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שלם — meaning in English: Incomplete

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Guess the translation for whole / complete // pay (m.s. imperative)
הבקיע
hivki'a
לכאן
lekhan
בסיום
besiyum
מהוגן
mehugan
שלם
shalem
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word שלם (shalem) in contexts where they discuss tasks or projects that are not yet finished, such as saying their report is 'incomplete.' This word is also commonly heard in educational settings, where teachers may describe assignments that lack certain required elements. For instance, a student might be told that their presentation is שלם but needs more research to be fully complete.
Synonyms & nuances
While שלם (shalem) means 'incomplete,' a close synonym is חסר (chasar), which means 'lacking.' The subtle difference lies in the context: שלם often implies something that is missing essential components to be considered whole, while חסר emphasizes the absence of specific elements.
Culture
The word שלם (shalem) is derived from the root ש-ל-ם, which conveys a sense of wholeness or completeness. In Hebrew culture, the idea of completion is significant, often linked to goals and personal fulfillment. Additionally, the word is connected to the term 'שלום' (shalom), meaning peace, reflecting the belief that peace comes when things are whole and complete.
FAQ
Q.What does שלם mean in Hebrew?
The Hebrew word שלם (shalem) translates to 'incomplete' in English, referring to something that is not finished or lacks certain elements.
Q.How do you use שלם in a sentence?
You can use שלם in a sentence like 'הדוח שלי שלם אבל צריך עוד עבודה' (My report is incomplete, but it needs more work).
Q.Are there common mistakes when using שלם?
A common mistake is confusing שלם with מלא (male), which means 'full.' Remember, שלם refers to something that is not yet whole, while מלא indicates something that is completely filled.
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