I'm learning
עברית
נאלץ — meaning in English: forced
ne'elats · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
was forced / was compelled (m.s.)
שעבד
she'avad
נאלץ
ne'elats
בנוסף
benosaf
הבדיוני
habidyoni
אלא
ela
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word נאלץ in situations where someone has no choice but to comply with external pressures or circumstances. For example, a person might say they נאלץ to move cities for a job, indicating a lack of personal choice in the matter. It's commonly used in both personal conversations and in news articles to describe situations of obligation.
Synonyms & nuances
While נאלץ specifically conveys a sense of being forced, the word חייב (chayav) can imply an obligation or duty without the same connotation of being coerced. You might choose נאלץ when emphasizing the lack of choice in a situation, whereas חייב could be used more generally for obligations that one accepts.
Culture
The word נאלץ has roots in the Hebrew root 'אלץ', which conveys the idea of coercion or compulsion. This term resonates deeply in Israeli society, where discussions around military service often feature the word, as many young adults feel נאלץ to serve due to national obligation. It's a word that captures the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.
FAQ
