עֵץ
'etzmasculine
The English word tree is translated into Hebrew as עֵץ ('etz). Wiktionary also lists אִילָן (ilán).
Meaning: large woody plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| עֵץ | 'etz | masculine |
| אִילָן | ilán | literary, masculine |
עֵץ is the standard noun used to refer to a large woody plant. Depending on the context, it can also mean 'wood'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word עֵץ can mean both 'tree' and 'wood' depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
While עֵץ is the standard word for tree, אִילָן is a more formal or literary term for the same thing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard masculine noun עֵץ becomes עֵצִים in its plural form. The literary masculine form אִילָן becomes אִילָנִים in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
'etz
Did you know?
- The Hebrew alphabet is traditionally linked to the natural world, and the letter ע in עֵץ is often associated with the strength and rootedness of a tree in mystical traditions.
- The phrase עץ חיים meaning 'tree of life' is used not only in religious texts but also as a common name for synagogues and community centers in Israel.
- In many Hebrew idioms, a 'tree' might actually represent a person's family lineage or roots rather than a botanical specimen.
Examples in context
- הָעֵץ הַזֶּה דוֹמֵה לִעֵץ אַחֵר.This tree resembles another tree.
- גַּן זֶה מָלֵא בְּעֵצִים גְּדוֹלִים.This garden is filled with big trees.
- אני אוהב לשבת מתחת לעץ ולקרוא ספר.I love sitting under a tree and reading a book.
- הפארק מלא בעצים יפים.The park is filled with beautiful trees.
- הַעֵץ הַזֶּה גָּבוֹהַּ מְאֹד.ha'etz haze gavo'ah me'od.This tree is very tall.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tree” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
