to the language.
FAQ
