I'm learning עברית

mara · Hebrew

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for mirror
mikledet
televizya
mara
komat karka
ambatya
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'מרה' (mara) in both everyday conversations and literary contexts. You'll often hear it when discussing feelings of bitterness or disappointment, especially in contexts like family discussions, personal relationships, or emotional storytelling.
Synonyms & nuances
'מרה' (mara) is often used interchangeably with 'ביטחון' (bittachon, which means security) when discussing emotional states, but 'mara' specifically emphasizes a sense of bitterness or disillusionment that reflects personal experiences. You might choose 'mara' over others to highlight an intense emotional response rather than just a general feeling of dissatisfaction.
Culture
'מרה' (mara) has its roots in the Hebrew Bible, where it is often associated with bitterness, as seen in the story of Mara, the place where the Israelites encountered bitter waters. This word carries a weight of historical significance, evoking deep emotions and reflections on hardship and resilience in the Jewish narrative.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word 'מרה' mean?
'מרה' (mara) translates to 'bitter' in English and is used to describe tastes, emotions, or situations that evoke a strong sense of unhappiness or disappointment.
Q.How do you use 'מרה' in a sentence?
You can use 'מרה' in a sentence like: 'החיים היו מרה' (HaChayim Hayu Mara) which means 'Life was bitter.' This shows how the word can be applied in both personal and philosophical contexts.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'מרה'?
A common mistake is using 'מרה' only in the context of taste. While it can describe food that is bitter, its emotional connotation is equally important, so remember to apply it in both physical and emotional contexts.
Learn hebrew with Maspeak →
House Vocabulary