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עברית
מפתח — meaning in English: key
mafteakh · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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key
מפתח
mafteakh
נתון
natun
עתיקה
atika
נכנסו
nikhnesu
התקיים
hitkayem
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neutral
very common
Usage
The word מפתח (mafteakh) is commonly used in everyday conversations among native Hebrew speakers, especially when discussing securing places like homes or offices. For example, one might say, 'Did you take the key to the car?' when planning a trip, or 'I lost the key to my apartment!' when talking about an unfortunate situation.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for מפתח is 'מנעול' (man'ul), which means 'lock.' While מפתח refers specifically to the tool that opens a lock, מנעול refers to the mechanism itself. You would use מפתח when discussing access, while מנעול emphasizes the security aspect.
Culture
The word מפתח (mafteakh) has roots in the ancient Semitic languages, where it originally denoted tools that unlock not just physical doors but also metaphorical ones. In Jewish tradition, keys symbolize trust and responsibility, often reflecting a deep cultural belief that being entrusted with a key signifies being entrusted with something valuable.
FAQ
