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עברית
ישר — meaning in English: Straight
yashar · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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straight / honest (m.s.)
ובתי
uvatei
לגבי
legabei
ישר
yashar
לסדרה
lesidra
ששם
shesham
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers frequently use 'ישר' (yashar) in both everyday conversation and formal settings. For instance, you might hear it in discussions about directions, where someone might say, 'לך ישר' (go straight), or in ethical contexts, describing a person as being 'ישר' when they are honest and straightforward.
Synonyms & nuances
'ישר' (yashar) is similar to 'זָקָן' (zakán), which also conveys a sense of uprightness but is more commonly used in a physical sense, like 'upright' or 'erect.' You would choose 'ישר' when referring to both physical and ethical straightness, allowing for a richer application in everyday conversation.
Culture
'ישר' has roots in Biblical Hebrew, where it often described moral uprightness and integrity. This notion of being 'straight' extends beyond physical direction to encompass qualities of honesty and directness in communication—an essential virtue in many cultures, especially in Judaism, where truthfulness is highly valued.
FAQ
