צפון
tzafon
The Hebrew word for north is צפון (tzafon).
צפון is used to refer to the compass point or direction of north. To express that something is 'north of' a specific location, you combine the noun with the preposition ל (to/at) to form the phrase צפון ל…
Meaning: compass point (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
While צפון is the noun, you may need different adjective forms depending on what you are describing. Use צפוני for a masculine singular adjective (northern), צפונית for a feminine singular adjective and צפוניים for a masculine plural adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
tzafon
Did you know?
- The word צפון is linked by folk etymology to the verb צָפַן, which means 'to hide'. This suggests the north was historically perceived as a place where the sun hides or weather is obscured.
- Because צפון can mean 'hidden', ancient interpretations of the Bible sometimes linked the north to mystery or secrecy.
- While צפון is a direction, the noun צפון can also refer to a 'storehouse' in archaic Hebrew.
Examples in context
- לבנון נמצאת צפון לישראל.Lebanon is north of Israel.This sentence shows how to use צפון to indicate a direction relative to a country.Tatoeba #11144911 by mutskt, translation #11144913 by mutskt
- אלג'יריה זו ארץ צפון אפריקאית.Algeria is a country in North Africa.This sentence uses צפון as part of a descriptor for a region in Africa.Tatoeba #1769101 by MrShoval, translation #1761404 by CK
- מיצרי ברינג מפרידים בין אסיה לבין צפון אמריקה.The Bering Strait separates Asia from North America.This sentence uses צפון to describe a continent.Tatoeba #2105432 by fekundulo, translation #2099628 by halfb1t
- בניין המשרדים שלנו ממוקם בצפון העיר.The office building is located in the north of the city.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Noa are looking at a map together.
- נועם Noamלאן אנחנו צריכים ללכת?Le'an anachnu tzrichim lalech?Where do we need to go?
- נועה Noaאנחנו צריכים ללכת לכיוון צפון.Anachnu tzrichim lalech le'kivun tzafon.We need to go north.
- נועם Noamהאם העיר נמצאת שם?Ha'ir nimtza'et sham?Is the city located there?
- נועה Noaכן, היא נמצאת בצפון.Ken, hi nimtza'et ba'tzafon.Yes, it is in the north.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries צפון, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
