I'm learning עברית

זכאי — meaning in English: entitled to

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

Guess the translation for innocent / eligible
מתושבי
mitoshvei
ומדי
umadei
זכאי
zakai
דוברי
dovrei
הכסף
hakesef
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
formal common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word זכאי in legal contexts, such as when discussing rights and entitlements, such as social benefits or inheritance. It may also be used in everyday situations, like when someone believes they have a right to something due to their efforts, such as being זכאי to a bonus at work.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'ראוי' (ra'ui), meaning 'worthy' or 'deserving,' but זכאי specifically implies entitlement as a legal right. You would choose זכאי when discussing formal eligibility or rights, while ראוי might be used in more subjective contexts.
Culture
The word זכאי has roots in the Hebrew word 'זכייה' (z'chiya), meaning 'to win' or 'to gain.' Its use reflects the cultural emphasis on justice and fairness in Israeli society, where the notion of being entitled is frequently connected to rights granted by law or social norms. Interestingly, the term can also be found in religious texts, denoting moral and ethical obligations.
FAQ
Q.What does זכאי mean in English?
זכאי translates to 'entitled to' in English. It indicates a legal or moral claim to a right or benefit.
Q.How do you use זכאי in a sentence?
You can use זכאי in a sentence like, 'הוא זכאי למענק' which means 'He is entitled to a grant.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using זכאי?
A common mistake is to confuse זכאי with other synonyms like ראוי. Remember that זכאי specifically refers to legal entitlements, while ראוי is more about deservingness without a formal claim.
Learn hebrew with Maspeak →
10.000 Hebrew Words