ההבדל — meaning in English: the difference

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

Guess the translation for the difference

ההבדל

hahevdel

ציפורים

tsiporim

הולכי

holekhei

הסיוע

hasiyu'a

נשארה

nish'ara

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers often use 'ההבדל' when discussing comparisons, whether in academics, business meetings, or casual conversations. For instance, one might say, 'ההבדל בין הים לאגם הוא במים המלחיים,' meaning 'the difference between the sea and the lake is in the saline water.'

Synonyms & nuances

'ההבדל' is often compared to 'פער' (pa'ar), which means 'gap' or 'discrepancy.' While 'פער' highlights a division or lack, 'ההבדל' focuses more on the attributes that separate two things, making it more suitable for discussions that require clarity on characteristics rather than just distance.

Culture

'ההבדל' is derived from the root 'בדל' which means 'to separate.' This reflects a cultural value in Israel where discussions often revolve around the nuances that define identities, opinions, and even culinary tastes. In modern Hebrew, the word has evolved to signify not just differences but also the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

FAQ

Q.What does ההבדל mean in Hebrew?

'ההבדל' translates to 'the difference' in English, indicating a distinction between two or more items or ideas.

Q.How do you use ההבדל in a sentence?

You can use 'ההבדל' to clarify distinctions, like in the sentence 'ההבדל בין יום ללילה הוא באור,' which means 'the difference between day and night is light.'

Q.Are there common mistakes with using ההבדל?

A common mistake is using 'ההבדל' in contexts where 'פער' would be more appropriate, especially when referring to a significant gap rather than a simple difference. Make sure to choose based on whether you want to emphasize characteristics or distances.

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