לפנות — meaning in English: Turn

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Guess the translation for to evacuate

המקובל

hamekubal

ביניהן

beynehen

לכתר

lekhater

במרחקים

bemerkhakim

לפנות

lefanot

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'לפנות' when giving or receiving directions, such as telling someone to turn at a specific intersection. It is also used in more abstract contexts like urging someone to turn towards a new opportunity or to change their perspective in a conversation.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'לשנות' (leshanot), which means 'to change.' While 'לפנות' specifically refers to the act of turning or changing direction, 'לשנות' suggests a broader alteration, whether it be in thought, action, or form. Choose 'לפנות' when you want to emphasize a physical or directional change.

Culture

'לפנות' comes from the root פ-נ-ה, which relates to turning or bending. Interestingly, in Hebrew culture, the act of turning can symbolize a change of direction in life, reflecting the importance of adaptability. The word has evolved from simple physical turns to encompass metaphorical transformations as well.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'לפנות' mean?

'לפנות' means 'to turn' in English. It can refer to both physical turning, like changing direction while walking, and metaphorical turns, like changing one's viewpoint.

Q.How do you conjugate 'לפנות' in the past tense?

In the past tense, 'לפנות' is conjugated as 'פניתי' (I turned), 'פנית' (you turned, singular), and 'פנה' (he turned). The feminine form is 'פנתה' (she turned).

Q.Is 'לפנות' used in formal situations?

'לפנות' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations. For formal contexts, such as giving official directions or discussing changes in policy, it maintains a neutral tone.

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