מכשפה
mechashefa
The English word "witch" is translated into Hebrew as מכשפה (mechashefa).
The term is used to describe a person who uses magic. While the default form refers specifically to a female, the language provides different forms to specify gender and number.
Meaning: person who uses magic (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root כ–ש–ף (k-sh-f), which relates to sorcery or magic.
Which one should you use?
The form מכשפה is gender-specific and refers to a female witch. To refer to a male witch or wizard, you would use the masculine form מכשף. Additionally, the term Me'ashfa can be used to mean enchantress.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on the gender and number of the subject. The feminine singular form is מכשפה, while the feminine plural is מכשפות. For males, the masculine singular is מכשף and the masculine plural is מכשפים.
How do you pronounce it?
mechashefa
Did you know?
- In the Hebrew Bible, the prohibition against being a מכשפה is so strict that it is listed among the capital offenses, reflecting an ancient legal view of magic as a form of spiritual treason.
- In modern Hebrew slang, calling someone a מכשפה can occasionally be used as a playful or ironic way to describe a woman who is particularly cunning or clever.
- Hebrew distinguishes between מכשפה, a witch who practices sorcery, and a מנבאת, a female prophet or seer, though both might be viewed as having supernatural insight.
Examples in context
- היא מכשפה רבת כח.She's a powerful witch.This sentence is useful for describing a witch with great power using מכשפה.Tatoeba #1791209 by MrShoval, translation #1790817 by Spamster
- מרי התוודתה כי היא מכשפה.Mary confessed to being a witch.This sentence is useful for describing a confession of being a witch using מכשפה.Tatoeba #1556703 by MrShoval, translation #1552194 by Spamster
- איני מכשפה.I am not a witch.This sentence is useful for a simple negation of being a witch using מכשפה.Tatoeba #2141180 by MrShoval, translation #794758 by Scott
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya and Ido are discussing a fantasy movie they just watched.
- מאיה Mayaהאם הדמות הראשית היא מכשפה?Ha'im ha'dmut ha'rashit hi mechashefa?Is the main character a witch?
- עידו Idoכן, היא מכשפה רשע מאוד.Ken, hi mechashefa resha me'od.Yes, she is a very evil witch.
- מאיה Mayaאני חושבת שהיא מכשפה טובה.Ani choshevet she'hi mechashefa tova.I think she is a good witch.
- עידו Idoאולי, אבל היא נראית מפחידה.Ulai, aval hi nir'et mafchidah.Maybe, but she looks scary.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
