hebreo
/eˈbɾeo/masculine
The Spanish word for Hebrew is hebreo.
hebreo refers to the Hebrew language. It can also be used as an adjective to describe things pertaining to the language, or as a noun to describe a person of Hebrew descent.
Meaning: language (name)
Which one should you use?
The form hebreo is used for the language itself or when referring to a male person of Hebrew descent. To refer specifically to a female person of Hebrew descent, use hebrea. When referring to the Hebrew people as a group, use the plural form hebreos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term idioma hebreo is commonly used to refer to Hebrew formally. In Spain, the alternative lengua hebrea might be used in formal settings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form hebreo is used for the language and for male persons. The feminine form hebrea is used when referring to a female person of Hebrew descent. The plural form hebreos is used to refer to the Hebrew people as a group.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈbɾeo/
Did you know?
- While the words for 'Hebrew' and 'Jewish' are often used interchangeably in English, in Spanish, speakers typically distinguish between hebreo (the language or ancient people) and judío (the religion or modern ethnic identity).
- The word hebreo is a linguistic traveler that moved from Hebrew to Aramaic, then to Greek and Latin before entering Spanish.
- In Spanish literature and history, los hebreos is often used as a collective noun to refer to the ancient Israelites, distinct from the modern term judíos.
Examples in context
- El yidis no es hebreo.Yiddish is not Hebrew.This sentence uses hebreo to distinguish it from Yiddish.Tatoeba #10024999 by manufrutos, translation #9663633 by shekitten
- Mi lengua nativa es hebreo.Hebrew is my mother tongue.This sentence uses hebreo to state a native language.Tatoeba #1862375 by marcelostockle, translation #1862363 by Eldad
- Esto no es hebreo. Es yidis.This is not Hebrew. It's Yiddish.This sentence uses hebreo to identify a language that is not Yiddish.Tatoeba #2062810 by lazarus1907, translation #1840851 by Amastan
- El idioma que se habla en Israel es el hebreo.The language spoken in Israel is Hebrew.
- Me gustaría aprender hebreo para comunicarme con los vecinos israelíes.I would like to learn Hebrew to communicate with Israeli neighbors.
- ¿Sabes hablar hebreo? Quiero practicar contigo.Do you know how to speak Hebrew? I want to practice with you.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a language course at a library.
- Sofía¿Estás estudiando hebreo este semestre?Are you studying Hebrew this semester?
- JavierSí, es un curso muy interesante.Yes, it is a very interesting course.
- SofíaMe gustaría aprender hebreo algún día.I would like to learn Hebrew someday.
- JavierDeberías intentar inscribirte pronto, Sofía.You should try to enroll soon, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hebrew” translations and entries hebreo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hebreo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
