שלא — meaning in English: Not

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

Guess the translation for that [is] not

מזמן

mizman

מלכותו

malkhuto

שלא

shelo

לסיומו

lesiyumo

לסיבוב

lesivuv

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'שלא' in various informal and formal contexts to negate statements or express disapproval. For example, someone might say 'אני לא יודע שלא' (I don't know that) during a casual conversation or in a debate to emphasize disagreement with a statement.

Synonyms & nuances

'שלא' is often compared to the word 'לא' (lo), which also means 'not.' While 'לא' is used for direct negation, 'שלא' is more complex, often used in subordinate clauses, making it essential for constructing nuanced sentences that require deeper grammatical structure.

Culture

'שלא' is a crucial part of Hebrew grammar, reflecting the language's Semitic roots. Its usage is deeply ingrained in everyday speech, often appearing in idiomatic expressions and proverbs, showcasing the expressive richness of the language. Interestingly, the word can also serve as a preposition in specific contexts, further highlighting its versatility.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'שלא' mean?

'שלא' translates to 'not' in English and is used to negate verbs in various contexts, playing a critical role in Hebrew syntax.

Q.How do I use 'שלא' in a sentence?

'שלא' is typically used before a verb in a subordinate clause, such as 'אני מקווה שלא יקרה משהו רע' (I hope that nothing bad will happen).

Q.Are there common mistakes with 'שלא'?

One common mistake is using 'שלא' incorrectly in direct negation instead of using 'לא.' Remember, use 'שלא' in more complex sentence structures, especially with subordinate clauses.

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