עושר
'ósher
The English word "riches" is translated into Hebrew as עושר ('ósher).
עושר refers to money, goods, wealth or treasure. While it can describe material possessions, it is often used in an abstract sense to denote a state of abundance, such as a richness of language or cultural wealth.
Meaning: money, goods, wealth, treasure (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
עושר is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
'ósher
Did you know?
- The word עושר is a near-homonym for the word אושר, which means 'happiness'. This phonetic similarity creates a common cultural play on words regarding whether true 'riches' are material or emotional.
- Hebrew uses עושר to describe the 'richness' of a color or a sound. This allows the word to function as a sensory descriptor rather than just a financial one.
- In biblical Hebrew, the concept of 'riches' is often tied to the idea of 'flourishing' or 'prospering', suggesting that wealth is a living, growing thing rather than a static pile of treasure.
Examples in context
- חוכמה עדיפה על עושר.Wisdom is better than riches.This sentence is useful for comparing wisdom to the concept of עושר.Tatoeba #5468827 by fekundulo, translation #277023 by CM
- היא לא מחפשת עושר, אלא אושר.hi lo mekhapeset osher, ela osher.She is not looking for wealth, but happiness.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their goals for the future.
- רוטם Rotemמה הדבר הכי חשוב לך בחיים?Ma hadavar hachi chashuv lach bachayim?What is the most important thing to you in life?
- נועם Noamאני לא מחפש עושר גדול.Ani lo mechapes osher gadol.I am not looking for great riches.
- רוטם Rotemאז מה כן חשוב לך?Az ma ken chashuv lach?So what is important to you then?
- נועם Noamרק להיות בריא ושמח.Rak lihyot bari vesameach.Just to be healthy and happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry עושר, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
