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למעלה — meaning in English: up

lem'alah · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for up
למעלה
lem'alah
כאלה
Ka'ele
מוזר
muzar
כה
ka
איפה
eifo
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'למעלה' (lem'alah) in everyday conversations to describe physical directions, such as when giving someone directions to a higher floor in a building or talking about climbing a mountain. It's also common in more abstract contexts, like discussing aspirations or goals that are seen as 'upward' or 'higher'.
Synonyms & nuances
'למעלה' is often compared to 'עַל' (al), which means 'on' or 'upon'. While 'עַל' can refer to a position on a surface, 'למעלה' specifically indicates movement or direction towards a higher place, making it the go-to choice when discussing elevation.
Culture
'למעלה' has roots in the ancient Hebrew language and is often used in religious texts to refer to heavenly places or spiritual elevation. Interestingly, in modern Hebrew, it's frequently combined with other words to form phrases that convey movement or ascent, reflecting the dynamic nature of Hebrew as a living language.
FAQ
Q.How do you use 'למעלה' in a sentence?
'למעלה' can be used in a sentence like, 'היא גרה למעלה בקומה השביעית' (She lives up on the seventh floor). It clearly conveys the idea of being at a higher level.
Q.What are some common phrases that include 'למעלה'?
Common phrases include 'למעלה מהרגיל' (above normal) and 'למעלה על המדרגות' (up the stairs), which showcase its versatility in describing upward movement or position.
Q.Is there any grammatical rule for using 'למעלה'?
'למעלה' is typically used as an adverb and can precede verbs or follow them. It's important to remember that it often pairs with verbs of motion to specify that the movement is directed upwards.
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