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לווייתנים — meaning in English: Whales

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

Guess the translation for whales
בשריפה
basrefa
שאלו
sha'alu
המתאים
hamat'im
לווייתנים
livyatanim
שכבה
shakhva
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neutral common
Usage
The word לווייתנים (livyatanim) is often used in conversations about marine life, wildlife documentaries, or environmental discussions in Israel. For instance, a local guide might mention לווייתנים when leading a whale-watching tour along the Mediterranean coast.
Synonyms & nuances
While לווייתנים specifically refers to whales, the word דולפינים (dolfinim) means dolphins. The choice between these terms depends on the specific marine animal being discussed; לווייתנים would be used only when referring to whales.
Culture
The term לווייתן (livyatan) actually has biblical roots, derived from the word used in ancient texts to describe a large sea creature, often interpreted as a whale. This connection to mythology adds a layer of cultural significance, as לווייתנים play a role in both environmental discussions and Hebrew literature.
FAQ
Q.What does לווייתנים mean in English?
The Hebrew word לווייתנים (livyatanim) translates to 'whales' in English. It's a plural term, so it refers to multiple whales.
Q.How do you pronounce לווייתנים?
You pronounce לווייתנים (livyatanim) as 'lee-vee-yah-tah-neem,' with an emphasis on the second syllable.
Q.Are there different types of לווייתנים in Hebrew?
Yes, in Hebrew, you can specify types of whales by using their names, like לווייתן כחול (livyatan kachol) for 'blue whale' or לווייתן גבנון (livyatan gavanon) for 'humpback whale.'
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