| עַם |
am |
people, nation |
Refers to a group of people with a shared culture, history, or identity. Can also mean “the people” in a more general sense. |
עם ישראל – the people of Israel. |
| לְאוֹם |
le’om |
nation, ethnic group |
More formal and refers to a national or ethnic group. Used in official or legal contexts. Also used in word בינלאומי - international. |
לאום יהודי – Jewish nationality. |
| אוּמָה |
uma |
nation, state |
Emphasizes the political or ideological aspect of a nation. Often used to describe a sovereign state. |
אומת ישראל – the nation of Israel |