חלל
chalal
The Hebrew word for space is חלל (chalal).
חלל refers to a gap, an empty place. It is also the specific term used to refer to outer space in scientific or formal contexts.
Meaning: a gap, an empty place (noun)
Which one should you use?
While חלל refers to an empty void or outer space, the word מקום is more commonly used for 'space' in the sense of available room or a physical location.
How do you pronounce it?
chalal
Did you know?
- In a completely different context, the word חלל is used as a formal term for a 'fallen soldier' or a casualty of war.
- In biblical Hebrew, the root of חלל can mean 'to profane' or 'to pierce', treating the act of making a hole as a violation of a sacred space.
- The Hebrew word חלל shares a linguistic root with the Arabic word خلال (khilal), which refers to a 'gap' or 'opening'.
Examples in context
- האור מסוגל להמיר חלל ומיקום.Light is able to transform space and location.This sentence illustrates the use of חלל in the context of transforming space and location.Tatoeba #2112831 by fekundulo, translation #10752280 by AlanF_US
- נאסא טוענת ששלושה מסעי חלל מתוך 22 שנשאו מחוללים כדוגמת גלילאו נסתיימו בתאונה.NASA says three of 22 space missions that carried generators similar to Galileo's ended in accidents.This sentence shows חלל being used in the context of space missions.Tatoeba #5888327 by fekundulo, translation #320212 by CM
- יש לנו מקום פנוי בבית לאירוע הקרוב?Do we have free space at home for the upcoming event?
- יש חלל ריק בין המדפים.yesh chalal reik bein hamadafim.There is an empty space between the shelves.
Example conversation
Noam and Agur are rearranging furniture in a room.
- נועם Noamהספה גדולה מדי עבור החלל הזה.Ha-safa gdola midai avor ha-chalal ha-ze.The sofa is too big for this space.
- עגור Adiאתה צודק, נועם. בוא נזיז אותה.Ata tzodek, Noam. Bo naziz ota.You are right, Noam. Let's move it.
- נועם Noamאיפה נשים אותה במקום?Eifo nasim ota bimkom?Where should we put it instead?
- עגור Adiיש חלל פנוי ליד החלון.Yesh chalal panui lyad ha-chalon.There is a free space by the window.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries חלל, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
