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עברית
לשון — meaning in English: Tongue
lashon · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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tongue / language
עוסקים
oskim
לשון
lashon
מפרש
mefaresh
בקלות
bekalut
פקידים
pkidim
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers use the word לשון (lashon) in various contexts, such as discussing language, communication, or even anatomy. For instance, in a conversation about the importance of language in culture, one might say 'לשון היא כלי רב עוצמה' (The tongue is a powerful tool). Additionally, in medical discussions, professionals might refer to the tongue as part of a health examination.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is שפה (safa), which also means 'language' but is typically used to refer to spoken languages in a broader sense. While לשון may be used to denote both the tongue and language, שפה focuses more on the linguistic aspect, making it more suitable in contexts discussing multiple languages or language learning.
Culture
The Hebrew word לשון (lashon) has an interesting dual meaning, representing both the physical tongue and language itself. This duality is reflective of the importance of speech in Jewish culture, where the tongue is often regarded as a powerful instrument that can uplift or harm. In biblical texts, the tongue is frequently mentioned in discussions about speech ethics, highlighting its significance in communication.
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