שאלה
she'ela
The Hebrew word for "question" is שאלה (she'ela).
שאלה is a noun used to refer to a sentence, phrase or word. If you wish to perform the action of asking a question, you would use the verb לשאול.
Meaning: sentence, phrase or word (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
שאלה is a feminine noun, which means that any adjectives or numbers used to describe it must also be in the feminine form. The plural form of the word is שאלות.
How do you pronounce it?
she'ela
Did you know?
- The verb form לשאול can also mean 'to borrow' in specific Hebrew contexts, creating a linguistic link between 'taking information' and 'taking an object'.
- The word שאלה is closely related to the Arabic word سُؤَال (suʔāl), reflecting their shared Semitic origin.
- While English uses 'ask' for both questions and favors, Hebrew uses לשאול for a question but לבקש for a request.
Examples in context
- זאת שאלה לא קלה.This question isn't easy.This sentence shows how to describe a question using the word שאלה.Tatoeba #1424825 by Eldad, translation #56704 by CK
- יש לי שאלה לטום.I have a question for Tom.This sentence demonstrates having a question directed toward someone using the word שאלה.Tatoeba #2417686 by Eldad, translation #2358793 by CK
- יש לי אליך שאלה.I have a question to ask you.This sentence illustrates having a question to ask someone using the word שאלה.Tatoeba #13049737 by fekundulo, translation #3259943 by CK
- האם יש לך שאלה? (Ha'im yesh lecha she'ela?)Do you have a question?
- אני רוצה לשאול שאלה (Ani rotze lish'ol sh'ela)I want to ask a question
- 127 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rotem and Itai are in a classroom.
- רוטם Rotemאיתי, יש לי שאלה על השיעור.Itai, yesh li she'ela al hashi'ur.Itai, I have a question about the lesson.
- איתי Itayבטח, מה השאלה שלך?Betach, ma hashe'ela shelach?Sure, what is your question?
- רוטם Rotemאיך כותבים את המילה הזאת?Eich kotvim et hamila hazot?How do you write this word?
- איתי Itayזו שאלה טובה, בואי נבדוק במילון.Zo she'ela tova, bo'i nivdok bamilone.That's a good question, let's check the dictionary.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries שאלה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
