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לכן — meaning in English: so

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Guess the translation for therefore / to/for you (f.pl.)
במבוא
be'mavo
נכנעו
nikhne'u
בתאוריה
bete'orya
הביטוח
habitu'akh
לכן
lakhen
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neutral very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'לכן' (lakhen) in both spoken and written communication to connect ideas logically. For instance, you might hear it in a conversation when someone explains a decision, saying, 'I forgot my umbrella, ולכן I got wet' ('I forgot my umbrella, so I got wet'). It’s often used in everyday discussions, as well as in more formal contexts like presentations or essays.
Synonyms & nuances
'לכן' (lakhen) is similar to the word 'אז' (az), which also means 'so' or 'then,' but 'אז' is often used to indicate a sequence of events rather than a logical consequence. You would choose 'לכן' when you want to emphasize the reasoning behind an action or conclusion, making it a more precise choice in analytical discussions.
Culture
'לכן' (lakhen) has its roots in ancient Hebrew, where it served a similar logical function. The word also reflects the way Hebrew emphasizes reasoning and causality, often used in storytelling to transition smoothly between events. It's fascinating how a small word like 'לכן' can help structure thoughts and arguments, showcasing the importance of clarity in communication.
FAQ
Q.What does 'לכן' mean?
'לכן' (lakhen) means 'so' in English, and it's used to indicate a logical conclusion or result based on prior statements. It's a common way to connect thoughts and present reasoning in Hebrew.
Q.How do you pronounce 'לכן'?
'לכן' is pronounced as 'lakhen.' The 'kh' sound is a guttural sound found in several Semitic languages, similar to the 'ch' in 'Bach' in German.
Q.Can 'לכן' be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, 'לכן' can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a conclusion. For instance, 'לכן, אני מאמין שזו ההחלטה הנכונה' ('So, I believe that this is the right decision').
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