נהר
nahar
The Hebrew word for river is נהר (nahar).
נהר refers to a large stream which drains a landmass.
Meaning: large stream which drains a landmass (noun)
Which one should you use?
While נהר refers to a large river, the word נחל is used for a smaller stream or brook.
How does it change in a sentence?
נהר is a masculine noun. The plural form is נהרות.
How do you pronounce it?
nahar
Did you know?
- The Hebrew word for river, נהר, shares the same ancient root as the word for a 'candle', which is נֵר. This connects the flowing movement of water to the idea of something that shines or glows.
- In Israel, you will often see the word נחל used for 'river' because the country has few permanent נהרות and many seasonal streams.
- In the context of Israeli geography, calling a stream a נחל instead of a נהר can be a vital distinction for hikers. A נחל might look like a dry riverbed, posing a risk to those expecting a constant flow.
Examples in context
- לכל נהר יש מקור.Every river has a source.This sentence is useful for discussing the source of a נהר.Tatoeba #3880980 by fekundulo, translation #3971727 by AlanF_US
- יש נהר ליד הבית.There is a river beside the house.This sentence is useful for stating the location of a נהר in relation to a house.Tatoeba #5763954 by fekundulo, translation #49395 by CK
- נהר חוצה את העיר.A river divides the town.This sentence is useful for describing how a נהר divides a town.Tatoeba #2857293 by Ramiav, translation #273166 by CM
- הנהר של ארץ ישראלThe river of the land of Israel
- ליד הנהרNear the river
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Noa are looking at a map of the region.
- דניאל Danielהאם יש נהר במפה הזאת?ha'im yesh nahar ba'mapa hazot?Is there a river on this map?
- נועה Noaכן, הנהר עובר ממש ליד העיר.ken, hanahar over mamash leyad ha'ir.Yes, the river passes right next to the city.
- דניאל Danielהאם הוא רחב מאוד?ha'im hu rachav me'od?Is it very wide?
- נועה Noaלא, הוא נראה כמו נהר קטן.lo, hu nir'e kmo nahar katan.No, it looks like a small river.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries נהר, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
