היום — meaning in English: Today

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

Guess the translation for Today

עבר

avar

אדוני

adonai

להבין

lehaḇin

היום

hayom

תא

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informal very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word היום (hayom) in everyday conversations, such as discussing plans for the day or referring to events happening in the present. For instance, someone might say, 'אני הולך לקולנוע היום' (I'm going to the cinema today) when making casual plans with a friend.

Synonyms & nuances

A synonym for היום (hayom) is 'היום הזה' (hayom hazeh), which translates to 'this day.' However, 'היום' is more commonly used in casual speech, while 'היום הזה' might be employed for emphasis or in more formal contexts.

Culture

The word היום (hayom) has its roots in Biblical Hebrew, where it frequently appears in texts to denote the present day. Interestingly, in Jewish culture, today holds significant importance during religious observances, with phrases like 'היום יום ראשון' (Today is Sunday) being used to mark time in the context of traditions and rituals.

FAQ

Q.How do you use היום in a sentence?

You can use היום in a sentence to refer to today's date or events, such as 'היום אני מתחיל ללמוד עברית' (Today I start learning Hebrew). It's a straightforward way to situate your actions in the present.

Q.Is היום used in formal writing?

Yes, while היום is primarily an informal term, it can also appear in formal contexts, such as news articles or official documents, to denote the current day or date.

Q.What are common phrases with היום?

Common phrases include 'היום בערב' (today evening) and 'היום מהשעה' (today from the hour), which can be used to specify events occurring today at particular times.

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