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לנסות — meaning in English: try

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

Guess the translation for to try
שאלת
she'elat
לנסות
lenasot
בשונה
beshone
טוענת
to'enet
תראה
tir'e
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neutral very common
Usage
The Hebrew word 'לנסות' (lenasot) is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when someone is expressing their intention to attempt something new or challenging. For example, a student might say, 'אני רוצה לנסות את המתכון הזה' (I want to try this recipe) when discussing cooking with friends, or someone might use it when embarking on a new activity, like hiking or sports.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'לבדוק' (livdok), which means 'to check' or 'to test.' While 'לנסות' focuses on the act of trying something out, 'לבדוק' implies a more investigative or evaluative approach. You would choose 'לנסות' when expressing the desire to attempt something without certainty of success.
Culture
'לנסות' has roots in the Hebrew verb system that emphasizes action and intention. In Israeli culture, trying new things is often encouraged, reflecting a societal value of growth and exploration. This word embodies the spirit of perseverance—much like the Hebrew saying, 'אם לא תנסה, לא תדע' (If you don't try, you'll never know), which is frequently heard in motivational contexts.
FAQ
Q.What does 'לנסות' mean in English?
'לנסות' means 'to try' in English. It conveys the action of attempting to do something, whether it be a task, activity, or experience.
Q.How do you conjugate 'לנסות' in the past tense?
In the past tense, 'לנסות' conjugates to 'ניסיתי' (nisiti) for 'I tried,' 'ניסית' (nisita) for 'you tried' (singular), and 'ניסו' (nisu) for 'they tried.'
Q.Can 'לנסות' be used in formal writing?
Yes, 'לנסות' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it's often employed when discussing trials in research or testing new theories, maintaining a professional tone.
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