I'm learning עברית

לקנות — meaning in English: buy

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

Guess the translation for to buy
וחוץ
vekhuts
שהתקיים
shehitkayem
נמרוד
nimrod
לקנות
liknot
לימים
leyamim
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 very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers frequently use the word לקנות (liknot) in everyday situations, such as when discussing shopping for groceries at the market or making a significant purchase like a car. It's a versatile term that comes up in conversations about consumer choices, whether casually discussing what to buy for dinner or formally negotiating a purchase.
Synonyms & nuances
While לקנות (liknot) means 'to buy,' another synonym is לרכוש (lir'kosh), which can imply a more formal or significant purchase, often used in legal or financial contexts. You might choose לקנות for casual shopping and use לרכוש when discussing acquiring something of value or importance, like real estate.
Culture
The Hebrew word לקנות (liknot) comes from the root ק-נ-א, which is related to acquisition and possession. Interestingly, the concept of buying in Hebrew extends beyond mere commercial transactions; it often reflects the deeper socio-economic aspects of life in Israel, where market shopping is not just a chore but a vibrant social experience. This cultural aspect is especially seen in bustling markets like Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem, where the act of buying becomes a community event.
FAQ
Q.How do you use לקנות in a sentence?
You can use לקנות (liknot) in sentences like 'אני רוצה לקנות לחם' (ani rotzeh liknot lechem), which means 'I want to buy bread.' It's a straightforward way to express your intention to purchase something.
Q.What are some common phrases with לקנות?
Common phrases include 'לקנות מתנה' (liknot matna) meaning 'to buy a gift' and 'לקנות באינטרנט' (liknot ba'Internet) meaning 'to buy online.' These phrases can help you navigate various shopping scenarios.
Q.Are there any mistakes to avoid when using לקנות?
A common mistake is confusing לקנות (liknot) with the verb לשלם (leshalem), which means 'to pay.' Remember that לקנות specifically refers to the act of buying, while לשלם concerns the payment process itself.
Learn hebrew with Maspeak →
10.000 Hebrew Words