בקושי — meaning in English: barely

Usage

Native speakers often use בקושי (bekoshi) in everyday conversations to express situations where something is barely achieved or just managed. For instance, someone might say, 'I בקושי made it to the meeting on time' after a frantic rush, or when discussing a challenging exam, 'I בקושי passed it.' This word conveys a sense of struggle or minimal success.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'מעט' (me'at), meaning 'a little,' but בקושי emphasizes a stronger sense of struggle or hardship involved in achieving the little. You might choose בקושי when you want to highlight the effort taken to accomplish something that seems minimal.

Culture

The word בקושי has its roots in the Hebrew word 'קושי' (kushi), which means 'difficulty.' This connection emphasizes the struggle associated with barely achieving something. Culturally, the concept of perseverance amidst challenges is significant in Israeli society, making בקושי a relatable term in daily life.

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