חֶרֶב
khérevfeminine
The English word sword is translated into Hebrew as חֶרֶב (khérev) or סַיִף.
Meaning: weapon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| חֶרֶב | khérev | feminine |
| סַיִף | sáyif | masculine |
Both words refer to a sword as a weapon.
Which one should you use?
חֶרֶב is a feminine noun, whereas סַיִף is a masculine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form חֶרֶב is a feminine noun and requires feminine adjectives and verbs. The feminine plural form of חֶרֶב is חֶרָבוֹת.
How do you pronounce it?
khérev
Did you know?
- The root letters of חֶרֶב are also found in words relating to 'dryness' and 'desolation'. This linguistic link emphasizes the sword as something that 'dries up' life or leaves a land barren.
- In modern Hebrew, the word סַיִף is most commonly used to refer to a fishing spear or a harpoon rather than a traditional blade.
- While חֶרֶב is the standard term, סַיִף is an archaic term rarely used in modern conversation. You are more likely to encounter סַיִף in classical poetry or ancient texts than in a modern store.
Examples in context
- הַחֶרֶב הַזּוֹ חַדָּה מְאוֹד.ha-kherev ha-zo khada me'od.This sword is very sharp.
- הַמֶּלֶךְ נָשָׂא חֶרֶב זָהָב.ha-melekh nasa kherev zahav.The king carried a gold sword.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a movie prop.
- איתי Itayהחֶרֶב הזאת נראית אמיתית.Ha-cherev ha-zot nira'et amitit.This sword looks real.
- עגור Adiהיא עשויה מפלסטיק בלבד.Hi asuya mi-plastik bilvad.It is made of plastic only.
- איתי Itayאני רוצה חֶרֶב כזו.Ani rotze cherev kazo.I want a sword like this.
- עגור Adiאני אעזור לך למצוא אחת.Ani a'azor lach limtzo achat.I will help you find one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sword” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
