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במקום — meaning in English: instead of

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

Guess the translation for instead of / in place
נכלל
nikhlal
במקום
bimkom
ולמחרת
ulemokhorat
נתפסת
nitpeset
ראשה
rosha
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neutral very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use 'במקום' when discussing alternatives or choices in everyday conversations. For example, a speaker might say, 'במקום ללכת לקולנוע, נלך למסעדה' (Instead of going to the cinema, let's go to the restaurant) when suggesting a different plan.
Synonyms & nuances
'במקום' can be closely compared to 'בְּמַקום' (b'makom), which is more formal and often used in literary contexts. While both convey the idea of substitution, 'במקום' is more widely used in everyday speech and carries a casual tone.
Culture
'במקום' has roots in the Hebrew word for 'place' (מקום, makom), which emphasizes the idea of substituting one thing for another. In Israeli culture, where communal decision-making is common, this word often reflects the collaborative spirit of making choices together.
FAQ
Q.How do you use 'במקום' in a sentence?
'במקום' is used to express substitution or replacement. For example, you can say, 'אני אקח תה במקום קפה' (I will take tea instead of coffee).
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'במקום'?
A common mistake is using 'במקום' in contexts where 'לְמַקום' (to a place) would be appropriate. Remember that 'במקום' denotes substitution, not direction.
Q.Can 'במקום' be used in formal writing?
'במקום' is generally suitable for neutral contexts, making it appropriate for most formal writing. However, in highly formal texts, consider alternatives that might fit the tone better.
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