מחסור — meaning in English: lack

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

Guess the translation for shortage / lack / deficiency

השמש

hashemesh

לניצחון

lanitsakhon

מחסור

makhsor

מרחקים

merkhakim

גבר

gever

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers often use the word מחסור (makhsor) in discussions about shortages, whether in everyday contexts like shopping or in more serious circumstances like economic crises. For example, one might say, 'יש מחסור במזון בעיר' (There is a lack of food in the city) when discussing food scarcity during a disaster.

Synonyms & nuances

While מחסור (makhsor) refers specifically to a lack or shortage, the word חוסר (khusar) is also used and can imply a deficiency but is often more general. You might choose מחסור in contexts emphasizing a critical or urgent lack, while חוסר might be used in a broader, less severe sense.

Culture

The word מחסור (makhsor) has roots in the Hebrew verb חסר (khasar), which means 'to lack or miss.' This connection highlights a deep cultural awareness of scarcity, often reflected in discussions about social issues, such as poverty or resource distribution in Israel. Interestingly, in Jewish texts, the concept of lack also has a spiritual dimension, as it can relate to the absence of goodness or fulfillment in one's life.

FAQ

Q.What does מחסור mean in Hebrew?

מחסור (makhsor) means 'lack' or 'shortage' in English. It's commonly used to describe the absence of something necessary, such as resources or goods.

Q.How do you use מחסור in a sentence?

You can use מחסור in a sentence like, 'יש מחסור במים בעיר' which means 'There is a lack of water in the city.' This demonstrates its practical application in everyday conversation.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using מחסור?

A common mistake is confusing מחסור (makhsor) with חוסר (khusar). While both denote a lack, remember that מחסור often implies a more urgent or critical shortage compared to the more general חוסר.

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