אפס
éfes
The Hebrew word for zero is אפס (éfes).
אפס is used as a cardinal number to denote the value of nothing, the number before one. It can also function as a noun to describe the point of origin on a scale.
Meaning: cardinal number before 1, denoting nothing (num)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word אפס is grammatically masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
éfes
Did you know?
- In modern Hebrew slang, calling someone an אפס is a harsh insult meaning they are a 'nobody' or a total failure.
- The Hebrew word אפס shares an ancient root with the Ugaritic word for 'edge' or 'end', suggesting that the concept of 'nothing' was historically linked to the 'extremity' or 'boundary' of something.
- Ancient Hebrew texts rarely used a specific word for 'zero' as a number, as the concept of zero as a placeholder was introduced to the region much later via Indian and Arabic influence.
Examples in context
- ברירת המחדל היא "אפס".The default value is zero.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of אפס as a default value.Tatoeba #1670457 by MrShoval, translation #1669565 by Spamster
- תספור לאחור מעשר עד אפס.Count from 10 down to zero.This sentence shows אפס used in the context of counting down.Tatoeba #1980350 by MrShoval, translation #73474 by CK
- מדיניות הילודה החדשה שמה לה למטרה להגיע לגידול אפס באוכלוסיה.The new birth policy is aimed at achieving zero population growth.This sentence demonstrates אפס describing a state of zero growth.Tatoeba #5902682 by fekundulo, translation #269185 by CK
- המחיר אפס ש"ח.The price is zero shekels.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noa and Itai are discussing the temperature outside.
- נועה Noaאיזה קר בחוץ!Eize kar bakhutz!It's so cold outside!
- איתי Itayנכון, הטמפרטורה היא אפס מעלות.Nakhon, hatemperatura hi efes ma'alot.True, the temperature is zero degrees.
- נועה Noaאני צריכה מעיל עבה.Ani tzrikha me'il ovbe.I need a thick coat.
- איתי Itayגם אני אלבש מעיל.Gam ani elbash me'il.I will wear a coat too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry אפס, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אפס, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
