צבוע \ צָבוּעַ
tsavúafeminine
The Hebrew word for hypocrite is צבוע \ צָבוּעַ (tsavúa).
This noun refers to a person practicing hypocrisy.
Meaning: person practising hypocrisy (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from a root meaning 'painted' or 'colored', which implies that the person is 'painted' or is wearing a mask.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine singular form is צבועה \ צְבוּעָה, the masculine plural form is צבועים \ צְבוּעִים and the feminine plural form is צבועות \ צְבוּעוֹת.
How do you pronounce it?
tsavúa
Did you know?
- While צבוע means 'hypocrite' in a metaphorical sense, it is also the exact same word used for the animal 'hyena'.
- The Hebrew word for 'hypocrite' shares the same ancient Proto-Semitic root as the Arabic word 'ḍabuʕ', which also means 'hyena'.
- Using צבוע can be more biting than the English 'hypocrite' because it evokes the scavenging and deceptive nature of a hyena.
Example sentences for Hebrew are not verified yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hypocrite” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries צבוע, CC BY-SA 4.0.
