הקשים — meaning in English: The harsh

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

Guess the translation for the difficult / the hard (m.pl.)

השכלה

haskala

שאינו

she'eino

להשוות

lehashvot

הקשים

hakashim

גוזלים

gozalim

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

The word 'הקשים' (hakashim) is often used in discussions about tough situations, challenges, or criticism, particularly in social or political contexts. For example, one might say 'המצב הכלכלי הקשים' (the harsh economic situation) during a debate about financial policies in Israel.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'קשה' (kasha), which also means 'hard' or 'difficult.' However, 'הקשים' often conveys a more severe or impactful sense of harshness, making it suitable for more intense scenarios like sociopolitical discussions, whereas 'קשה' can be used more casually in everyday conversation.

Culture

'הקשים' (hakashim) derives from the root ק-ש-ה, meaning 'to be hard or difficult.' This root is prevalent in Hebrew, and variations of it are used in various contexts, from describing physical hardness to emotional toughness. The word carries significant weight in Israeli culture, often reflecting resilience in the face of adversity, especially during discussions about historical hardships.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'הקשים' mean?

'הקשים' translates to 'the harsh' in English. It is used to describe difficult situations or conditions.

Q.How do you use 'הקשים' in a sentence?

You can use 'הקשים' in sentences like 'המצב הפוליטי הקשים בישראל' which means 'the harsh political situation in Israel.' It's often used to emphasize severity.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 'הקשים'?

A common mistake is using 'הקשים' in a context that doesn't convey severity. Ensure that the situation being described indeed has the intensity that 'הקשים' implies, as the word carries a weight that some synonyms do not.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

10.000 Hebrew Words