צפע
tséfa
The English word "adder" is translated to Hebrew as צפע (tséfa).
The word צפע refers to a snake.
Meaning: snake (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular feminine form of the noun is צפעת.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced [tséfa].
Did you know?
- In Hebrew, the word צפע is often used as a metaphor for a person who is treacherous or deceitful. Just as an adder is a hidden danger, the term describes someone whose character is unexpectedly venomous.
- In Hebrew culture, the image of the צפע is frequently linked to the concept of 'poison' as a symbol of malicious speech.
- In many biblical contexts, the mention of an adder is a common way to describe a sudden, lethal threat in a desert landscape. It is often grouped with other desert creatures to emphasize extreme danger.
Examples in context
- ראיתי צֵיפָע ביערI saw an adder in the forest.
- ראיתי צפע קטן בגינה.ra'iti tzafa katan bagina.I saw a small adder in the garden.
- זה היה צפע, לא סתם נחש.ze haya tzafa, lo stam nachash.That was an adder, not just a regular snake.
Example conversation
Daniel and Noa are hiking in the mountains.
- דניאל Danielנועה, תסתכלי! יש שם צפע.Noa, tistakli! Yesh sham tsefa.Noa, look! There is an adder there.
- נועה Noaאיפה? אני לא רואה כלום.eifo? ani lo ro'ah klum.Where? I don't see anything.
- דניאל Danielהוא נמצא ממש ליד הסלע.hu nimtza mamash leyad hasela.It is right next to the rock.
- נועה Noaבוא נתרחק מהצפע הזה מהר.bo nitrakeach mehatsefa haze maher.Let's get away from that adder quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry צפע, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
