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עברית
מחד — meaning in English: On one hand
me'khad · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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on the one hand
הציורים
hatsiyurim
לפגוע
lifgo'a
כאב
ke'ev
חלפו
khalfu
מחד
me'khad
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use מחד (me'khad) in conversations when weighing conflicting opinions or presenting contrasting viewpoints. For instance, during a debate about politics, one might say, "מחד, אני מסכים עם חלק מהנקודות, אבל..." to introduce a counterargument. It's often employed in both casual discussions and more formal settings, such as academic debates.
Synonyms & nuances
While מחד (me'khad) translates to 'on one hand,' another phrase, 'מן הצד השני' (min ha-tsad ha-sheni), meaning 'on the other hand,' provides a complete contrast. You would use מחד when you want to introduce a point before countering it, emphasizing the duality of perspectives.
Culture
The word מחד originates from the root חד, which conveys the idea of sharpness or clarity, suggesting a clear delineation between opposing ideas. Its use is particularly prevalent in Israeli discourse, reflecting a culture that values open debate and nuanced thinking, especially in discussions surrounding politics and social issues. This reflects a broader cultural tendency in Hebrew to embrace complexity rather than oversimplification.
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