מפתח
maftéakh/maf.ˈte.aχ/
The Hebrew word for key is מפתח (maftéakh).
מפתח refers to a device designed to open and close a lock.
Meaning: device designed to open and close a lock (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root פ–ת–ח (p-t-ch), which relates to the concept of opening.
How does it change in a sentence?
מפתח is a masculine noun. The plural form is מפתחות.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Hebrew, מפתח is used for both a physical door key and a musical clef.
- Hebrew uses מפתח for a 'key' in a computer keyboard, though it refers to the individual button.
- The word מפתח is used to describe the 'key' or legend of a map.
Examples in context
- היא מסרה לו מפתח.She handed out a key to him.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the form מפתח when describing someone handing a key to another person.Tatoeba #574149 by Eldad, translation #316296 by Eldad
- האם יש לתום מפתח?Does Tom have a key?This sentence shows how to ask if someone possesses the form מפתח.Tatoeba #4643346 by fekundulo, translation #2647709 by CK
- יש ברשותך מפתח אב?Do you have the skeleton key?This sentence demonstrates how to ask about a skeleton key using the form מפתח.Tatoeba #13054738 by fekundulo, translation #12196981 by CK
- אנא, האם אתה יכול להביא לי את הַמַפְתֵּחַ של המשרד?Please, can you bring me the key to the office?
- הסתבר ששכחתי את המפתח של הדירה החדשה שלי בבית.Turns out I forgot the key to my new apartment at home.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry מפתח, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries מפתח, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
