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גרוע — meaning in English: bad

garu'a · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for bad
גרוע
garu'a
לגרום
ligrom
מתה
metah
אפילו
afilu
שאת
she'at
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informal common
Usage
Hebrew speakers often use the word גרוע (garu'a) in everyday conversations when expressing dissatisfaction or disappointment, such as when discussing a bad movie or a poorly executed meal. It can also be used in informal settings, like when friends are chatting about recent life events or expressing frustrations about work.
Synonyms & nuances
While גרוע (garu'a) means 'bad', a close synonym is רע (ra), which also means 'bad' but is more general. You would choose גרוע (garu'a) for situations that feel more serious or disappointing, while רע (ra) can be used in casual complaints or basic negative descriptions.
Culture
The word גרוע (garu'a) has roots in the Hebrew language that reflect a broader cultural attitude towards quality and standards. In Israel, where high expectations are often placed on various aspects of life, this word can convey not just a description of something as 'bad', but also a sense of shared disappointment. It’s often sprinkled into humorous remarks about everyday failures, highlighting a unique blend of optimism and realism in Israeli humor.
FAQ
Q.What does גרוע mean in English?
גרוע translates to 'bad' in English. It is commonly used to describe something that is of poor quality or unsatisfactory.
Q.How do you use גרוע in a sentence?
You can use גרוע in a sentence like this: 'הסרט היה גרוע' (Ha'seret haya garu'a), which means 'The movie was bad.' It's suitable for expressing negative opinions.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using גרוע?
A common mistake is using גרוע interchangeably with רע without considering the context. While both mean 'bad', גרוע is often used for something that is disappointing or of low quality, making it more suitable for specific negative evaluations.
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