What is the Hebrew Word for ‘Women’?

If you’ve ever been curious about Hebrew or are learning the language, you might be interested in the Hebrew word for “women.” In Hebrew, the word for women is נָשִׁים (nashim).

Let’s take a closer look at this word, its uses, and how Hebrew distinguishes between gender in language.

The Basics of “Nashim”

The word נָשִׁים (nashim) is the plural form of אִשָּׁה (isha), which means “woman.” In Hebrew, as with many languages, the singular and plural forms of words are important, and nashim (נָשִׁים) refers specifically to “women” in general, while isha refers to “a woman” or “wife.”

• אִשָּׁה (isha) = Woman / Wife
• נָשִׁים (nashim) = Women (plural)

Hebrew is a language that uses gendered nouns, meaning that words are often categorized as either masculine or feminine. In the case of נָשִׁים, we see this feminine plural form, which contrasts with the masculine plural אֲנָשִׁים (anashim), which means “men.”

Gender and Plural Forms in Hebrew

Hebrew’s gender system influences how many words are formed. While the singular form for “woman” is isha, its plural, nashim, is irregular in the sense that it doesn’t simply add a typical plural ending. That makes it a bit unique when compared to other nouns in Hebrew.

For instance:

• ילד (yeled) = boy, ילדים (yeladim) = boys (masculine plural)
• ילדה (yalda) = girl, ילדות (yaldot) = girls (feminine plural)

So, for “woman,” the plural form doesn’t follow the same pattern of adding a “-ot” ending as many other feminine words do. Instead, נָשִׁים (nashim) stands as its own form.

Examples in Sentences

Here are a couple of examples of how nashim might appear in a sentence:

• הנשים האלה חזקות.
  (Ha-nashim ha-eleh chazakot)
  “These women are strong.”
• הנשים אוהבות את התרבות.
  (Ha-nashim ohevot et ha-tarbut)
  “The women love the culture.”

Notice the structure of the sentence: the definite article “the” (ה) is used before nashim, and the adjective (strong, love) is also in its plural feminine form to agree with the noun.

The Role of Women in Hebrew Language and Culture

Hebrew, like many languages, has cultural and historical roots that influence the way words are used. In Jewish tradition, women have a rich and important role, both in religious texts and community life. Words like isha and nashim appear frequently in the Bible, where the roles and qualities of women are explored through stories of figures like Sarah, Miriam, and Ruth.

In modern Hebrew, the word nashim continues to carry significance not only in everyday language but also in discussions around gender equality and women’s rights. The use of nashim in contemporary speech reflects the ongoing conversation about the role of women in Israeli society and Jewish culture.

Conclusion

So, the Hebrew word for women is נָשִׁים (nashim). This plural form is an essential part of the language, and understanding its structure can help you grasp more about how Hebrew handles gender and number. Whether you’re learning Hebrew for travel, cultural exploration, or religious studies, understanding these terms is a great step toward better comprehension of the language.

What’s your favorite Hebrew word? Or is there another language you’re interested in learning? Share your thoughts in the comments!