how to say “to lie down” in Hebrew
[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/לשכב-#.m4a” /]לִשְׁכַּב
Look for the root in לשכב[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/לשכב-#.m4a” /]. It’s easy to spot – just take away the ל meaning to, and you’re left with ש.כ.ב[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/לשכב-#.m4a” /].
The calming sh sound at the beginning of the root invites the speaker into the experience of relaxation.
Here’s the word in context:
[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/לשכב-#.m4a” /]אני נורא עייף, אני הולך לשכב לכמה דקות.
I (a male) am really tired, I’m going to lie down for a few minutes.
לשכב is a simple verb that fits the אפעל paradigm.
לשכב עם[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/לשכב-#.m4a” /] means to lie with, as in the Biblical expression וישכב עמה[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/לשכב-#.m4a” /] – and he lay with her.