חַד
ḥadmasculine
In Hebrew, the word for sharp can be expressed in different ways depending on whether you are describing a physical object or a person's intellect. The default masculine form is חַד (ḥad). Wiktionary also lists שָׁנוּן (shanún).
Meaning: able to cut easily (adj)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| חַד | ḥad | masculine |
| שָׁנוּן | shanún | masculine |
The term for sharp is split between two distinct meanings: physical sharpness and mental wit.
Which one should you use?
Use חַד (ḥad) when referring to the physical sharpness of an object, such as a knife or a blade. Use שָׁנוּן (shanún) when describing a person as being mentally sharp or witty.
How does it change in a sentence?
For physical sharpness, the feminine form is חַדָּה (ḥaddá) and the masculine plural form is חַדִּים (ḥaddím). For describing a witty person, the feminine form is שְׁנוּנָה (shenúná).
How do you pronounce it?
ḥad
Did you know?
- The Hebrew root for שָׁנוּן (shanún) is also related to the concept of 'repetition' or 'frequent' in certain biblical contexts, which may hint at the 'quickness' of a witty mind.
- While שָׁנוּן (shanún) means witty, it can also be used in a more formal or literary sense to describe a 'sharp' or 'acute' sense of smell or hearing.
- When talking about a 'sharp' flavor, such as acidity or spiciness, Hebrew speakers typically avoid both חַד (ḥad) and שָׁנוּן (shanún), opting instead for words related to 'strong' or 'intense'.
Examples in context
- הכלי הזה חַד ועלול לפצוע.ha-khalí ha-ze khad ve-alúl lif'o'a.This tool is sharp and could cause an injury.
- צריך להחליף את הלהב כי הוא לא חַד.tsarikh le-hakhlif et ha-laha'v ki hu lo khad.The blade needs to be replaced because it is not sharp.
Example conversation
Noa and Itai are preparing a meal in the kitchen.
- נועה Noaאיתי, איפה הסכין?Itai, eifo ha-sakín?Itai, where is the knife?
- איתי Itayהנה, אבל תבדקי אם הוא חַד.hiné, aval tiv-dekí im hu khad.Here, but check if it is sharp.
- נועה Noaהוא לא חַד בכלל.hu lo khad biklál.It is not sharp at all.
- איתי Itayאני אשייף אותו עכשיו.aní ashayéf otó akhsháv.I will sharpen it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sharp” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
