הכלב — meaning in English: Dog

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

Guess the translation for the dog

המבוגר

hamevugar

הכלב

hakelev

אדמה

adama

לסדרה

lasidra

המסעות

hamasa'ot

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

informal very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word 'הכלב' (hakelev) in everyday conversations when discussing pets, particularly dogs. For instance, you might hear it in a casual setting among friends when talking about their pets or in a veterinary clinic when referring to a specific dog.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'הכלב' specifically refers to a dog, the word 'בהמה' (behemah) refers to livestock or animals in general. You would choose 'הכלב' when you want to specifically indicate a dog, whereas 'בהמה' would be used in broader animal contexts.

Culture

'הכלב' holds a significant place in Israeli culture as dogs are popular pets, symbolizing companionship and loyalty. The word's roots can be traced back to ancient Hebrew, where dogs were both revered for their loyalty and sometimes associated with certain cultural taboos, adding layers of meaning to its usage in modern Hebrew.

FAQ

Q.What does 'הכלב' mean in English?

'הכלב' translates to 'the dog' in English. It is a common term used in various contexts, especially when referring to a pet or a canine.

Q.How do you pronounce 'הכלב'?

'הכלב' is pronounced as 'hakelev.' The 'h' at the beginning is a guttural sound typical in Hebrew, somewhat akin to a soft 'h' in English.

Q.Is 'הכלב' used in both formal and informal situations?

'הכלב' is primarily used in informal contexts, as it refers to common pets. In more formal settings, you might discuss dogs in a broader or more technical sense, but 'הכלב' remains very versatile for everyday use.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

10.000 Hebrew Words