I'm learning עברית

איש — meaning in English: man

ish · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for man
שוב
shuv
ראש
rosh
שמישהו
shemishehu
חיי
Chayai
איש
ish
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
The word 'איש' (ish) is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to a man or male individual. For instance, one might hear it in family settings when talking about a father or son, or in social contexts when discussing friends or acquaintances. It is appropriate in both casual and semi-formal situations.
Synonyms & nuances
The word 'גבר' (gever) can also mean 'man,' but it often emphasizes masculinity or male strength more than 'איש' (ish), which is a more neutral term. You would choose 'איש' when referring to a male in a general context, while 'גבר' might be used in discussions about traditional masculine traits.
Culture
'איש' (ish) has its roots in ancient Hebrew, where it denoted not just a male person, but also connoted aspects of strength and responsibility. In modern Hebrew, the term is used widely, and it appears in various idiomatic expressions, highlighting the evolving nature of gender roles in society.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word 'איש' mean?
'איש' (ish) translates to 'man' in English and is used to refer to an adult male in various contexts.
Q.How do you pronounce 'איש' in Hebrew?
'איש' is pronounced as 'ish,' with a short 'i' sound followed by a soft 'sh'.
Q.Are there any common phrases with the word 'איש'?
Yes, one common phrase is 'איש עסקים' (ish asakim), which means 'businessman.' This shows how 'איש' can be used to denote roles or professions.
Learn hebrew with Maspeak →
1000 frequent Hebrew Words