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עברית
שהיא — meaning in English: That is
shehi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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that she / that is (f.s.)
בכמויות
bekhamuyot
להגן
lehagen
בהחלטה
behakhlata
משותפים
meshutafim
שהיא
shehi
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'שהיא' (shehi) in both spoken and written contexts when they want to clarify or define something. For example, in a discussion about a movie, one might say, 'הסרט הזה הוא מעולה, שהיא קומדיה רומנטית' ('This movie is excellent; that is a romantic comedy'). It often appears in everyday conversations as well as in academic settings when explaining concepts.
Synonyms & nuances
'שהיא' (shehi) can be compared to 'זאת' (zot), meaning 'this is.' While 'שהיא' is often used to define or explain, 'זאת' is more direct and typically refers to something already mentioned. You would choose 'שהיא' when elaborating on a point or providing more detail.
Culture
'שהיא' (shehi) has its roots in the Hebrew verb 'להיות' (lehiyot), meaning 'to be.' Its usage signifies a connection to the concept of identity or definition, making it a useful word for both formal and informal discussions. In Israeli culture, where clarity in communication is valued, 'שהיא' serves as a pivotal connector in conversations, often helping to clarify relationships between ideas.
FAQ
