לידה מחדש
leida mechadash
The English word 'rebirth' is translated into Hebrew as לידה מחדש (leida mechadash).
לידה מחדש is often used metaphorically for a fresh start.
Meaning: reincarnation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun לידה (birth) and the adverbial phrase מחדש (anew or again).
Which one should you use?
While לידה מחדש is a literal 'rebirth' (often used metaphorically for a fresh start), גלגול נשמות is the specific term used for the spiritual concept of reincarnation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a feminine noun phrase, so any modifying adjectives must also be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
leida mechadash
Did you know?
- While לידה מחדש describes the act of being born again, the spiritual concept of reincarnation uses the term גלגול נשמות, which literally means 'the rolling of souls'.
- In Hebrew, the word חדש (new) shares its root with the word for 'new moon', implying a cycle of renewal rather than just a single replacement.
- In Jewish mysticism, specifically Kabbalah, the idea of גלגול נשמות is used to explain why some people are born with innate talents or unusual predispositions.
Examples in context
- האם קיים מושג של לידה מחדש?ha'im kayam musag shel ledah mekhadash?Does the concept of rebirth exist?
Example conversation
Noa and Itay are discussing spirituality at a cafe.
- נועה Noaאיתי, אתה חושב שיש כזו rzecz כמו לידה מחדש?Itay, ata hoshev she-yesh kazo reshu kmo lida me-hadash?Itay, do you think there is such a thing as rebirth?
- איתי Itayלא, אני לא מאמין בזה בכלל.Lo, ani lo ma'amin be-ze bikhlyl.No, I don't believe in it at all.
- נועה Noaאבל זה נותן תחושה של תקווה.Aval ze noten tkhusha shel tikva.But it gives a feeling of hope.
- איתי Itayאני מבין את נועה, אבל זה לא בשבילי.Ani mevin et Noa, aval ze lo bishvili.I understand Noa, but it's not for me.
