דבר — meaning in English: Nothing

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

Guess the translation for speak (m.s. imperative)

דבר

daber

לנתק

lenatek

בריה

briya

הישנה

hayeshena

בלשון

belashon

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informal very common

Usage

Native speakers of Hebrew often use the word דבר (daber) in casual conversations when expressing that something is insignificant or unimportant. For instance, a person might say 'זה דבר קטן' (ze daber katan) meaning 'it's nothing' when downplaying a minor inconvenience or issue during a friendly chat.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym to דבר (daber) is 'כלום' (klum), which also means 'nothing.' However, דבר can sometimes carry a more conversational tone, while כלום may appear more in formal contexts. Choosing between them often depends on the nuance of the situation.

Culture

The Hebrew word דבר (daber) has its roots in the ancient Semitic languages, where it originally conveyed meanings related to speech or communication. Interestingly, in modern Hebrew, it can also refer to an object or thing, showcasing its evolution from a term originally tied to verbal expression to one that encapsulates physical presence as well.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word דבר mean?

The Hebrew word דבר (daber) translates to 'nothing' in English. It's commonly used in everyday conversations to indicate insignificance.

Q.Is דבר used in formal settings?

No, דבר is primarily used in informal contexts. In more formal settings, it's better to use words like 'כלום' (klum) to convey similar meanings.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using דבר?

A common mistake is using דבר in overly formal contexts where more precise vocabulary is expected. Always assess the tone of the conversation before using this word.

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