אבן
even
In Hebrew, the word for stone is אבן (even).
The word אבן is used to refer to a small piece of stone.
Meaning: small piece of stone (noun)
Which one should you use?
While אבן refers to a small piece of stone, the word סֶלַע is used for a large, solid or rocky stone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of אבן is אבנים. To say one stone, the number one follows the noun as אבן אחת. To say many stones, use the plural noun with the feminine plural adjective: אבנים רבות.
How do you pronounce it?
even
Did you know?
- Jewish tradition involves placing a small אבן on a gravestone during a visit rather than leaving flowers.
- The word אבן can mean two completely different things depending on the context: it can mean 'stone' or 'son'.
- If you are playing a board game, the pieces used are often called אבן, even though this word stems from the German 'Stein'.
Examples in context
- זרקתי אבן על הציפור.I threw a stone at the bird.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use אבן with an action.Tatoeba #1990082 by MrShoval, translation #254577 by CK
- הילד השליך אבן על הכלב.The child threw a stone at the dog.This sentence shows how to use אבן in a sentence about a child.Tatoeba #634103 by Eldad, translation #245952 by CK
- מי זרק אבן על הכלב שלי?Who threw a stone at my dog?This sentence shows how to ask a question containing אבן.Tatoeba #1994167 by MrShoval, translation #276332 by CK
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Maya are walking on a hiking trail.
- נועם Noamמצאתי אבן יפה בדרך.Matsati even yafa ba-derech.I found a beautiful stone on the way.
- מאיה Mayaזה נראה כמו אבן חלקה מאוד.Ze nira kmo even chelaka me'od.It looks like a very smooth stone.
- נועם Noamאת רוצה לקחת את האבן הזאת?At rotza lakachat et ha-even ha-zot?Do you want to take this stone?
- מאיה Mayaכן, היא קטנה ואני אוהבת אותה.Ken, hi ktana ve-ani ohevet ota.Yes, it is small and I love it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אבן, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
