I'm learning
עברית
חבל — meaning in English: Too bad
khaval · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
it's a pity
מכיכר
mikikar
בלחימה
belekhima
המת
hamet
נקט
nakat
חבל
khaval
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
informal
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'חבל' in casual conversations to express disappointment or regret about a situation. For example, if a friend misses an event they were excited about, one might say 'חבל' to show sympathy. It's commonly heard in everyday settings, such as at home or among friends, rather than in formal situations.
Synonyms & nuances
'חבל' is often synonymous with 'מסכן' (miskin), which means 'poor thing' but carries a more direct sense of pity. While 'חבל' reflects a more general disappointment, 'מסכן' is specifically about feeling sorry for someone’s misfortune. Choose 'חבל' when commenting on situations, and 'מסכן' when addressing someone's plight.
Culture
'חבל' has roots in Hebrew that illustrate the emotional weight of disappointment. It can also be used more broadly in idiomatic expressions, reflecting a cultural tendency to empathize with others' misfortunes. This word resonates deeply as it carries both a sense of loss and an invitation to acknowledge shared human experiences.
FAQ
