אוצר
otsár/(ʔ)oˈt͡saʁ/
The Hebrew word for treasure is אוצר (otsár).
אוצר refers to a collection of valuable things. Interestingly, the standard Hebrew term for 'vocabulary' is the phrase אוצר מילים, which literally translates to a 'treasure of words'.
Meaning: collection of valuable things (noun)
Which one should you use?
While אוצר is the general term for treasure, the word מטמון is a more formal term used specifically to emphasize wealth that is hidden or buried.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun אוצר is אוצרות.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is otsár.
Did you know?
- The Hebrew word אוצר can describe a 'storehouse' or 'granary' in biblical texts, rather than just gold and jewels.
- Hebrew distinguishes between a 'treasure' (אוצר) and a 'find' (ממצא), which is used for archaeological discoveries that may have no monetary value.
- While 'treasure' often implies gold in English, the Hebrew word מטמון is more specifically tied to the concept of something 'lost and found', like a sunken ship's cargo.
Examples in context
- אין אוצר יקר יותר מילד.There is no treasure more precious than a child.This sentence compares the value of a child to a treasure using אוצר.Tatoeba #5889893 by fekundulo, translation #245640 by CM
- אוצר נמצא קבור בתוך הקבר העתיק.A buried treasure was found inside the ancient tomb.This sentence describes a buried treasure found in a tomb using אוצר.Tatoeba #3667157 by Eldad, translation #3667154 by Hybrid
- הם סרקו את כל המדבר בחיפושם אחרי אוצר טמון.They have scoured the whole desert in search of the hidden treasure.This sentence describes a search for hidden treasure in the desert using אוצר.Tatoeba #6032493 by fekundulo, translation #601441 by szaby78
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Noa are visiting a museum together.
- נועם Noamתראי את כל הזהב, זה נראה כמו אוצר!Tiri et kol ha-zahav, ze nir'e kmo otzar!Look at all the gold, it looks like a treasure!
- נועה Noaזה באמת אוצר היסטורי מרשים מאוד.Ze be'emet otzar histori marshim me'od.It really is a very impressive historical treasure.
- נועם Noamהייתי רוצה למצוא אוצר כזה בבית שלי.Hayiti rotze limtzo otzar kaze babayit sheli.I would want to find a treasure like that in my house.
- נועה Noaאל תחלום, נועם, זה לא יקרה.Al tachalom, Noam, ze lo yikre.Don't dream, Noam, it won't happen.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry אוצר, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
