קול
kol
The Hebrew word for voice is קול (kol).
קול refers to the sound produced by the vibration of vocal cords, but its usage is broad. It can mean a human voice, a general sound or noise, a tone or even a 'call' or 'cry' depending on the context.
Meaning: sound made through vibration of the vocal cords (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'voice' usually refers specifically to a person, קול is used for both a human voice and a general sound.
How do you pronounce it?
kol
Did you know?
- Modern Hebrew slang uses the word קול to mean 'cool' or 'trendy', borrowed directly from the English adjective.
- In Hebrew, the word קול can describe a physical sound and a musical 'voice' but also a 'vote' in an election.
- The biblical phrase קול דממה דקה, meaning a 'still small voice', describes the way God spoke to the prophet Elijah not as a wind or fire but as a whisper.
Examples in context
- יש לו קול חזק.He has a loud voice.This sentence is useful for describing the volume of a קול.Tatoeba #1890635 by MrShoval, translation #286988 by CK
- יש לו קול נעים.He has a pleasant voice.This sentence is useful for describing the pleasantness of a קול.Tatoeba #591177 by Eldad, translation #418851 by FeuDRenais
- יש לה קול נעים.She has an agreeable voice.Tatoeba #703840 by Eldad, translation #309497 by Eldad
- בבקשה הורידו את קולכם.Please lower your voices.
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agur and Ido are talking about a singer on the radio.
- עגור Adiאתה שומע את הקול הזה?Ata shome'a et ha-kol ha-ze?Do you hear this voice?
- עידו Idoכן, יש לה קול מיוחד.Ken, yesh la kol meyuhad.Yes, she has a special voice.
- עגור Adiהקול שלה נשמע עצוב.Ha-kol shela nishma atzuv.Her voice sounds sad.
- עידו Idoאני מסכים, זה מאוד מרגש.Ani maskim, ze me'od meragesh.I agree, it is very moving.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries קול, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
