ההוא — meaning in English: that

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

Guess the translation for that one (m.)

משתתפים

mishtatfim

בדומה

bedome

ההוא

hahu

לגברים

lagvarim

מכף

mikaf

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers use 'ההוא' (hahu) in everyday conversations, particularly when referring to something that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and listener. For instance, one might say, 'ההוא היה מעניין' (that was interesting) when talking about a specific event or person in a casual setting.

Synonyms & nuances

'ההוא' is similar to 'זה' (ze), which also means 'this' or 'that,' but 'ההוא' is typically used to refer back to something more distant in conversation or context. You would choose 'ההוא' when the subject is not right in front of you, while 'זה' is used for something that is immediately present.

Culture

'ההוא' has its roots in Biblical Hebrew, where it was often used to denote something specific previously mentioned in texts or conversations. Interestingly, its usage has evolved to also convey a sense of familiarity or shared understanding between speakers, making it an integral part of everyday dialogue in modern Hebrew.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'ההוא' mean?

'ההוא' translates to 'that' in English and is used to refer to something previously mentioned or understood in context.

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

You can use 'ההוא' in a sentence like, 'ההוא היה מצחיק' which means 'that was funny,' referring back to a joke or story.

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

A common mistake is using 'ההוא' instead of 'זה' when referring to something nearby. Remember, use 'ההוא' for distant references and 'זה' for immediate ones.

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