שפות — meaning in English: Languages

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

Guess the translation for the languages of / the edges of

שעלו

she'alu

והוא

vehu

הדתיים

hadatiyim (adj.)

שפות

sfot

הפיתוח

hapituakh

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Hebrew for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'שפות' (sfot) in various contexts, such as discussing their multilingual abilities during casual conversations or in academic settings when analyzing language structures. For instance, a student might ask a teacher, 'What are the different שפות we will study this semester?'

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'לשון' (lashon), which can also mean 'language' but often implies a more specific, formal context, such as the language used in literature or law. 'שפות' is more commonly used in casual discussions about multiple languages.

Culture

'שפות' has its roots in ancient languages and reflects the rich tapestry of cultures that have influenced modern Hebrew. Interestingly, Israel is a melting pot of languages due to its diverse population, making discussions about שפות a part of everyday life, from family gatherings to business meetings, emphasizing the importance of language in social identity.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of the Hebrew word for language?

'שפות' (sfot) is the plural form of 'שפה' (safa), which means 'language'. Use 'שפות' when referring to multiple languages in a conversation about multilingualism or language studies.

Q.How do you say 'I speak three languages' in Hebrew?

You would say, 'אני מדבר שלוש שפות' (Ani medaber shalosh sfot) if you're male or 'אני מדברת שלוש שפות' (Ani medaberet shalosh sfot) if you're female.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word 'שפות'?

A common mistake is to confuse 'שפות' (languages) with 'שפה' (language). Remember that 'שפות' is always used when talking about more than one, so be sure to use the singular 'שפה' when referring to a single language.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

10.000 Hebrew Words