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עברית
הכלא — meaning in English: The prison
hakele · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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the prison
אופני
ofanei
להיות
lihiyot
בציבור
batsibur
למצור
lamatsor
הכלא
hakele
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use the word הכלא (hakele) in various contexts, particularly when discussing the judicial system or talking about crime and punishment. For instance, someone might mention 'הכלא' when referring to the prison system in Israel during a conversation about criminal justice reforms or when discussing a recent news story about prison conditions.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym to הכלא is 'בית סוהר' (beit sohar), which translates to 'jail' or 'detention center.' While הכלא generally refers to the broader concept of prison, 'בית סוהר' might imply a specific facility or be used more informally. Choosing between these words often depends on the legal context or the emotional weight of the conversation.
Culture
The word הכלא (hakele) has its roots in the Hebrew root 'כלא' (k-l), which means 'to imprison' or 'to confine.' Prisons in Israel, as in many countries, have a complex social and political significance, often reflecting broader societal issues such as crime, rehabilitation, and justice. Interestingly, discussions about הכלא are prevalent in Israeli media, highlighting ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the prison system and the treatment of inmates.
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