הספר — meaning in English: the book

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

Guess the translation for the book

מוקשים

mokshim

ללמוד

lilmod

לכפר

lekfar

הספר

hasefer

האל

ha'el

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers frequently use the word 'הספר' (hasefer) in various contexts, especially in educational settings, such as classrooms, libraries, and bookshops. It can also be employed in casual conversations when discussing literature, assignments, or even personal reading preferences, like, 'הספר הזה מעניין!' (This book is interesting!).

Synonyms & nuances

While 'הספר' is a general term for 'the book,' you might encounter 'כרך' (k'rach) for 'volume' in literary contexts or 'מחברת' (maḥberet) for 'notebook.' You would use 'הספר' when referring to any book in a broad sense, whereas the other terms have more specific connotations.

Culture

'הספר' has deep cultural significance in Hebrew-speaking communities, particularly due to the central role of texts in Judaism. The word traces its roots back to the Hebrew root ספר (s-f-r), which relates to writing and counting. This connection emphasizes the importance of books as vessels of knowledge and tradition throughout history.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'הספר'?

The plural form of 'הספר' is 'הספרים' (hasefarim), which means 'the books.' This is commonly used when discussing multiple books.

Q.How do I use 'הספר' in a sentence?

You can say 'אני קורא את הספר' (Ani kore et hasefer), which translates to 'I am reading the book.' This simple structure is helpful for beginners.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'הספר'?

'הספר' is often confused with other similar words. A common mistake is using it in contexts where a more specific term would be appropriate. Remember to use 'הספר' for general books, but switch to terms like 'מגזין' (magazin) for 'magazine' or 'עיתון' (iton) for 'newspaper.'

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