חסר — meaning in English: short

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

Guess the translation for lacking (m.s.)

בעצם

ba'etsem

הפתיחה

haptikha

חסר

khasar

עשיר

ashir

להיצמד

lehitsamed

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

informal common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers often use the word 'חסר' (khasar) in everyday conversations to describe something that is short in length, such as a piece of fabric or a book. It's also used informally among friends when referring to someone's height or to describe a situation where something is lacking.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'קצר' (katzar), which directly means 'short.' However, 'חסר' carries a slightly different nuance, often suggesting a lack or deficiency beyond just physical length, making it more versatile in various contexts.

Culture

'חסר' comes from the root 'ח.ס.ר' which suggests a sense of deficiency or lack. In Israeli culture, discussing physical attributes, including height, is quite common and often light-hearted, making this word part of friendly banter. Interestingly, the word has an emotional undertone, as it can imply someone is missing something important, enhancing its versatility in usage.

FAQ

Q.What does 'חסר' mean in English?

'חסר' translates to 'short' in English, but it can also imply a lack or deficiency in something, depending on context.

Q.How do you use 'חסר' in a sentence?

You can use 'חסר' when talking about something that is physically short, like 'החולצה קצרה' (the shirt is short), or metaphorically, such as 'חסר לי זמן' (I lack time).

Q.Is 'חסר' used in formal language?

'חסר' is primarily used in informal contexts and everyday conversation, but you might encounter it in literature or poetry when discussing themes of absence or deficiency.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

10.000 Hebrew Words