This is the 68th most frequent Hebrew word.
אלף
"אלף" in Hebrew can mean: 1. "Thousand" (numerical value). 2. "Aleph" (the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet). 3. "To teach or train" (in verb form).
The word 'אלף' is used here numerically to denote the quantity 'one thousand' as part of the price.
חברתי קנתה ספרים במחיר של אלף שקלים.
My friend bought books for a price of one thousand shekels.
The word 'אלף' refers to the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, demonstrating its alphabetical usage.
בלשון העברית אלף היא האות הראשונה.
In the Hebrew language, Alef is the first letter.
In this case, 'אלף' expresses a count but within a hyperbole, emphasizing the speaker's frustration.