מלכתחילה — meaning in English: from the start

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

Guess the translation for from the beginning / to begin with

השליטה

hashlita

מיוצר

meyutsar

מלכתחילה

milkhatkhila

וחצי

vekhetsi

בעיניה

be'eineha

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

formal intermediate

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers often use 'מלכתחילה' in discussions about planning or decision-making, especially in formal settings. For example, someone might say, 'מלכתחילה, we should have chosen a different strategy,' emphasizing that the error originated at the initial stage of the process.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'בהתחלה' (behat'chala), meaning 'at the beginning.' However, 'מלכתחילה' conveys a stronger implication of a deliberate choice or a recommended approach, while 'בהתחלה' is more neutral and simply indicates the starting point.

Culture

'מלכתחילה' is rooted in Jewish legal terminology, where it signifies the ideal or preferred approach to a situation. It contrasts with 'בדיעבד' (b'di'avad), which means 'after the fact,' highlighting the importance of intention and planning in Jewish thought.

FAQ

Q.What does מלכתחילה mean in English?

'מלכתחילה' translates to 'from the start' in English, signaling a preferred or ideal way to approach a situation from its inception.

Q.In what contexts can I use מלכתחילה?

You can use 'מלכתחילה' in formal discussions, particularly in legal, academic, or business contexts where the emphasis is on original intent or preferred methods.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using מלכתחילה?

A common mistake is using 'מלכתחילה' interchangeably with 'בדיעבד.' Remember, 'מלכתחילה' implies a pre-planned action, while 'בדיעבד' refers to a situation dealt with after it has occurred.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

10.000 Hebrew Words