עובש
ovesh
The Hebrew word for mildew is עובש (ovesh).
The word עובש is used broadly to refer to mold, mildew or any type of fungal growth or rot found on food or surfaces.
Meaning: growth of minute fungi (noun)
Which one should you use?
While עובש is the noun for mold or mildew, you can use the adjective עובשני to describe something as being "moldy".
How does it change in a sentence?
עובש is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
ovesh
Did you know?
- In modern Hebrew slang, the term עובש can sometimes be used to describe something that is extremely outdated or 'old school' in a derogatory way.
- In the Hebrew Bible, a similar concept of 'mold' or 'leprosy' called צָרַעַת applied not only to people but also to walls and clothing.
- While עובש is the common term, a more scientific or formal register might use פטרייה, which means 'fungus' and is derived from the word for 'mushroom'.
Examples in context
- הלחות גרמה להופעת עובש.ha-lekhut gar-ma le-hofa'at ubash.The humidity caused the appearance of mildew.
- אני רואה עובש בפינות של המגירה.ani ro'eh ubash be-pinot shel ha-migara.I see mildew in the corners of the drawer.
Example conversation
Maya and Daniel are inspecting a damp cupboard in their kitchen.
- מאיה Mayaדניאל, יש עובש בתוך הארון הזה.Daniel, yesh ubash be-tokh ha-aron ha-ze.Daniel, there is mildew inside this cupboard.
- דניאל Danielזה נראה ממש רע, מאיה.ze nir'eh mamash ra, Maya.That looks really bad, Maya.
- מאיה Mayaאנחנו חייבים לנקות את זה עכשיו.anakhnu khayavim lenakot et ze akhshav.We must clean this up now.
- דניאל Danielאני אשיג חומר ניקוי מיוחד.ani ashig khomer nikuy meyukhad.I will get a special cleaning agent.
