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עברית
אותם — meaning in English: them
otam · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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them (m.)
הנגד
haneged
נסיון
nisayon
הירוק
hayarok
הציונית
hatsiyonit
אותם
otam
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers use the word 'אותם' primarily in everyday conversations when referring to a group of people or objects, often when emphasizing the subjects in question. For instance, a parent might say, 'I saw them at the park,' or a teacher may refer to 'them' while discussing students' performances.
Synonyms & nuances
'אותם' is synonymous with 'הם' (hem), meaning 'they,' but 'אותם' specifically emphasizes the direct object form, making it more suitable when indicating the focus of an action. For example, you would choose 'אותם' in a sentence like 'I love them,' to indicate who is loved, whereas 'הם' would be used to simply state 'they are here.'
Culture
'אותם' is derived from the root 'את' (et), which is used for definite direct objects. This evolution highlights the way Hebrew often employs specific words to indicate definite items or groups, a nuance that adds depth to everyday conversations. Interestingly, the use of 'אותם' reflects the communal aspect of Hebrew culture, where referring to 'them' often implies a shared community or responsibility.
FAQ
