The spelling of the name "Mishael" is not intuitive, but can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is "mi" pronounced /mi/, with a short "i" sound like in "bit." The second syllable is "shael" pronounced /ˈʃeɪl/, with a long "a" sound like in "bake" and a soft "e" like in "eel." Together, the name is pronounced /miˈʃeɪl/. The name has Hebrew origins and means "who is like God."
The word "Mishael" has Hebrew origins and is derived from the Hebrew name מִישָׁאֵל (Miysha'el). It is a compound name consisting of two elements:
1. מִי (Mi) - This is a Hebrew interrogative pronoun meaning "who". It often serves as a prefix in Hebrew names, indicating a question or a search for identity.
2. שָׁאַל (Sha'al) - This Hebrew verb means "to ask" or "to inquire".
Therefore, the etymology of the name "Mishael" can be understood as "Who is like God?" or "One who inquires of God".