תנועה
tnu'a
The Hebrew word for traffic is תנועה (tnu'a).
תנועה is used to refer to the movement of pedestrians, vehicles on roads or aircraft in the air. While it describes the general flow of movement, if you are specifically talking about a traffic jam, you should use the word פקק.
Meaning: pedestrians or vehicles on roads or on the air (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word תנועה literally means 'movement'.
Which one should you use?
תנועה refers to the general movement of traffic, whereas פקק is the specific term for a traffic jam. Additionally, do not use תנועה to refer to the buying or selling of goods. For commercial trade or commerce, use the word סחר.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tnu'a
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use תנועה when you mean 'trading goods'. Instead, use the word סחר for commercial traffic or trade.
Did you know?
- In the context of music and grammar, תנועה refers to a 'vowel' or the movement of a sound.
- While תנועה describes the flow of traffic, the word for a traffic jam, פקק, literally means 'cork'.
- The word תנועה is likely a medieval calque of the Arabic word حَرَكَة meaning 'movement'.
Examples in context
- יש המון תנועה היום.There is a lot of traffic today.This sentence is useful for noting the amount of traffic present today.Tatoeba #6032416 by fekundulo, translation #2685827 by fekundulo
- נוצר כאן גודש תנועה.The traffic has built up here.This sentence is useful for describing how traffic has built up in a certain area.Tatoeba #1367470 by MrShoval, translation #61696 by sundown
- טום נתקע בפקק תנועה.Tom got stuck in a traffic jam.This sentence is useful for describing being stuck in a traffic jam.Tatoeba #1407374 by MrShoval, translation #1093919 by CK
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rotem and Noam are talking on the phone about a commute.
- רוטם Rotemאיך התנועה בכביש היום?eikh ha-tnu'a ba-kvish ha-yom?How is the traffic on the highway today?
- נועם Noamיש תנועה כבדה מאוד.yesh tnu'a kveda me'od.There is very heavy traffic.
- רוטם Rotemאתה תגיע בזמן?ata tagia ba-zman?Will you arrive on time?
- נועם Noamאני אשתדל, אבל זה קשה.ani eshtadel, aval ze kashe.I will try, but it is difficult.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries תנועה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
