עֵץ
‘ets
The English word 'wood' is translated into Hebrew as עֵץ (‘ets). Wiktionary also lists קֶרֶשׁ (keresh).
Meaning: substance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| עֵץ | ‘ets |
| קֶרֶשׁ | keresh |
The word עֵץ refers to the substance known as wood. Notably, this same word is also used to refer to a living tree. In a biblical context, the phrase עֵץ הַדַּעַת is used to name the Tree of Knowledge.
Which one should you use?
While עֵץ is the general term for the material wood, קֶרֶשׁ refers specifically to a piece of wood that has been shaped into a plank or a board.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of עֵץ is עֵצִים, which can mean trees or woods.
How do you pronounce it?
‘ets
Did you know?
- The word עֵץ is a primary building block for many Hebrew metaphors involving growth and life, due to its link to living trees.
- A Hebrew speaker might use קֶרֶשׁ to describe a heavy wooden beam or a makeshift bridge, emphasizing its structural form.
- Because עֵץ means both tree and wood, a sentence about 'having wood' could, without context, be interpreted as 'having a tree'.
Example sentences for Hebrew are not verified yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wood” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
