ישנה — meaning in English: Sleeping

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

Guess the translation for there is (f.s.)

לתא

leta

בבעלי

beba'alei

ישנה

yeshna

ביישוב

bayeshuv

בעבור

ba'avur

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neutral common

Usage

The word ישנה (yeshna) is commonly used in everyday conversation among Hebrew speakers, especially when discussing someone who is resting or in a state of sleep. You might hear it when a parent checks on a sleeping child or when friends talk about catching up on sleep after a long night.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is רדום (radum), which also means 'sleeping', but is often used to describe a more passive or deep sleep state. You'd choose ישנה (yeshna) when simply stating that someone is asleep, while רדום (radum) might suggest a more profound level of unconsciousness.

Culture

The word ישנה (yeshna) has roots in the Semitic languages, where sleep and rest play significant roles in cultural narratives and practices. In Jewish tradition, sleep is often associated with renewal and spiritual connection, making this word not just a description but a reflection of deeper values around rest and rejuvenation in daily life.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of ישנה?

The word ישנה is pronounced as 'yeshna'. It combines the sounds of 'yesh' (there is) and 'nah' (sleeping), making it easy to remember.

Q.How do you use ישנה in a sentence?

You can use ישנה in sentences like 'הילד ישנה' (Hayeled yeshna), which means 'The child is sleeping.' This structure is straightforward and common in conversational Hebrew.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using ישנה?

A common mistake is confusing ישנה with the verb לישון (lishon), which means 'to sleep.' Remember that ישנה describes a state of being, while לישון is the action of sleeping.

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