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ידעו — meaning in English: They knew

yad'u · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for knew (pl.)
הסיבות
hasibot
המותר
hamutar
ידעו
yad'u
למשל
lemashal
לשעה
lesha'a
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neutral common
Usage
Hebrew speakers commonly use 'ידעו' in both casual conversations and more structured discussions, particularly when recounting past events or sharing knowledge. For example, one might say, 'They knew about the meeting last week,' when discussing group awareness in a workplace, or 'They knew the story well,' in a storytelling context.
Synonyms & nuances
'ידעו' is often compared to the word 'הבינו' (he'binu), which means 'they understood.' While 'ידעו' emphasizes factual knowledge, 'הבינו' implies a deeper comprehension of context or meaning. Use 'ידעו' when referring to knowledge of facts, and 'הבינו' when discussing grasping concepts or intentions.
Culture
'ידעו' is a verb derived from the root ידע (Y-D-A), which means 'to know.' This root is central to many Hebrew words related to knowledge and wisdom, reflecting the importance of learning in Jewish culture. Interestingly, the concept of knowing carries deep philosophical implications in Hebrew, often intertwined with spiritual understanding and ethical responsibility.
FAQ
Q.What is the verb root for ידעו in Hebrew?
'ידעו' is derived from the root ידע (Y-D-A), which forms the basis for various words related to knowledge and understanding in Hebrew.
Q.How do I use ידעו in a sentence?
You can use 'ידעו' in past tense sentences such as 'הם ידעו על האירוע' (Hem yad'u al ha'irua), which translates to 'They knew about the event.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using ידעו?
A common mistake is to confuse 'ידעו' with 'יודעים' (yod'im), which is the present tense form meaning 'they know.' Ensure you use 'ידעו' when discussing past knowledge.
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