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פועל — meaning in English: worker

po'el · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for worker / operates (m.s.)
מציע
metsi'a
השש
hashesh
פועל
po'el
הגברים
hagvarim
הנפוץ
hanafots
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers use the word פועל (po'el) in various contexts, especially when discussing professions or roles that involve hands-on work. For example, in a conversation about job responsibilities, one might say, 'He is a פועל in construction,' referring to someone who performs physical labor in that field.
Synonyms & nuances
A closer synonym is עובד (oved), which simply means 'employee' or 'worker' but does not carry the same connotation of manual labor or hands-on work that פועל does. You would choose פועל when you specifically want to emphasize the labor aspect of a job.
Culture
The Hebrew word פועל (po'el) derives from the root פ-ע-ל, which relates to action and work. Historically, this term not only refers to workers in various sectors but also symbolizes the Zionist labor movement, where it was used to emphasize the value of manual labor in building the nation of Israel. Interestingly, in modern Hebrew, the term has evolved to include a broader range of professions, not just manual labor.
FAQ
Q.What does פועל mean in English?
The word פועל (po'el) translates to 'worker' in English, typically referring to someone who engages in physical or manual labor.
Q.How do you use פועל in a sentence?
You can use פועל in sentences like, 'The פועל fixed the roof,' which indicates that the worker is actively engaged in a hands-on task.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using פועל?
One common mistake is confusing פועל with עובד (oved). While both mean 'worker,' פועל emphasizes manual labor, so it's important to choose based on the context of physical work.
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