זכוכית
zkhukhit
The Hebrew word for glass is זכוכית (zkhukhit).
זכוכית refers specifically to the substance or material glass. It is used when describing what an object is made of, such as glass bottles or a magnifying glass.
Meaning: drinking vessel (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the material and the object. While זכוכית refers to the material glass, the word כוס is used for a drinking vessel (a cup or glass), regardless of whether that vessel is made of glass, plastic or ceramic.
How does it change in a sentence?
זכוכית is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
zkhukhit
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use זכוכית to mean a drinking glass. In Hebrew, you should use כוס for the object and זכוכית for the substance.
Did you know?
- In Jewish wedding ceremonies, a כוס is intentionally broken to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
- While כוס means 'glass' or 'cup', the word גביע is used specifically for a ritual chalice or a goblet used in religious contexts.
- The word זכוכית shares an ancient lineage with the Arabic word زُجَاج (zujāj), both tracing back to much older Mesopotamian roots.
Examples in context
- יש לך זכוכית מגדלת?Do you have a magnifying glass?This sentence shows how to ask about a magnifying glass using זכוכית.Tatoeba #5996885 by fekundulo, translation #4015743 by CK
- חלב נמכר בבקבוקי זכוכית.Milk was sold in glass bottles.This sentence demonstrates the use of זכוכית to describe the material of bottles.Tatoeba #6041438 by fekundulo, translation #3788752 by Hybrid
- זכוכית שבורה היתה על הרצפה.There was broken glass on the floor.This sentence illustrates the use of זכוכית to refer to broken shards of the material.Tatoeba #5505287 by fekundulo, translation #5386631 by CK
- בבקשה, האם אתה יכול למלא את הכוס עם מים?Please, can you fill the glass with water?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya and Noam are discussing the materials of their kitchenware.
- מאיה Mayaאתה מעדיף כוס מזכוכית או מפלסטיק?Ata ma'adif kos mi-zchuchit o mi-plastik?Do you prefer a glass cup or a plastic one?
- נועם Noamאני מעדיף זכוכית, זה מרגיש יותר יוקרתי.Ani ma'adif zchuchit, ze margish yoter yukrati.I prefer glass, it feels more luxurious.
- מאיה Mayaאבל זכוכית נשברת בקלות.Aval zchuchit nishberet be-kalut.But glass breaks easily.
- נועם Noamזה נכון, אבל זה בריא יותר.Ze nachon, aval ze bri yoter.That's true, but it is healthier.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries זכוכית, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
