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עברית
שלהם — meaning in English: their
shelahem · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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theirs
בזו
bazu
כמות
kamut
שלהם
shelahem
קשות
kashot
הארוכה
ha'aruka
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers use 'שלהם' in various contexts, from casual conversations among friends to more formal discussions about ownership. For instance, you might hear it when talking about a group of people's belongings, such as 'Their books are on the table' ('הספרים שלהם על השולחן'). It's also common in family settings when discussing children's toys or shared possessions.
Synonyms & nuances
'שלהם' specifically refers to possession by a group and is the plural form. In contrast, 'שלך' means 'yours' for one person, while 'שלנו' means 'ours.' Choosing 'שלהם' is essential when referring to belongings shared among multiple individuals, to accurately convey that sense of collective ownership.
Culture
'שלהם' is derived from the root 'של', which means 'of' or 'belonging to.' This reflects the importance of possession and belonging in Hebrew culture, where family and community ties are often emphasized. Interestingly, the use of possessive pronouns like 'שלהם' can vary based on formality and context, highlighting nuances in Hebrew that learners find fascinating.
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