החלו — meaning in English: Began

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

Guess the translation for started (pl.)

וביניהם

uveynehem

נכשלו

nikhshelu

הסוכנות

hasokhnut

החלו

hekhelu

הרכבות

harkavot

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'החלו' (hekhelu) in discussions about events or processes that have just started, such as 'החלו השיחות' (the talks began) in formal settings like meetings or negotiations. It's also common in everyday conversations when referencing the beginning of activities or projects, such as 'החלו את העבודה' (they began the work).

Synonyms & nuances

'החלו' is often used interchangeably with 'תחילו' (tichilu), which also means 'began' but tends to be more informal. In contrast, 'החלו' carries a more formal tone and is suitable for both written and spoken contexts, making it a versatile choice for learners.

Culture

'החלו' has roots in the Hebrew word 'חלה' (chalah), which relates to starting or initiating. The concept of beginnings is significant in many Hebrew texts, including religious scriptures that focus on creation and new phases of life. Additionally, the term is frequently linked to traditional narratives about the importance of beginnings in personal and communal stories.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'החלו' mean in English?

'החלו' translates to 'began' in English, indicating the start of an action or event. It is used in various contexts to denote the initiation of processes or activities.

Q.How do you conjugate 'החלו' in different tenses?

'החלו' is the past tense form of the verb 'להחל' (lehakhel), which means 'to begin.' In the present tense, you would use 'מחל' (mechal) for masculine singular or 'מחלות' (mechalot) for feminine plural.

Q.Is 'החלו' used in both formal and informal speech?

Yes, 'החלו' is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is appropriate for conversations, written communication, and even in official documents.

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