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עברית
כשל — meaning in English: failure
keshel · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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failure / mishap / lapse
שבע
save'a
למעמד
lema'amad
במי
bemi
כשל
keshel
לפרס
lapras
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word כשל (keshel) in both personal and professional contexts. For instance, a student might express their disappointment after failing an exam by saying, 'הייתה לי כשל במבחן' (I had a failure in the exam). In the workplace, it could be used when discussing project outcomes, such as, 'הפרויקט לא הצליח, זה היה כשל' (The project didn’t succeed; it was a failure).
Synonyms & nuances
While כשל (keshel) refers specifically to a failure or breakdown, the word 'תסכול' (tiskul) captures the sense of frustration that might accompany such a failure. You would choose כשל when talking about an objective failure, while תסכול conveys the emotional response to that failure.
Culture
The word כשל (keshel) has its roots in the Hebrew verb 'לכשל' (le'cheshel), which means 'to fail.' In Israeli culture, discussing failure is often viewed as a vital part of learning and growth, reflecting a mindset that values resilience. A humorous anecdote involves the saying, 'כשל הוא אמא של הצלחה' (Failure is the mother of success), capturing the belief that every failure brings one step closer to success.
FAQ
