חבל
Too bad / What a shame
Chaval
Express regret or disappointment.
Context: Literally means "pity" or "shame". Common expression of disappointment.
How to Use "Too bad / What a shame" in a Conversation
Example conversation:
A: Literally means "pity" or "shame".
B: חבל
This phrase is considered casual in register and is at a beginner difficulty level for Hebrew learners.
How to Pronounce "חבל"
Chaval
Break it down: Chaval
Hebrew is read from right to left. The transliteration above follows English reading order (left to right) to help you pronounce each sound correctly.
Cultural Tips for Using This Phrase
In Israel, casual communication is the norm. Israelis appreciate directness and informality, so this phrase fits right into everyday conversation.
This phrase stays the same regardless of the speaker's gender, making it easy to learn and use for beginners.
Body language matters in Israel. When saying "too bad / what a shame", slang expressions are part of the vibrant Israeli culture. Using them shows you are making an effort to connect on a deeper level.
Learning "Too bad / What a shame" — Quick Reference
| Hebrew | חבל |
| Pronunciation | Chaval |
| English | Too bad / What a shame |
| Category | slang |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Gender-specific | No — same for everyone |
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