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עברית
משמאל — meaning in English: to the left
mismol · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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on the left / from the left
משולבת
meshulevet
כפולה
kfula
עליונה
elyona
משמאל
mismol
במדינת
bimdinat
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neutral
very common
Usage
The word 'משמאל' (mismol) is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when giving directions or describing locations. For instance, if someone is guiding a friend to a restaurant, they might say, 'Turn left at the traffic light, and it will be on your left.' It’s also frequently used in political discussions to refer to left-wing ideologies.
Synonyms & nuances
'משמאל' (mismol) directly translates to 'to the left,' but it can be contrasted with 'שמאלית' (smalit), which also means 'left' but is used more as an adjective to describe something (like a left-handed person). You would choose 'mismol' when indicating direction, while 'smalit' is typically used in descriptions.
Culture
'משמאל' (mismol) is derived from the Semitic root that is associated with direction and orientation. In Hebrew culture, the left side can sometimes symbolize alternative or oppositional perspectives, especially in political contexts. Interestingly, in many ancient cultures, the left side was often viewed with suspicion, which adds a layer of nuance to its use in modern Hebrew.
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