קדוש
kadóshmasculine
The English word 'saint' is translated into Hebrew as קדוש (kadósh).
The word is used to refer to a person proclaimed as a saint. It can also function as an adjective meaning 'holy'.
Meaning: person proclaimed as saint (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root ק–ד–ש, which relates to holiness or being set apart.
Which one should you use?
While the word is used as a noun for 'saint', it also functions as an adjective meaning 'holy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is קדוש. The feminine singular form is קדושה, and the masculine plural form is קדושים. For a group of female saints, use the feminine plural form קדושות.
How do you pronounce it?
kadósh
Did you know?
- While קדוש means 'holy' or 'saint', in modern Hebrew slang, calling someone a קדוש can be used sarcastically to imply they are acting 'too good for this world' or are being sanctimonious.
- If you describe a person as 'a saint' in a secular way in Hebrew, you are using the exact same word that is used in prayer to describe the Divine.
- The root of קדוש is found in the word 'Kiddush', which is the blessing recited over wine to sanctify the Sabbath or holidays.
Examples in context
- הוא התנהג כמו קדוש.He acted like a saint.This sentence uses קדוש to describe someone acting like a saint.Tatoeba #1711649 by MrShoval, translation #300522 by CK
- לכל קדוש יש עבר ולכל חוטא יש עתיד.Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.This sentence uses קדוש in a proverb comparing a saint to a sinner.Tatoeba #2018015 by fekundulo, translation #1787990 by inastar
- אין דבר כזה קדוש, אז אל תנסה להצטייר כמו אחד.There is no such thing as a saint, so do not try to appear to be one.This sentence uses קדוש to suggest that the concept of a saint does not exist.Tatoeba #5994989 by fekundulo, translation #2877863 by AlanF_US
- הִיא הָיְתָה אִשָּׁה קְדוֹשָׁה מְאֹדShe was a very saintly woman
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a religious historical figure.
- עידו Idoהוא נחשב לקדוש בקהילה שלו.hu nechshav le'kadosh ba'kehila shelo.He is considered a saint in his community.
- רוטם Rotemהאם היא גם קדושה?ha'im hi gam kadosha?Is she also a saint?
- עידו Idoלא, היא הייתה רק אישה טובה.lo, hi hayta rak isha tova.No, she was just a good woman.
- רוטם Rotemהבנתי, הוא באמת קדוש.hevanti, hu be'emet kadosh.I see, he really is a saint.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “saint” translations and entries קדוש, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
