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עברית
בעצמו — meaning in English: himself
be'atsmo · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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Himself / personally (m.s.)
שמח
same'akh
הצפה
hatsafa
בעצמו
be'atsmo
גדולה
gdola
נסעו
nas'u
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 'בעצמו' when discussing personal actions or responsibilities, especially in contexts where someone is emphasizing their own involvement or effort. For example, one might say, 'He built the house by himself' to highlight individual achievement or autonomy in a conversation about home construction.
Synonyms & nuances
'בעצמו' is often compared to 'לבדו' (levado), which also means 'by himself.' However, 'בעצמו' carries a stronger connotation of one's own essence and identity, while 'לבדו' emphasizes solitude. You would choose 'בעצמו' when you want to underline the aspect of self and personal involvement.
Culture
'בעצמו' stems from the combination of 'ב-' (by) and 'עצמו' (itself), reflecting a deep cultural emphasis on individualism and self-reliance within Israeli society. This word is frequently employed in both everyday conversations and literary texts, showcasing personal agency and the importance of self-identification in modern Hebrew.
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