צבע
tséva'/ˈt͡seva(ʕ)/
The English word "color" is translated into Hebrew as צבע (tséva').
The noun צבע refers to a particular set of the visible spectrum. You can also use the adjective צבעוני to describe something that is vibrant or has many colors, and the verb הסמיק to describe the act of becoming red through increased blood flow.
Meaning: particular set of the visible spectrum (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun צבע is צבעים. When using the adjective to describe something, you may see the forms צבעוני or צבעונית.
How do you pronounce it?
tséva'
Did you know?
- Hebrew has a distinct word for the color 'blue' that shifts between כחול for deep blue and תכלת for light blue, treating them as entirely different colors rather than shades.
- The word תכלת for sky-blue refers to a specific biblical dye made from a sea creature, which was required for the fringes of garments worn by Israelites.
- The Hebrew word צבע shares an ancient root with the Arabic word for 'to dye', suggesting that the concept of color was historically inseparable from the physical act of staining fabric.
Examples in context
- מרי צבעה את שערה.Mary changed her hair color.This sentence shows how to use צבע when talking about hair color.Tatoeba #4879807 by fekundulo, translation #4875698 by Hybrid
- צבע העור לא משנה.Skin color makes no difference.This sentence demonstrates the use of צבע regarding skin color.Tatoeba #5837774 by fekundulo, translation #5729899 by CM
- צבעו של המחשב אדום.The color of the computer is red.This sentence illustrates how to describe the color of an object using צבע.Tatoeba #696208 by Eldad, translation #12916853 by rul
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Rotem are choosing a paint for a room.
- דניאל Danielאיזה צבע את מעדיפה לקיר?Eize tzeva at ma'adifa lakir?Which color do you prefer for the wall?
- רוטם Rotemאני אוהבת צבע בהיר.Ani ohevet tzeva bahir.I love a light color.
- דניאל Danielאולי נבחר בצבע כחול?Ulai nivchar betzeva kachol?Maybe we should choose the color blue?
- רוטם Rotemכן, זה צבע מאוד מרגיע.Ken, ze tzeva me'od margia.Yes, that is a very calming color.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry צבע, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries צבע, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
