בושם
bósem
The English word "perfume" is translated into Hebrew as בושם (bósem). Wiktionary also lists בֹּשֶׂם (bósem).
Meaning: substance providing a pleasant smell (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| בושם | bósem | |
| בֹּשֶׂם | bósem | masculine |
בושם is a noun used to describe a substance that provides a pleasant smell. Related to this noun is the verb בישם, which means to apply perfume to something.
Which one should you use?
While בושם is the singular noun for perfume, the plural form בשמים is frequently used in Hebrew to refer to the category of fragrances or multiple scents.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun בושם is בשמים.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is bósem.
Did you know?
- The root of the word בושם connects it to the ancient concept of 'sweetness' rather than just scent. In many Semitic languages, the same root refers to something being both fragrant and delicious.
- In certain poetic or liturgical contexts, the word בשמים refers to the sacred oils used to anoint kings and priests.
- The Hebrew word בושם shares a common ancestor with the Arabic word for 'balsam', a fragrant resin. This links the modern concept of perfume to ancient, sticky plant extracts.
Examples in context
- החלטתי לא לקנות בושם.I decided not to buy perfume.This sentence is useful for expressing a decision not to purchase בושם.Tatoeba #5604007 by fekundulo, translation #5190604 by CK
- אני מוכרת בושם.I sell perfume.This sentence is useful for stating that one sells בושם.Tatoeba #13092769 by fekundulo, translation #11885392 by CK
- נשים אוהבות בושם.Women like perfume.This sentence is useful for noting that women like בושם.Tatoeba #13049681 by fekundulo, translation #11194378 by CK
Example conversation
Noam and Maya are at a store.
- נועם Noamאיזה בושם זה?Eize boshem ze?Which perfume is this?
- מאיה Mayaזה בושם עם ריח של וניל.Ze boshem im riach shel vanil.It is a perfume with a vanilla scent.
- נועם Noamהבושם הזה ממש חזק.Haboshem haze mamash chazak.This perfume is really strong.
- מאיה Mayaנכון, אני מעדיפה בושם עדין יותר.Nachon, ani ma'adifa boshem adin yoter.True, I prefer a gentler perfume.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “perfume” translations and entries בושם, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries בושם, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
