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השמאלי — meaning in English: On the left

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

Guess the translation for the left (adj.) / the left handed (m.s.)
עברית
ivrit
בעיני
be'einei
השמאלי
hasmali
הסכים
hiskim
לבוש
levush
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use 'השמאלי' when giving directions or describing locations, such as in a conversation about navigating a city. For example, one might say, 'Turn left at the traffic light; the store is on the left (השמאלי).' It's also used in various contexts like politics, where one might refer to leftist ideologies as 'השמאלי'.
Synonyms & nuances
'השמאלי' specifically denotes 'the left' in a physical sense, while 'שמאל' (smal) refers to 'left' more generally. You would choose 'השמאלי' when describing something specific that is positioned to the left, whereas 'שמאל' might be used in broader discussions.
Culture
'השמאלי' has roots in ancient Semitic languages, reflecting the significance of directionality in Hebrew culture. Interestingly, the word is also employed in political contexts, distinguishing between right and left ideologies, showing how spatial terms can influence societal discourse.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word השמאלי mean in English?
'השמאלי' translates to 'on the left' in English and is used to indicate direction or location.
Q.How do you use השמאלי in a sentence?
You can say, 'המסעדה נמצאת בשמאלי' which means 'The restaurant is on the left.' This is a common way to give directions.
Q.Is השמאלי used formally or informally?
'השמאלי' is used in a neutral context, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations when discussing directions or locations.
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