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עברית
שמו — meaning in English: His name
shemoh · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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His name
שמו
shemoh
ניתן
nitan
מתכוון
mitkaven
בו
bo
קר
kar
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'שמו' in both casual and formal conversations when discussing someone's identity or when introducing someone. For instance, in a greeting, one might say, 'מה שמו?' (What is his name?) when asking about an unfamiliar person, or in a more formal setting, such as introducing a speaker at an event, one might say, 'שמו של המרצה הוא...' (The speaker's name is...).
Synonyms & nuances
'שמו' specifically refers to 'his name' and is used when discussing male individuals. In contrast, 'שמה' (pronounced: shmah) would be used to refer to 'her name.' While both words serve similar functions, the choice between them depends on the gender of the person being discussed.
Culture
'שמו' is derived from the Hebrew root 'ש-מ-ע' (shin-mem-ayin), which is associated with names and identity throughout the Hebrew Bible. Names in Jewish culture carry significant meaning, often reflecting personal attributes or familial heritage, and the phrase 'שמו' underscores the importance of names in establishing one's identity.
FAQ
