חייבת — meaning in English: must

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

Guess the translation for must / debtor (f.s.)

במטרה

bematara

זכוכית

zkhukhit

תוכניתו

tokhnito

חייבת

khayevet

ריקה

reka

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 very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'חייבת' (khayevet) in everyday conversations, especially when expressing necessity or obligation. For example, one might say, 'אני חייבת לקנות לחם' (I must buy bread) when discussing grocery shopping or planning meals.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'חייבת' (khayevet) means 'must', another similar word is 'צריך' (tzarikh), which translates to 'need'. The subtle difference lies in intensity; 'חייבת' conveys a stronger sense of obligation compared to 'צריך', which can imply a lesser degree of necessity.

Culture

'חייבת' has roots in the Hebrew verb 'לחייב' (lekhayev), which means 'to obligate'. This word is often used in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal situations, highlighting the importance of duty or necessity in Israeli culture. It's fascinating how the concept of obligation plays a central role in social interactions, reflecting both personal responsibility and cultural expectations.

FAQ

Q.What does 'חייבת' mean in English?

'חייבת' translates to 'must' in English, indicating a strong obligation or necessity. It is used when something is essential to do.

Q.How do I use 'חייבת' in a sentence?

You can use 'חייבת' by placing it before the verb. For example, 'אני חייבת ללכת' means 'I must go'.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'חייבת'?

A common mistake is confusing 'חייבת' with 'צריך'. Remember that 'חייבת' implies a stronger obligation, while 'צריך' suggests a need that is not as urgent.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

10.000 Hebrew Words