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עברית
עצמם — meaning in English: themselves
atsmam · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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themselves
עצמם
atsmam
הרכיבה
hirkiva
השדרות
hasderot
באין
be'ein
הכנסות
hakhnasot
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word עצמם (atsmam) in conversations about personal responsibility or self-reflection. For instance, you might hear it in discussions about how individuals must take care of themselves or when discussing a group of people who need to look after their own interests.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'עצמו' (atsmo), which means 'himself' or 'itself.' While 'עצמם' (atsmam) is used for plural or group contexts, 'עצמו' (atsmo) focuses on a single individual. Choosing between them depends on whether you are referring to a group or an individual.
Culture
The word עצמם (atsmam) is derived from the Hebrew root ע-צ-מ, which relates to the concept of being 'self' or 'to stand.' This connection highlights the emphasis in Hebrew on self-awareness and community responsibility. Interestingly, discussing the concept of self in a collective sense is vital in Israeli culture, reflecting values of mutual support and individual accountability.
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