קסם
késem/ˈkesem/
The English phrase 'magic' is קסם (késem) in Hebrew.
The noun קסם refers to an illusion performed to give the appearance of magic or the supernatural. You may also encounter the phrase מספר קסם, which means 'magic number' and is often used in a mathematical or metaphorical sense.
Meaning: illusion performed to give the appearance of magic or the supernatural (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
קסם is pronounced as [ˈkesem].
Did you know?
- In modern Hebrew, if someone describes a person as having קסם (kesem), they are not calling them a wizard, but rather saying they possess a 'magical charm' or charisma.
- The root of קסם is historically linked to the act of 'casting lots' to determine the will of the gods.
- The word קסם shares an ancient root with the Akkadian word kišum, which relates to the concept of 'charm' or 'enchantment'.
Examples in context
- זה היה קסם.It was magic.Tatoeba #6081071 by fekundulo, translation #2248861 by CK
- זה מספר קסם.It's a magic number.Tatoeba #1440334 by MrShoval, translation #1440312 by sundown
- הכישוף של הקוסם עוצר את הזמן.The magician's magic stops time.
- אני מאמין בקסם שבעולם.I believe in the magic of the world.
- הוא עושה קסם מול הקהל.hu ose kesem mul ha-kahal.He performs magic in front of the audience.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ido and Agur are watching a street performer.
- עידו Idoהוא מציג קסם ממש מדהים.hu metzig kesem mamash madhim.He is performing truly amazing magic.
- עגור Adiזה נראה כמו קסם אמיתי.ze nir'ah kmo kesem amiti.It looks like real magic.
- עידו Idoאת חושבת שזה קסם?at choshevet she-ze kesem?Do you think it's magic?
- עגור Adiלא, זה בטח אחיזת עיניים.lo, ze betach achizat einayim.No, it's probably an illusion.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry קסם, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries קסם, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
