מרכז
merkáz/meʁˈkaz/
The Hebrew word for center is מרכז (merkáz).
מרכז is a noun used to describe a place where a function or activity occurs. It can also function as a verb meaning to cause to occupy the center.
Meaning: place where a function or activity occurs (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'centers', use מרכזים. The root of this word can also be used to form the abstract noun מרכזיות, which refers to centrality or importance.
How do you pronounce it?
/meʁˈkaz/
Did you know?
- In modern Israel, מרכז is often used as a shorthand to refer specifically to the Gush Dan region around Tel Aviv.
- Historical records suggest the philosopher Abraham bar Hiyya may have been responsible for introducing מרכז into the Hebrew language.
- While מרכז means 'center', the Hebrew word for the 'middle' of a physical object is often אמצע, and using מרכז in that context can sound overly formal.
Examples in context
- כדור הארץ אינו מרכז היקום.The Earth is not the center of the universe.This sentence is useful for seeing מרכז used in a cosmological context.Tatoeba #1391188 by MrShoval, translation #999702 by szaby78
- עיר הולדתי היא מרכז הוקאידו.My hometown is in the center of Hokkaido.This sentence is useful for seeing מרכז used to describe a geographic location.Tatoeba #6047621 by fekundulo, translation #250832 by CK
- היא צריכה להיות מרכז העניינים כל הזמן.She needs to be the center of attention all the time.This sentence is useful for seeing מרכז used in the idiomatic expression 'center of attention'.Tatoeba #5065350 by fekundulo, translation #2240374 by Hybrid
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya and Noam are discussing where to meet for their shopping trip.
- מאיה Mayaבאיזה מרכז קניות נפגשים?Be'eize merkaz kinyot nifgashim?Which shopping center are we meeting at?
- נועם Noamבואי נפגש במרכז העיר.Bo'i nifgash ba'merkaz ha'ir.Let's meet in the city center.
- מאיה Mayaזה רעיון טוב, נועם.Ze ra'ayon tov, Noam.That is a good idea, Noam.
- נועם Noamאני אהיה שם בעוד שעה.Ani ehye sham be'od sha'a.I will be there in an hour.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry מרכז, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries מרכז, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
