עדין
adín
The English word "gentle" is translated into Hebrew as עדין (adín).
עדין describes something that is soft and mild rather than hard or severe. Additionally, it is the standard term for "delicate" when referring to fine textures or subtle nuances.
Meaning: soft and mild rather than hard or severe (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: עדינה is the feminine form, and עדינים is the masculine plural form. If you wish to use the noun form meaning "gentleness", use עדינות.
How do you pronounce it?
adín
Did you know?
- In Hebrew, עדין can be used to describe a 'gentle' scent or taste, but it is also the technical term for 'refined' or 'pure' when talking about gold or metals.
- In modern Hebrew slang, calling a person עדין can sometimes be a coded way to suggest they are not masculine or are overly sensitive.
- While English uses 'gentle' for a person's temperament, in Hebrew, the word עדין can also imply a certain level of refinement or high social grace.
Examples in context
- תום היה עדין מאד.Tom was very gentle.This sentence uses עדין to describe a person's temperament.Tatoeba #10769889 by fekundulo, translation #4494807 by CK
- שכנוע עדין עובד הכי טוב.Gentle persuasion works best.This sentence uses עדין to describe a method of persuasion.Tatoeba #13749463 by IMer, translation #13749462 by IMer
- היא אמרה את זה בקול עדין.She spoke in a gentle voice.This sentence uses עדין to describe a voice.Tatoeba #1828785 by MrShoval, translation #317249 by AlanF_US
- דבורה היא אישה מאוד נעימה ורכה.Deborah is a very gentle and soft-spoken woman.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noa is teaching Itay how to hold a small bird.
- איתי Itayאיך אני מחזיק אותו?Eikh ani makhzik oto?How do I hold him?
- נועה Noaתהיה עדין איתו, הוא מאוד קטן.Tihye adin ito, hu me'od katan.Be gentle with him, he is very small.
- איתי Itayאני מפחד להפחיד אותו.Ani mefaked lehafkhid oto.I'm afraid of scaring him.
- נועה Noaפשוט תגע בו בנגיעה עדינה.Pashut tiga bo benagi'ah adina.Just touch him with a gentle touch.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry עדין, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
