קשת
késhet/ˈkeʃet/
The English phrase 'rainbow' is translated into Hebrew as קשת (késhet).
The word refers to the multicolored arch seen in the sky. While קשת is the core word for an arch, it is often used in the full expression קשת בענן to specifically denote a rainbow.
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word קשת literally means 'arch' or 'bow'. The full phrase קשת בענן translates literally to 'an arch in the clouds'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of קשת is קשתות, which can mean 'rainbows' or 'arches'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is késhet.
Did you know?
- The Hebrew word קשת is the same word used for a 'bow' used by an archer to shoot arrows.
- In the Bible, the קשת is described as a sign of a covenant between God and humanity, promising that the Earth would never again be destroyed by a flood.
- The word קשת is used in modern Hebrew to refer to a spectrum of colors or a broad range of opinions and ideas.
Examples in context
- מימיי לא ראיתי קשת כה יפה.Never have I seen such a beautiful rainbow.This sentence shows how to express that one has never seen such a beautiful קשת.Tatoeba #1518650 by MrShoval, translation #253839 by CM
- איזו קשת יפה!What a beautiful rainbow!This sentence is useful for exclaiming about the beauty of a קשת.Tatoeba #1999193 by fekundulo, translation #24877 by CK
- רָאִיתִי קֶשֶׁת מַדְהֵמֶת בשמייםI saw a magnificent rainbow in the sky.
- ראיתי קשת בשמיים אחרי הגשם.Ra'iti keshet bashamayim acharei hageshem.I saw a rainbow in the sky after the rain.
Example conversation
Two friends are standing outside after a rainstorm.
- איתי Itayהסתכלי, יש שם קשת מדהימה!Histakli, yesh sham keshet madhima!Look, there is an amazing rainbow there!
- עגור Adiוואו, היא ממש יפה.Wow, hi mamash yafa.Wow, it is really beautiful.
- איתי Itayאני רוצה לצלם אותה.Ani rotze letsalem ota.I want to photograph it.
- עגור Adiתצלם, זה רגע מיוחד.Tetsalem, ze rega meyukhad.Take the picture, it is a special moment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry קשת, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
