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טבח — meaning in English: Massacre

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

Guess the translation for cook (n.)
דלק
delek
בידיהם
biydehem
מאמר
ma'amar
טבח
tabakh
יחס
yakhas
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formal common
Usage
The Hebrew word 'טבח' is often used in serious discussions surrounding violence, conflict, or historical events, particularly in news reports and documentaries about significant tragedies. Native speakers might use it in conversations about events such as wars, uprisings, and historical massacres, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'רצח' (retzach), which means 'murder' but lacks the connotation of mass violence inherent in 'טבח.' You would use 'טבח' when referring to large-scale atrocities, while 'רצח' is more suitable for individual instances of killing.
Culture
'טבח' has its roots in the Hebrew Bible, where it refers to slaughtering, especially in the context of sacrifices. The term has evolved to encompass the modern notion of mass killings, particularly in the context of war and ethnic conflicts. This evolution reflects the complexities of historical narratives in Israel and the cultural memory surrounding violence.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of the Hebrew word 'טבח'?
'טבח' translates to 'massacre' in English, referring to the brutal killing of a large number of people, often in a violent or politically charged context.
Q.How do you pronounce 'טבח' in Hebrew?
'טבח' is pronounced as 'tabakh,' with a soft 't' sound followed by a vowel sound similar to 'a' in 'father' and ending with a guttural 'kh' sound, like 'loch' in Scottish.
Q.What are common phrases using the word 'טבח'?
You might hear phrases like 'טבח המוני' (tabakh hamoni), meaning 'mass massacre,' or 'טבח מחא' (tabakh ma’ach), referring specifically to a historical massacre. These phrases emphasize the scale and impact of the violence.
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