להפעיל — meaning in English: activate

lehaf'il · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to operate / to activate

ודרש

vedarash

להפעיל

lehaf'il

חיי

khayai

מילימטרים

milimetrim

אחדות

akhdut

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'להפעיל' in everyday conversations, especially in contexts involving technology, such as turning on devices, applications, or systems. For example, you might hear it when someone explains how to activate a new smartphone feature or when discussing starting a car engine.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'אִזְהָר' (izhar), which means 'to alert' or 'to notify.' While 'להפעיל' focuses on the action of activating something, 'אִזְהָר' is more about making someone aware of it. You would choose 'להפעיל' when discussing the initiation of a device or service, whereas 'אִזְהָר' would fit better in contexts of giving warnings or notifications.

Culture

'להפעיל' is derived from the root פ-ע-ל, which relates to action and activity. This word has become increasingly significant in the digital age, as technology often requires users to 'activate' various features or settings, reflecting the integration of Hebrew into modern tech jargon. Interestingly, it symbolizes a shift in communication, where traditional actions are now performed through digital commands.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 'להפעיל' in a sentence?

'להפעיל' is typically used with an object. For example, you can say, 'אני מפעיל את המחשב' (Ani mehafil et hamachshev), meaning 'I am activating the computer.'

Q.What is the past tense of 'להפעיל'?

The past tense of 'להפעיל' is 'הפעלתי' (he'palti), which means 'I activated.' For example, you could say, 'הפעלתי את התוכנית' (He'palti et hatokhnit), meaning 'I activated the plan.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'להפעיל'?

A common mistake is using it without an object, which can sound incomplete. Always ensure you mention what you are activating, like 'להפעיל את הטלוויזיה' (to activate the television) instead of just 'להפעיל'.

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