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עברית
רעב — meaning in English: hunger
ra'av · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
hunger
שנעשה
shena'asa
ביטול
bitul
רעב
ra'av
ללמד
lelamed
לגדל
legadel
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informal
very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers use the word רעב (ra'av) in everyday conversations, especially when discussing meals or feelings of hunger. For instance, one might say, 'אני רעב' (Ani ra'av) to express that they are hungry before lunch or dinner, or when discussing the need for more food at a gathering.
Synonyms & nuances
While רעב (ra'av) specifically denotes hunger, another word, 'רעבוני' (ra'avoni), can imply a more intense or desperate hunger. One might choose רעב (ra'av) for casual conversation, while reserving רעבוני (ra'avoni) for more dramatic or urgent contexts.
Culture
The word רעב (ra'av) has deep roots in Hebrew, tracing back to biblical times, where it often described not just physical hunger but also spiritual famine. In Israeli culture, food often plays a central role in social gatherings, making discussions about hunger a frequent occurrence in everyday life, reflecting the importance of sharing meals.
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