חידק — meaning in English: germ

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

Guess the translation for bacterium

baleil

הישנים

hayeshanim

מטתי

mitati

ואנה

[ane] va'ana

חידק

khaydak

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word חידק (khaydak) in discussions about health and hygiene, especially in contexts like medical advice or when talking about cleanliness. You might hear it in a conversation among parents discussing their children's health or when a doctor is explaining the importance of washing hands to prevent illness.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is נגיף (nagif), which means 'virus'. While חידק (khaydak) can refer to any germ, including bacteria, נגיף (nagif) is specifically used for viruses. You would choose חידק (khaydak) in a broader health context, while נגיף (nagif) might come up in discussions about viral infections.

Culture

The word חידק (khaydak) comes from the root that relates to smallness and diminutiveness in Hebrew, reflecting the microscopic nature of germs. Interestingly, in Israel, there is a strong cultural emphasis on hygiene, especially in schools, where teaching children about germs and how to avoid them is a key part of health education.

FAQ

Q.What does חידק mean in English?

The Hebrew word חידק (khaydak) translates to 'germ' in English, referring to microscopic organisms that can cause disease.

Q.How do you use חידק in a sentence?

You can use חידק (khaydak) in a sentence like: 'הילדים שלי צריכים ללמוד על חידקים כדי לשמור על הבריאות שלהם' which means 'My children need to learn about germs to keep their health.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word חידק?

One common mistake is confusing חידק (khaydak) with נגיף (nagif). While both relate to harmful microorganisms, remember that חידק is broader and includes bacteria, while נגיף specifically refers to viruses.

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