מרגלים
The English phrase "spies" is translated into Hebrew as מרגלים.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form מרגלים is versatile. It can function as a plural noun meaning "spies" or as a third-person plural verb meaning "they spy" or "they are spying" depending on the context. If you need the singular masculine form of the noun "spy", use מרגל and for a singular feminine "spy", use מרגלת.
Did you know?
- The root of מרגלים is shared with the word רגליים, meaning 'legs'. In Hebrew, the act of spying is conceptually linked to the physical act of walking or scouting a land on foot.
- In Israel, the term מרגל can carry a heavy social stigma of betrayal, as it is often associated with 'traitors' who leak state secrets to enemies rather than just professional agents.
- In biblical Hebrew, the term for spies often appears in stories of reconnaissance, such as the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan.
Examples in context
- בארץ הזאת כולם מרגלים אחרי כולם.In this country, everyone spies on everyone else.This sentence illustrates the use of מרגלים in a context describing people spying on one another.Tatoeba #2136574 by fekundulo, translation #5073618 by AlanF_US
- הם מרגלים.They're spies.This sentence shows the use of מרגלים to identify people as spies.Tatoeba #2442040 by shanghainese, translation #2111241 by CK
- המרגלים אספו מידע.The spies gathered intelligence.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mysterious movie plot.
- איתי Itayאת חושבת שהם מרגלים אחרינו?At choshevet shehem meraglim acharinu?Do you think they are spying on us?
- מאיה Mayaכן, אני בטוחה שזה קורה.Ken, ani betucha sheze kore.Yes, I am sure it is happening.
- איתי Itayאיך הם מרגלים בלי שנדע?Eich hem meraglim bli sheneda?How are they spying without us knowing?
- מאיה Mayaאולי יש להם מצלמות נסתרות.Ulai yesh lahem matzlemot nistarot.Maybe they have hidden cameras.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
