שנים — meaning in English: Years

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

Guess the translation for years

שנים

shanim

החזקים

hakhazakim

למרידה

lemerida

רעש

ra'ash

סוף

sof

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'שנים' (shanim) in both formal and informal conversations to refer to the passage of time, such as discussing age ('אני בן עשרים ושש שנים' meaning 'I am 26 years old') or marking anniversaries ('יש לנו עשרים שנות נישואין' meaning 'We have twenty years of marriage'). It can also be found in contexts like storytelling and reminiscing about past experiences.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'שנים' is the standard term for 'years,' another word 'מְשָׁנָה' (mishnah) can refer to a year in a more formal or academic context, particularly in discussions of calendars or religious texts. You would choose 'שנים' in everyday conversation, while 'מְשָׁנָה' might appear in scholarly discussions.

Culture

'שנים' has its roots in ancient Hebrew, illustrating the importance of time in Jewish culture, particularly in relation to religious observances like jubilees or sabbatical years. Interestingly, in Hebrew, years are often discussed in terms of cycles, emphasizing renewal and reflection, which resonates with cultural values centered on community and memory.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'שנים'?

'שנים' itself is the plural form of 'שנה' (shanah), which means 'year'. So when referring to 'two years', you would say 'שנתיים' (shnatayim).

Q.How do you use 'שנים' in a sentence?

You can use 'שנים' to describe time periods, for instance: 'אני גר כאן כבר חמש שנים' meaning 'I have lived here for five years'.

Q.What are common phrases that include 'שנים'?

Common phrases include 'שנים רבות' (many years), often used to refer to long time spans, or 'שנים עשר' (twelve years), which can indicate a specific age or time frame.

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