אבל — meaning in English: but

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

Guess the translation for but

אבל

aval

בתנאים

betna'im

הזמר

hazemer

מפעל

mif'al

הופצו

huftsu

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'אבל' in everyday conversation to introduce contrasting ideas or statements. For example, it might be used when discussing plans: 'I wanted to go to the beach, אבל it started to rain.' It's also frequently found in written texts, such as opinion articles or essays, where contrasting points are made.

Synonyms & nuances

'אבל' is often compared to 'אך' (ach), which also means 'but' but is slightly more formal. While 'אבל' can be used in casual conversations, 'אך' is reserved for more formal contexts, such as speeches or literature, allowing speakers to choose based on the tone they wish to convey.

Culture

'אבל' has roots in the ancient Semitic languages, similar to the Arabic word 'لكن' (lakin), which also means 'but.' Interestingly, its ubiquity in the Hebrew language reflects the cultural tendency to acknowledge contradictions in opinions or situations, embodying a level of nuance in communication that is embraced in Israeli society.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'אבל' mean?

'אבל' means 'but' in English and is used to introduce a contrast or exception in a sentence.

Q.How do you pronounce 'אבל'?

'אבל' is pronounced as 'aval,' with a soft 'a' sound, similar to 'ah' in 'father' followed by 'val.'

Q.Can 'אבל' be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, 'אבל' can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a contrasting idea, such as 'אבל אני לא מסכים' (but I do not agree). This usage is common in both spoken and written Hebrew.

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