שם
shem
The English word 'name' is translated into Hebrew as שם (shem).
שם is a noun used to indicate a particular person, place, class or thing. It is related to the verb כִּנָּה, which means 'to give a name to'.
Meaning: word or phrase indicating a particular person, place, class or thing (noun)
Which one should you use?
Note that שם is a homograph. While it means 'name', it is written the same way as the word pronounced 'sham', which means 'there'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of שם (name) is שמות (names).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is shem.
Did you know?
- In certain mystical texts, the 'ineffable name' of God is so sacred that it is never pronounced, and the word שם is used as a substitute to avoid speaking the holy name aloud.
- In Hebrew, a 'name' is not just a label but is often treated as a spiritual essence, meaning that changing one's שם can signify a fundamental change in a person's destiny or nature.
- The Hebrew word שם is a cognate with the Arabic word اسم (ism), meaning 'name'.
Examples in context
- מה שם ציפור זו?What's the name of this bird?This sentence is useful for asking for the name of a bird.Tatoeba #1856230 by fekundulo, translation #555279 by CM
- מה שם הנהר הזה?What is the name of this river?This sentence is useful for asking for the name of a river.Tatoeba #1949683 by fekundulo, translation #58126 by CK
- מה שם הרכס הזה?What's the name of the mountain range?This sentence is useful for asking for the name of a mountain range.Tatoeba #5787210 by fekundulo, translation #68357 by CK
- יעל גולדשטייןYael Goldstein
- 100 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a party.
- עגור Adiשלום, מה שם שלך?Shalom, ma shem shelkha?Hello, what is your name?
- איתי Itayאני איתי. ומה שם שלך?Ani Itay. Ve-ma shem shelakh?I am Itay. And what is your name?
- עגור Adiקוראים לי עגור.Korim li Agur.My name is Agur.
- איתי Itayזה שם יפה מאוד.Ze shem yafe me'od.That is a very beautiful name.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries שם, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
