והחלו — meaning in English: And began

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

Guess the translation for and started (pl.)

והחלו

vehekhelu

כלי

kli

בתחתית

batakhtit

חדר

khadar

לנוכח

lenokhakh

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers often use 'והחלו' (vehekhelu) in narrative storytelling, particularly in religious texts or historical recounts. For example, one might say 'והחלו לעבוד' to describe when a group of people began working together, highlighting the start of an important event.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'והחלו' directly translates to 'and began,' it is often used in more formal or narrative contexts. In contrast, the word 'התחילו' (hitchilu) is more casual and commonly used in everyday speech to mean 'they started.' Choosing 'והחלו' can lend a more dramatic or ceremonial tone to the sentence.

Culture

'והחלו' traces its roots to the Hebrew verb 'חלה' (chalah), which means 'to begin' or 'to initiate.' In Jewish tradition, the phrase often appears in stories of creation and significant historical events, celebrating beginnings and fresh starts, which are pivotal themes in Hebrew literature.

FAQ

Q.What does 'והחלו' mean in English?

'והחלו' translates to 'and began' in English, indicating the start of an action or event.

Q.How do you use 'והחלו' in a sentence?

You can use 'והחלו' at the beginning of a narrative to describe a transition or a significant change, such as 'והחלו חגיגות השנה החדשה' meaning 'And the celebrations of the New Year began.'

Q.Is 'והחלו' used in modern Hebrew?

Yes, 'והחלו' is commonly used in both spoken and written Hebrew, especially in storytelling and historical contexts. It's a great way to convey the commencement of events.

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