החזיר — meaning in English: The pig

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

Guess the translation for returned / gave back

בלילות

beleilot

החזיר

hekhzir

שר

shar

דהיינו

dehainu

הקוקיה

hakukiya

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neutral common

Usage

The word 'החזיר' (hekhzir) is commonly used in everyday conversation among native Hebrew speakers, particularly in contexts related to food or agriculture. For instance, one might hear it during discussions about traditional dishes, farming practices, or even in playful banter when referring to someone's messy eating habits.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'החזיר' is the standard term for 'the pig', you might also encounter the word 'חזיר' (hazir), which is the general term for 'pig' without the definite article. You would use 'החזיר' when specifically referring to 'the pig' in a particular context, emphasizing its identity.

Culture

'החזיר' holds a significant place in various cultures, mainly due to its dietary implications in Jewish tradition where pigs are considered non-kosher. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for pig derives from the root 'ח-ז-ר', which relates to the idea of returning, perhaps alluding to the pig's tendency to return to its mud after being cleaned. This connection reflects deeper cultural associations with cleanliness and purity.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'החזיר'?

The plural form of 'החזיר' is 'חזירים' (hazirim). This is commonly used when talking about pigs in general, for example, in farming contexts.

Q.Is 'החזיר' used in any idiomatic expressions?

'החזיר' is sometimes used in idiomatic expressions in Hebrew, such as 'כמו חזיר במלח' (like a pig in salt), which describes someone who is very disheveled or messy.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word 'החזיר'?

A common mistake is using 'חזיר' instead of 'החזיר' when specifying 'the pig'. It's important to remember the definite article to convey the correct meaning.

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