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העיר — meaning in English: The city

he'ir · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for made a comment / woke someone up (m.s.)
העיר
he'ir
ההון
hahon
שבת
shevet
בכסף
bakesef
מעורב
me'orav
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word העיר (he'ir) when discussing urban life, city planning, or social gatherings in an urban setting. For example, one might say, 'העיר מלאה בפעילויות חינמיות' (The city is full of free activities) during a conversation about weekend plans.
Synonyms & nuances
While העיר (he'ir) translates directly to 'the city', another word, יישוב (yeshuv), refers more to a settlement or community. One would use העיר when specifically talking about a larger urban area, as opposed to a smaller or more rural settlement.
Culture
The word העיר (he'ir) has its roots in ancient Hebrew texts, where cities were often central to societal functions, commerce, and governance. In modern Israel, the concept of 'the city' has evolved to represent not just a physical place, but also a vibrant cultural hub, symbolizing both opportunities and challenges in urban living.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word העיר mean?
The Hebrew word העיר (he'ir) means 'the city' in English, referring to an urban area where people live and work.
Q.How do you use העיר in a sentence?
You can use העיר in sentences like 'אני גר בעיר רמלה' (I live in the city of Ramla) to specify where you reside.
Q.Is there a plural form for העיר?
Yes, the plural form is ערים (arim), which means 'cities'. You would use it when referring to multiple urban areas, such as 'יש כמה ערים יפות בישראל' (There are several beautiful cities in Israel).
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