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שייך — meaning in English: belongs

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

Guess the translation for belongs / relevant (m.s.)
זוכים
zokhim (v.)
הפרברים
haparvarim
שייך
shayakh
זיהוי
zihui
הגבעות
hagva'ot
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word 'שייך' (shayakh) in everyday conversations to express ownership or belonging. You might hear it in discussions about family ties, such as saying, 'הילד הזה שייך לי' (This child belongs to me), or when talking about possessions, like, 'הספר הזה שייך לספרייה' (This book belongs to the library).
Synonyms & nuances
'שייך' (shayakh) can be compared to 'לְהִשָּׁתַּף' (lehishtaf), which means 'to share.' While both suggest a sense of ownership, 'שייך' implies a stronger connection or possession, while 'לְהִשָּׁתַּף' focuses more on communal sharing. You'll choose 'שייך' when you want to emphasize ownership over something.
Culture
'שייך' (shayakh) has its roots in the Arabic word 'شَائِكَة' (shayka), meaning 'to belong to.' This connection highlights the intertwined nature of Hebrew and Arabic, reflecting the historical and cultural exchanges in the region. Interestingly, the word can also be used in philosophical discussions about identity and belonging, adding a layer of depth to its everyday usage.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word 'שייך' mean?
'שייך' (shayakh) translates to 'belongs' in English. It is used to express ownership or a sense of belonging to someone or something.
Q.How do you use 'שייך' in a sentence?
You can use 'שייך' in sentences like 'זה שייך לי' (This belongs to me) or 'הבית הזה שייך למשפחה' (This house belongs to the family).
Q.What are common mistakes with the word 'שייך'?
A common mistake is using 'שייך' in contexts where the concept of belonging isn't as strong. Remember, 'שייך' is best used when you want to indicate clear ownership rather than a loose connection.
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