I'm learning עברית

הגון — meaning in English: Decent

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

Guess the translation for decent / honest (m.s.)
עמוקה
amuka
מנהל
minhal
קבוצה
kvutsa
הגון
hagun
לבו
libo
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 common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word הגון (hagun) in both casual and formal settings. For instance, you might hear it in discussions about someone's character when complimenting their integrity, such as saying someone is 'a decent person.' It can also be used in more formal contexts, such as evaluating a proposal or service, where one might describe it as being 'decent' or satisfactory.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym of הגון (hagun) is ראוי (ra'ui), which means 'worthy' or 'suitable.' While ראוי often emphasizes merit or suitability for a specific purpose, הגון (hagun) leans more towards morality and character, making it preferable when discussing a person's decency rather than their qualifications.
Culture
The word הגון (hagun) has roots in the Hebrew root 'הגון' which conveys notions of appropriateness and suitability. In Israeli culture, the concept of decency is quite significant, often reflecting a person's moral compass and ethical standards. A fun anecdote is that in Hebrew literature, characters described as 'hagun' often embody the ideals of honesty and responsibility, making it a word that resonates with cultural values.
FAQ
Q.What does הגון (hagun) mean in English?
The Hebrew word הגון (hagun) translates to 'decent' in English, often referring to a person's character or the appropriateness of a situation.
Q.How do you use הגון in a sentence?
You can use הגון in a sentence like 'הוא אדם הגון' which means 'He is a decent person.' It highlights the positive aspects of someone's character.
Q.Are there situations where הגון should not be used?
While הגון is versatile, it may not fit well in highly formal situations where more specific adjectives like 'honorable' or 'virtuous' might be required. Use context to determine the appropriateness of this word.
Learn hebrew with Maspeak →
10.000 Hebrew Words