חתול — meaning in English: cat

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Guess the translation for cat

הופיעו

hofi'u

מקבילות

makbilot

בשקט

basheket

לרשות

larashut

חתול

khatul

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informal very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers use the word חתול in casual conversations about pets, often in the context of discussing pet care or amusing anecdotes related to their cats. For instance, someone might say, 'החתול שלי אוהב לשחק עם כדור' ('My cat loves to play with a ball') during a friendly chat or in a social media post about their beloved pet.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is גזע חתול (gez'ah khatul), which specifically refers to a breed of cat. You would use חתול when speaking generally about cats, while גזע חתול is more precise and would be used when discussing specific breeds, such as Persian or Siamese.

Culture

The word חתול has roots in ancient Hebrew, reflecting the longstanding relationship between humans and cats in various cultures. In Israel, cats are often seen wandering the streets, and they are culturally cherished for their companionship, sometimes even being associated with good luck and protection.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of חתול in Hebrew?

The plural form of חתול is חתולים (khatulim), which is used when referring to more than one cat. For example, 'אני אוהב חתולים' means 'I love cats.'

Q.How do you say 'cat' in Hebrew in a formal context?

In formal contexts, you would still use חתול, as it is the standard term for 'cat' in Hebrew. However, the surrounding language may be more formal, such as discussing a cat in a veterinary context.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word חתול?

A common mistake is confusing the pronunciation. English speakers might pronounce it as 'hatul' instead of 'khatul.' Ensuring you use the 'kh' sound is key to sounding authentic.

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