שבויים — meaning in English: Prisoners

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

Guess the translation for prisoners (of war)

הארוכים

ha'arukim

לעצמי

le'atsmi

קשר

kesher

הפתוח

hapatu'akh

שבויים

shvuyim

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neutral common

Usage

The word 'שבויים' (shvuyim) is often used in discussions about military conflicts or legal matters. Native speakers might use it when referring to captured soldiers or individuals detained during a conflict, particularly in news reports or during political debates.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'אסירים' (asiriyim), which also means 'prisoners.' However, 'שבויים' specifically implies individuals who have been captured during a conflict, while 'אסירים' can refer to any prisoners, including those incarcerated for criminal offenses. This makes 'שבויים' more contextually significant in discussions around war or conflict.

Culture

'שבויים' has historical significance, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where the issue of prisoners has been a focal point of negotiations and public discourse. The word's roots trace back to the Hebrew verb 'שבה' (shavah), meaning 'to capture,' highlighting its connection to themes of conflict and captivity throughout history.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'שבוי' in Hebrew?

'שבויים' (shvuyim) is the plural form of 'שבוי' (shvuy), meaning 'prisoner.'

Q.How is 'שבויים' used in a sentence?

An example sentence is: 'הצבא שחרר את השבויים לאחר משא ומתן' which means 'The army released the prisoners after negotiations.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 'שבויים'?

A common mistake is confusing 'שבויים' with 'אסירים.' Remember, 'שבויים' is used specifically for prisoners of war or conflict, while 'אסירים' refers to prisoners in general.

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