I'm learning עברית

לעבוד — meaning in English: work

la'avod · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to work / to worship
התעשייה
hata'asiya
לעבוד
la'avod
ואמצעי
ve'emtsa'i
מצאנו
matsanu
הרעים
hara'im
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use 'לעבוד' (la'avod) in various contexts related to employment or tasks. For instance, in a casual conversation, one might say, 'אני צריך לעבוד שעות נוספות היום' (I need to work extra hours today) when discussing plans for the day. In a more formal setting, such as a business meeting, it might be used to express the need to complete a project or task, like saying, 'עלינו לעבוד על המשימה הזאת' (We need to work on this task).
Synonyms & nuances
'לעבוד' (la'avod) is often used to refer to formal employment, while the word 'לעשות' (la'asot), meaning 'to do,' can also imply work but is broader and less specific. Choose 'לעבוד' when you want to emphasize the task as a job or professional duty.
Culture
'לעבוד' (la'avod) comes from the root ע-ב-ד, which is deeply ingrained in Hebrew culture and signifies not just physical labor but also dedication and effort. In Jewish tradition, work is often viewed as a form of worship, emphasizing the value of diligence and perseverance. The word has evolved to encompass various forms of labor, reflecting a modern view of work-life balance in Israel.
FAQ
Q.What is the root of the word 'לעבוד'?
'לעבוד' is derived from the root ע-ב-ד, which relates to work and service in Hebrew, highlighting its deep cultural significance in the context of labor and effort.
Q.How do you conjugate 'לעבוד' in different tenses?
'לעבוד' can be conjugated into various tenses, such as 'עובד' (ovd) for present tense, and 'עבדתי' (avdati) for past tense. Understanding these conjugations will help you communicate more effectively in Hebrew.
Q.Is there a difference between 'לעבוד' and 'לתפקד'?
Yes, while 'לעבוד' refers specifically to work or employment, 'לתפקד' (letafked) means 'to function' or 'to perform' and is often used in contexts involving capability or efficiency.
Learn hebrew with Maspeak →
10.000 Hebrew Words