קַר
kar
The English word "cold" can be expressed in Hebrew as קַר (kar). Wiktionary also lists צוֹנֵן (tsonén).
Meaning: having a low temperature (adj)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| קַר | kar |
| צוֹנֵן | tsonén |
The adjective refers to something that has a low temperature, such as cold water or a cold room. To refer to the concept of a low temperature itself as a noun, use the related form קֹר. For a medical context regarding an illness like a cold, flu or catarrh, the related noun הִצְטַנְּנוּת is used.
Which one should you use?
קַר is the common, general adjective used for most situations involving coldness.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form of the adjective קַר is קָרִים.
How do you pronounce it?
kar
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the adjective קַר (cold) with the noun קֹר (cold/chill). Use the noun קֹר when referring to "the cold" itself.
Did you know?
- When a Hebrew speaker says 'I am cold', they use the phrase קַר לִי, which literally translates to 'it is cold to me'.
- The word צוֹנֵן refers to a refreshing or cooling cold, often used to describe a breeze or a drink on a hot day.
- The word קַר can also be used in the idiom קַר דָּם, meaning 'cold-blooded', to describe someone who is heartless or lacks emotion.
Examples in context
- הַמַּיִם הָיוּ קַרִים מְאוֹד.ha-mayim hayu karim me'od.The water was very cold.
- הַמֶּזֶג אַוְוִיר קַר הַיּוֹם.ha-mezeg avir kar hayom.The weather is cold today.
- אֲנִי לֹא אוֹהֶב אֹכֶל קַר.ani lo ohev okhel kar.I don't like cold food.
Example conversation
Iti and Rotem are standing in a room with an open window.
- רוטם Rotemאיתי, קַר לך כאן?Itay, kar lekha kan?Itay, are you cold in here?
- איתי Itayכן, זה ממש קַר פה.Ken, ze mamash kar po.Yes, it is really cold here.
- רוטם Rotemאני אסגור את החלון.Ani asgor et hakhalon.I will close the window.
- איתי Itayתודה, רוטם.Toda, Rotem.Thanks, Rotem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cold” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
