רוח רפאים
ruach refa'im
The Hebrew word for ghost is רוח רפאים (ruach refa'im).
רוח רפאים refers specifically to a spirit that appears after death. While the component word רוח can broadly mean spirit, wind or breath, the full phrase is used when discussing ghosts.
Meaning: spirit appearing after death (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word רוח (spirit/wind) and רפאים (a biblical term for the dead or spirits of the departed), literally meaning 'spirit of the dead'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase רוח רפאים is used for both the singular 'a ghost' and the general concept of 'ghost', because רפאים is a plural noun acting as an adjective. To express the plural 'ghosts', use רוחות רפאים.
How do you pronounce it?
ruach refa'im
Did you know?
- In Jewish folklore, spirits that cannot find rest are sometimes called מזיקין, which literally means 'harmers' rather than 'ghosts'.
- The word רפאים in the phrase רוח רפאים is etymologically linked to the concept of 'giants' in ancient texts.
- In the Bible, the רפאים were believed to dwell in the depths of the earth, a place known as Sheol.
Examples in context
- טום ראה רוח רפאים.Tom saw a ghost.This sentence shows how to use רוח רפאים to say someone saw a ghost.Tatoeba #1488484 by Eldad, translation #1488471 by Spamster
- אתה לבן כמו רוח רפאים.You're as white as a ghost.This sentence uses רוח רפאים in the simile 'as white as a ghost'.Tatoeba #9540521 by Alkrasnov, translation #9525860 by CK
- אני ממש ראיתי רוח רפאים.I actually saw a ghost.This sentence demonstrates using רוח רפאים to express that one actually saw a ghost.Tatoeba #1747189 by MrShoval, translation #261766 by CK
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Itai and Maya are visiting an old house.
- איתי Itayאת חושבת שיש כאן רוח רפאים?At khoshevet she-yesh kan ruakh refa'im?Do you think there is a ghost here?
- מאיה Mayaלא, אני לא מאמינה ברוחות רפאים.Lo, ani lo ma'amina be-rukhot refa'im.No, I don't believe in ghosts.
- איתי Itayאבל שמעתי רעש מוזר בחדר.Aval shama'ti ra'ash muzar ba-khadar.But I heard a strange noise in the room.
- מאיה Mayaזה בטח היה רק הרוח, איתי.Ze betakh haya rak ha-ruakh, Itai.It was probably just the wind, Itai.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries רוח, רוח רפאים, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
