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עברית
שהם — meaning in English: that they
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that they
רוח
ruach
למרות
lamrot
הלילה
halayla
עוד
od
שהם
she'hem
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neutral
common
Usage
The Hebrew word 'שהם' (she'hem) is commonly used in conversational settings to refer to people or objects previously mentioned. For instance, a teacher might say, 'I have students that they are very dedicated,' to emphasize the commitment of a specific group. It's also used in written texts, such as articles or essays, to maintain clarity and coherence when referring back to previously stated subjects.
Synonyms & nuances
'שהם' can be compared to 'ש' (she) alone, which means 'that' but lacks the pronoun 'they.' While 'ש' may be used in various contexts, 'שהם' specifically ties back to a plural subject, adding clarity and specificity in conversations or texts. Choosing 'שהם' emphasizes the group being discussed, whereas 'ש' could leave the subject ambiguous.
Culture
'שהם' (she'hem) is a contraction of the word 'ש' (she) meaning 'that' and 'הם' (hem) meaning 'they.' This combination reflects the intricate nature of Hebrew grammar, where pronouns often combine with other words to form more complex structures. Culturally, the use of 'שהם' illustrates how Hebrew maintains a balance between simplicity and grammatical richness, making it a fascinating example for language learners.
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