עיר
ir
The Hebrew word for 'city' is עיר (ir).
עיר is used to refer to a large settlement. In everyday conversation, if you wish to refer to a general area or region rather than a specific city, the word אֵזוֹר is more appropriate.
Meaning: large settlement (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun עיר is feminine, meaning that any adjectives or verbs used to describe it must also be in the feminine form. To talk about more than one city, use the plural form ערים. The related adjective for 'urban' or 'city-related' is עירוני in the masculine and עירונית in the feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
ir
Did you know?
- Ancient Hebrew texts often used עיר to refer not just to a city, but specifically to a 'walled city', as walls were the defining feature of urban life.
- The Hebrew word עיר is likely a very ancient relative of the Sumerian words iri and uru for 'city'.
Examples in context
- אני אוהב את עירי.I love my city.This sentence shows how to express affection for one's city using עיר.Tatoeba #2097373 by MrShoval, translation #2097211 by Balamax
- רומא זו עיר עתיקה.Rome is an old city.This sentence provides an example of describing a city as old using עיר.Tatoeba #1415076 by MrShoval, translation #29410 by CK
- שם עירי הוא ג'הלם.The name of my city is Jhelum.This sentence demonstrates how to state the name of a city using עיר.Tatoeba #1759043 by Eldad, translation #1754657 by sysko
- העיר ירושלים היא בירת ישראל.Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Rotem are discussing where they want to live.
- נועם Noamאיזו עיר את הכי אוהבת?Eizo ir at hachi ohevet?Which city do you love the most?
- רוטם Rotemאני מאוד אוהבת את העיר ניו יורק.Ani meod ohevet et ha'ir New York.I love the city of New York very much.
- נועם Noamזו באמת עיר מרגשת.Zo be'emet ir merageshet.That is truly an exciting city.
- רוטם Rotemכן, אני רוצה לגור שם.Ken, ani rotza lagur sham.Yes, I want to live there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries עיר, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
