Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| הֶקְדֵּשׁ | hekdésh | masculine |
| מִפְלָט | miflát | masculine |
| מִקְלָט | miklát | masculine |
In Hebrew, the word for refuge changes based on whether you are describing a physical structure or an abstract escape.
What does it mean word for word?
The term מִקְלָט (miklát) is a noun derived from the root ק–ל–ט, which relates to the concept of receiving or taking in (as in a shelter taking in people).
Which one should you use?
Use מִקְלָט (miklát) when referring specifically to a physical structure or shelter, such as a bomb shelter or a storm shelter. Use מִפְלָט (miflát) when referring to a refuge in a more abstract or situational sense, such as a way to escape a difficult situation or a person/place that provides an escape.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the physical shelter מִקְלָט (miklát) is מִקְלָטִים (miklatim).
How do you pronounce it?
hekdésh
Did you know?
- In Israel, the word מִקְלָט (miklát) is so common that most residential buildings are legally required to have one, and many people use these bomb shelters as storage rooms or home gyms during peacetime.
- In ancient Hebrew contexts, a 'refuge' was often associated with the 'cities of refuge' described in the Bible, where people could seek sanctuary from accidental killers.
- In Hebrew, the distinction between מִקְלָט (miklát) and מִפְלָט (miflát) is based on the direction of movement: the first is about arriving at a safe place and the second is about fleeing from danger.
Example sentences for Hebrew are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a stressful day.
- עגור Adiהיה לי יום נוראי בעבודה.haya li yom norai baavoda.I had a terrible day at work.
- נועם Noamבואי נלך הביתה, זה הֶקְדֵּשׁ לכולנו.boi nalech habaita, ze heqdesh lekulanu.Let's go home, it is a refuge for all of us.
- עגור Adiאתה צודק, נועם, אני צריכה מנוחה.ata tzodek, Noam, ani tzricha menucha.You are right, Noam, I need some rest.
- נועם Noamאני אכין לנו תה חם.ani achin lanu te cham.I will make us some hot tea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “refuge” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
