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לו — meaning in English: to him

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

Guess the translation for if (wishing)
לו
lu
החמצן
hakhamtsan
הגב
hagav
אדוני
adonai
שנמצא
shenimtsa
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 'לו' in both spoken and written Hebrew, particularly in conversations involving possession or direction toward someone. For instance, you might hear it when someone is asking for an item to be handed to another person, such as 'Can you give it to him?' which translates to 'תן לו את זה'.
Synonyms & nuances
'לו' is often compared to 'אליו' (elav), which means 'to him' but emphasizes direction more strongly. While 'לו' is used more generally, 'אליו' is typically employed in contexts that require a clear indication of movement toward someone.
Culture
'לו' reflects the simplicity and efficiency of Hebrew as a language. Unlike in English, where prepositions can be lengthy, Hebrew often condenses meanings into single words. This word also has biblical roots, showing how the language has remained concise throughout history, making it a staple in both everyday conversations and sacred texts.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word 'לו' mean?
'לו' translates to 'to him' in English and is used to indicate direction or possession in relation to a male individual.
Q.How do you use 'לו' correctly in a sentence?
You can use 'לו' in sentences where you want to express giving or referring something to a male. For example, 'אני נותן לו את הספר' means 'I am giving him the book.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'לו'?
A common mistake is confusing 'לו' with 'לעד' (la'ad), which means 'forever.' Ensure you use 'לו' when referring specifically to 'to him' in contexts about giving or direction.
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