I'm learning עברית

בעלים — meaning in English: owner

be'alim · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for owners / husbands
בחלל
bakhalal
בראיון
bare'ayon
משלי
misheli
החדר
hakhder
בעלים
be'alim
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word בעלים (be'alim) in legal and business contexts when discussing property ownership or contractual agreements. For instance, you might hear it during a real estate transaction when clarifying who the rightful owner of a property is.
Synonyms & nuances
While בעלים (be'alim) primarily means 'owner,' a similar word is רַאשׁ (rosh), meaning 'head' or 'chief,' which can imply leadership or authority rather than ownership alone. Use בעלים when discussing legal ownership, while רַאשׁ might be more fitting in contexts of leadership or guidance.
Culture
The word בעלים (be'alim) is derived from the Hebrew root בעל (ba'al), which means 'to own' or 'to possess.' This reflects the strong connection in Hebrew culture between ownership and responsibility, a theme prevalent in biblical texts where land ownership often symbolizes wealth and stability. Interestingly, the notion of being a 'ba'al' also extends to various phrases in Hebrew, influencing how ownership is viewed in both personal and communal contexts.
FAQ
Q.What is the plural form of בעלים in Hebrew?
The plural form of בעלים (be'alim) is actually the same, as it refers to multiple owners. In Hebrew, the context usually makes it clear whether you're discussing one or more owners.
Q.Can בעלים be used in both formal and informal settings?
Yes, בעלים can be used in both settings, although it is more frequently found in formal discussions, such as legal matters or business settings, rather than casual conversation.
Q.What are some common phrases using בעלים?
Common phrases include 'בעלים של נכס' (be'alim shel nechas), meaning 'owners of a property,' and 'הבעלים של העסק' (ha'be'alim shel ha'eseq), meaning 'the owners of the business.' These expressions illustrate how the term is used in everyday discussions about ownership.
Learn hebrew with Maspeak →
10.000 Hebrew Words