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משטרה — meaning in English: police

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

Guess the translation for police
משטרה
mishtara
שלפני
shelifnei
כבש
kevesh
השערים
hashe'arim
החולירע
hakholera
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use the word משטרה (mishtara) in various everyday contexts, particularly when discussing law enforcement incidents, reporting crimes, or seeking assistance in emergencies. For example, someone might say, 'I need to call the משטרה because my bike was stolen,' during a casual conversation.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'שיטור' (shit'ur), which refers more specifically to policing activities or law enforcement actions. While משטרה emphasizes the organization as a whole, שיטור focuses on the operational aspect of policing.
Culture
The term משטרה has its roots in the Hebrew word for 'guard' or 'watch,' reflecting the role of the police as protectors of society. Interestingly, the establishment of a formal police force in Israel dates back to the British Mandate period in the early 20th century, leading to the modern interpretation of the word as we know it today.
FAQ
Q.What does משטרה mean in English?
The Hebrew word משטרה (mishtara) translates to 'police' in English, referring to the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order.
Q.How do you use משטרה in a sentence?
You can use משטרה in a sentence like 'אני צריך להתקשר למשטרה' (Ani tsarikh lehitkasher le-mishtara), which means 'I need to call the police.'
Q.Is there a feminine form for משטרה?
The word משטרה is generally used in a neutral context and does not change form based on gender. However, when referring to female police officers, the term 'שוטרת' (shoteret) is used.
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