I'm learning עברית

נכלאו — meaning in English: Were imprisoned

nikhle'u · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for was incarcerated / were caged
נכלאו
nikhle'u
לאנשים
le'anashim
במסלול
bemaslul
יצירותיו
yetsirotav
שהייתי
shehayiti
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
The word נכלאו (nikhle'u) is commonly used in discussions surrounding legal matters, historical events, or personal narratives involving imprisonment. Native speakers might use it in news reports about political prisoners or in literature describing characters who face incarceration.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym of נכלאו is 'הושלכו' (hoshlakhu), which means 'were thrown' but is often used in contexts regarding detention. While both terms imply confinement, נכלאו specifically emphasizes the act of being imprisoned legally, whereas הושלכו can imply a more abrupt or violent removal from society.
Culture
The root of נכלאו (nikhle'u) comes from the Hebrew verb 'כלא' (kala), which means 'to imprison' or 'to confine.' This word has significant historical implications in Israeli society, especially in relation to discussions about freedom, human rights, and the impact of imprisonment on families and communities. The usage of this term can evoke strong emotions, reflecting the complexities of justice and societal norms in Israel.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of נכלאו in English?
נכלאו (nikhle'u) translates to 'were imprisoned' in English, referring to individuals who have been put into custody or confinement, often for legal reasons.
Q.In what contexts can I use נכלאו?
You can use נכלאו in contexts discussing legal issues, historical accounts, or personal stories related to incarceration, particularly in a neutral tone.
Q.Is נכלאו used in everyday conversation?
While נכלאו is not typically found in casual conversations, it may appear in discussions about serious topics, such as crime, law, and justice, especially in formal or literate discourse.
Learn hebrew with Maspeak →
10.000 Hebrew Words