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עברית
לעצמי — meaning in English: To myself
le'atsmi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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for myself
לעצמי
le'atsmi
כעשרים
ke'esrim
יכלו
yakhlu
שאינה
she'eina
שקוע
shaku'a
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'לעצמי' in contexts that involve personal reflection or self-care, such as saying, 'I need some time לעצמי' when discussing the need for solitude. It can also appear in conversations about planning personal goals, like 'I'm going to treat לעצמי to a nice dinner this weekend.'
Synonyms & nuances
'לעצמי' specifically emphasizes a personal touch, denoting actions taken for one's own sake. In contrast, similar phrases like 'בעבורי' (for me) could imply doing something on one’s behalf but may not carry the same connotation of self-directed care or ownership.
Culture
The word 'לעצמי' stems from the Hebrew root 'עצם', which relates to self or essence. In modern Hebrew, it reflects a growing cultural emphasis on self-awareness and personal well-being, mirroring global trends in mindfulness and self-care. There's a fun anecdote among young Israelis who often joke about taking a sabbatical 'לעצמי' to recharge, highlighting the importance of self-care in contemporary life.
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