אלגום
algom
The English word "sandalwood" is translated into Hebrew as אלגום (algom).
אלגום refers to the aromatic heartwood of trees belonging to the genus Santalum.
Meaning: the aromatic heartwood of the trees of the genus Santalum (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is romanized as algom.
Did you know?
- Some historians believe that the biblical אלגום was actually a type of ebony or aloeswood rather than true sandalwood.
- Modern Hebrew speakers rarely use אלגום in daily conversation and instead use the loanword סנדלווד or describe it as 'fragrant wood'.
- Because אלגום is so rare, a Hebrew speaker seeing the word today would likely associate it with a religious or historical text rather than a trip to a perfume shop.
Example conversation
Noa and Itai are visiting a perfume shop.
- נועה Noaאיתי, תריח את זה, זה אלגום.Itai, tarich et ze, ze algum.Itai, smell this, it's sandalwood.
- איתי Itayזה ריח חזק אבל נעים מאוד.ze re'ach chazak aval na'im me'od.It's a strong scent but very pleasant.
- נועה Noaאני חושבת שזה יתאים לך.ani choshevet she-ze yat'im lecha.I think it would suit you.
- איתי Itayאת צודקת, אני אקנה את זה.at tzodeket, ani ekne et ze.You're right, I'll buy it.
