יונה
yoná/joˈna/
The Hebrew word for dove is יונה (yoná).
יונה refers to a bird of the family Columbidae, especially one smaller than a pigeon.
Meaning: bird of the family Columbidae, especially one smaller than a pigeon (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is yoná and the IPA is /joˈna/.
When do people say it?
In Hebrew culture and common usage, the dove is a widely recognized symbol of peace. Additionally, the related form יונית (Yonit) is a popular female name in Israel that also means dove.
Did you know?
- The Hebrew word יונה is used for both 'dove' and 'pigeon', as the language does not traditionally distinguish between these two types of birds.
- The word יונה originates from the Proto-Semitic root *šawmān-.
- While many English speakers associate the dove purely with peace, in ancient Hebrew poetic contexts, the bird often symbolizes a longing for home or a return to one's roots.
Examples in context
- על הגג יש יונה לבנה.There's a white dove on the roof.This sentence shows how to describe a white dove on a roof using יונה.Tatoeba #1443222 by MrShoval, translation #1499943 by RoyTek
- יש יונה לבנה על הגג.There is a white dove on the roof.This sentence is another way to state the presence of a white dove on a roof using יונה.Tatoeba #1447859 by MrShoval, translation #282570 by adjusting
- יונה היא סמל של שלום.A dove is a symbol of peace.This sentence illustrates the use of יונה as a symbol of peace.Tatoeba #1410273 by MrShoval, translation #35129 by CK
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Maya are watching birds in a park.
- נועם Noamתראי, יש יונה על העץ.Tirai, yesh yonah al ha-etz.Look, there is a dove on the tree.
- מאיה Mayaהיא נראית מאוד קטנה.Hi nir'at me'od ktana.It looks very small.
- נועם Noamזו בטח יונה צעירה.Zu betach yonah tze'irah.It's probably a young dove.
- מאיה Mayaהיא ממש חמודה!Hi mamash hamudah!It's really cute!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry יונה, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries יונה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
