עשב
esev
The Hebrew word for "weed" is עשב (esev).
The term עשב is used to describe various types of vegetation, including plants, herbs, grasses and weeds.
Meaning: unwanted plant (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English often distinguishes between "grass" and "weed," the Hebrew word עשב can mean both depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun עשב is עשבים.
How do you pronounce it?
esev
Did you know?
- The word עשב is a cognate with the Aramaic word עִשְׂבָּא and the Arabic word عُشْب, both meaning 'herb'.
- In some poetic Hebrew contexts, עשב represents fragility or a short lifespan, as seen in the phrase 'like grass' referring to how quickly humans pass away.
- While עשב covers both 'grass' and 'weed', Hebrew uses the specific word דשא for the manicured lawns found in parks and gardens.
Examples in context
- הצמחים האלה עמידים בפני קוטלי עשביה.These plants are resistant to weed killers.This sentence shows how to use עשב in the context of weed killers.Tatoeba #4960374 by fekundulo, translation #55164 by CM
- נענע צומחת כמו עשב.Mint grows like a weed.This sentence demonstrates the expression "grows like a weed" using עשב.Tatoeba #13569134 by rul, translation #7876047 by CK
Example conversation
Rotem and Itai are looking at the yard.
- רוטם Rotemאיתי, תראה כמה עשב יש פה.Itai, tireh kama esev yesh po.Itai, look how many weeds there are here.
- איתי Itayאת צודקת, זה נראה נוראי.at tzodeket, ze nir'a norai.You're right, it looks terrible.
- רוטם Rotemאנחנו חייבים להוציא את העשב.anachnu chayavim lehotzi et haesev.We must pull out the weeds.
- איתי Itayאני אעשה את זה מחר בבוקר.ani e'ese et ze machar baboker.I will do it tomorrow morning.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries עשב, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
