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מסמר — meaning in English: nail

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

Guess the translation for nail
למכור
limkor
יק
yak
הנקודות
hanekudot
סמלית
simlit
מסמר
masmer
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word 'מסמר' in everyday conversations when discussing home repairs or construction projects. For example, one might say, 'I need a מסמר to fix this chair,' or while shopping at a hardware store, they might ask, 'Do you have longer מסמרים for drywall?'.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym to 'מסמר' is 'בריח' (berich), which means bolt. While 'מסמר' refers specifically to a nail used to fasten materials together, 'בריח' typically indicates a larger, stronger fastener used for locking mechanisms or securing doors. Choose 'מסמר' for smaller, everyday projects and 'בריח' for more robust applications.
Culture
'מסמר' comes from the root 'סמר,' which means to hold or secure, reflecting the fundamental purpose of a nail in construction and carpentry. In Jewish tradition, nails are sometimes used as metaphors for resilience, as they hold structures together, just as community ties hold people together.
FAQ
Q.What is the plural form of 'מסמר'?
The plural form of 'מסמר' is 'מסמרים' (masmerim). You would use this when referring to multiple nails, such as in a sentence like, 'I bought a box of מסמרים for my project.'
Q.Can 'מסמר' be used in a figurative sense?
'מסמר' is primarily used in a literal sense to refer to a nail, but it can be used metaphorically in discussions about stability or security, such as in phrases describing strong relationships or dependable structures.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'מסמר'?
One common mistake is confusing 'מסמר' with 'אום' (oom), which refers to a screw. While both are fasteners, they differ in usage—'מסמר' is a nail driven into material, while 'אום' is twisted into place. Make sure to use the right term based on the type of fastening you're discussing.
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