נטל
netel
The Hebrew word for "burden" is נטל (netel).
While נטל can refer to a physical load, it is most commonly used metaphorically to describe an emotional or mental weight, such as a responsibility or a source of worry.
Meaning: cause of worry (noun)
Which one should you use?
משא is a more formal alternative for the same concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
נטל is a masculine noun. Its plural form is נטלים.
How do you pronounce it?
netel
Did you know?
- The biblical word for burden משא is used in the prophets to describe an 'oracle', implying that a message from God is a heavy weight for a human to carry.
- In modern Israeli slang, describing a person as a נטל can be a subtle way of saying they are a 'drag' or a person who is a constant nuisance.
- The verb לנטול can mean both 'to take' and 'to remove', creating a linguistic paradox where the act of creating a burden and lifting it use the same root.
Examples in context
- זה נטל כבד על הלב שלי.ze netel kaved al ha-lev sheli.It is a heavy burden on my heart.
- החובות האלו הם נטל גדול.ha-khuvot ha-elu hem netel gadol.These debts are a large burden.
- אני לא רוצה להיות נטל עליך.ani lo rotza lihyot netel alekha.I don't want to be a burden to you.
Example conversation
Maya is talking to Ido about her stressful job.
- מאיה Mayaהעבודה הזאת היא נטל נפשי עבורי.haavoda hazot hi natal nafshi avori.This job is a mental burden for me.
- עידו Idoאני מצטער לשמוע, מאיה.ani mitztaer lishmoa, Maya.I am sorry to hear that, Maya.
- מאיה Mayaאני מרגישה שאני חייבת להפסיק.ani mergisha sheani chayavat lehafsik.I feel that I must stop.
- עידו Idoאני כאן כדי לעזור לך, עידו תמיד תומך.ani kan keday laazor lach, Ido tamid tomech.I am here to help you, Ido is always supportive.
