שנים — meaning in English: Years

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

Guess the translation for two

שוויון

shivyon

שנים

shnayim

שהיה

shehaya

נתפש

nitpas

השבעה

hashba'a

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'שנים' (shnayim) in everyday conversations to discuss timeframes, such as when talking about age or planning future events. For instance, one might say, 'אני גר כאן במשך שנים' (I have lived here for years) when reminiscing about their long-term residency.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'שנים' generally means 'years', a close synonym is 'עשרות' (as in decades), which denotes a larger time span. You would use 'שנים' for specific or general references to years, while 'עשרות' is reserved for more extended periods.

Culture

'שנים' has roots in Biblical Hebrew, where the concept of years was significant in agricultural cycles and religious observances. Interestingly, Hebrew has a unique way of counting years, often incorporating both solar and lunar calendars, reflecting its ancient agrarian society.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'שנים'?

'שנים' is pronounced as 'shnayim'. It's important to note the 'sh' sound, which is common in Hebrew but might not be familiar to English speakers.

Q.Can 'שנים' be used in plural form?

Yes, 'שנים' is actually the plural form of 'שנה' (shanah), which means 'year'. When referring to one year, you would use 'שנה', but for two or more years, 'שנים' is correct.

Q.What are common phrases that include 'שנים'?

'שנים' appears in many phrases, such as 'שנים רבות' (many years) or 'שנים עשר' (twelve years). These phrases are useful in both casual and formal conversations.

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