ערים — meaning in English: Cities

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

Guess the translation for cities

וזו

vezo

ערים

arim

אט

מכר

makhar

ים

yam

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 Hebrew speakers often use the word ערים when discussing urban development, city planning, or while navigating social conversations about daily life in Israel's metropolitan areas. It's commonly heard in news reports, educational settings, and casual conversations about travel or events in major cities like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for ערים is 'יישובים' (yeshuvim), which generally refers to settlements or communities, but does not specifically indicate urban centers. You would use ערים when you want to emphasize larger, more developed urban areas, while יישובים can be used for smaller towns or rural communities.

Culture

The word ערים is derived from the root word 'עיר' (ir), which means 'city' or 'town' in Hebrew. Interestingly, in ancient times, cities were often fortified with walls, reflecting the need for safety and community. This etymology connects to the rich history of urban life in Hebrew-speaking cultures, where cities have served as centers of trade, culture, and governance for thousands of years.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word ערים mean in English?

The Hebrew word ערים translates to 'cities' in English, referring to urban areas with significant population and infrastructure.

Q.How do you use ערים in a sentence?

You can use ערים in a sentence like, 'הערים בישראל גדלות במהירות,' which means 'The cities in Israel are growing rapidly.' This shows how the word can describe urban development.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using ערים?

A common mistake is confusing ערים with the singular form עיר (ir). Remember that ערים is the plural, so always use it when referring to multiple cities, while עיר should be used for one.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

10.000 Hebrew Words