גוף
guf/ɡuf/
The English word 'body' is translated into Hebrew as גוף (guf).
גוף refers to the physical structure of a human or animal. It is also used in technical contexts to describe the main part or structure of inanimate objects, such as a piece of furniture or a vehicle. In specific medical or legal discussions, the word can also refer to a corpse or physical remains.
Meaning: physical structure of a human or animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun גוף is masculine. To express the plural 'bodies', use the form גופים.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is guf and the IPA is /ɡuf/.
Did you know?
- The word גוף is linguistically related to the Ancient Egyptian word jwf, which referred to the interior or hollow of a thing.
- While גוף is masculine, if you are referring specifically to a deceased body, you must switch to the feminine form גופה.
- When talking about the human body in a poetic or biblical context, Hebrew often uses the word בשר, which literally means 'flesh'.
Examples in context
- יש לה גוף אלוהי.She has a body to die for.This sentence shows how to use גוף when describing a person's physique.Tatoeba #2020802 by MrShoval, translation #2020757 by Spamster
- יש לה גוף מושלם.She has a perfect body.This sentence demonstrates the use of גוף to describe a perfect physique.Tatoeba #4097859 by Eldad, translation #1944124 by Spamster
- גוף המטוס נקרא מרכב המטוס.The body of a plane is called the fuselage.This sentence shows how גוף is used to describe the main structure of an inanimate object like a plane.Tatoeba #5532715 by fekundulo, translation #5325746 by Hybrid
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya and Ido are discussing fitness and health.
- מאיה Mayaאיך שומרים על גוף בריא?Eikh shomrim al guf bari?How do you maintain a healthy body?
- עידו Idoהכי טוב לאכול אוכל טרי ולעשות ספורט.Hachi tov le'ekhol okhel tari ve'la'asot sport.The best way is to eat fresh food and do sports.
- מאיה Mayaזה נשמע נכון, אני אנסה להתחיל מחר.Ze nishma nakhon, ani anase le'hatchil machar.That sounds right, I will try to start tomorrow.
- עידו Idoבהצלחה, מאיה!Be'hatzlacha, Maya!Good luck, Maya!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry גוף, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries גוף, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
