בור — meaning in English: pit

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

Guess the translation for ignorant / fallow

משכן

mishkan

תקדים

takdim

בור

bur

עניתי

aniti

מאפשר

me'afsher

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers use the word 'בור' (bur) when discussing physical locations, such as a construction site where a pit is being dug, or in agricultural contexts referring to irrigation pits. It can also appear in metaphoric expressions, like describing a situation that feels like falling into a pit of despair.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'חפירה' (chafira), meaning 'digging' or 'excavation.' While 'בור' specifically denotes a pit, 'חפירה' refers more to the act of digging, making 'בור' the better choice when referring to the physical structure itself.

Culture

'בור' has roots in ancient Hebrew texts, often associated with wells or cisterns, which were vital for survival in arid regions. Interestingly, in biblical narratives, pits symbolize both danger and refuge, showcasing their dual nature in the human experience. The word has evolved to encompass both physical and metaphorical meanings in modern Hebrew.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'בור' mean in English?

'בור' translates to 'pit' in English, referring to a deep hole or excavation in the ground.

Q.How do you pronounce 'בור'?

'בור' is pronounced as 'bur,' rhyming with 'fur' in English.

Q.Are there any idiomatic expressions using 'בור'?

Yes, one common expression is 'ליפול לבור' (lifol lebur), which means 'to fall into a pit,' used metaphorically to describe someone getting into a difficult situation.

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