I'm learning
עברית
נפשו — meaning in English: His soul
nafsho · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
his soul / his spirit / his life
אדום
adom
לשמוע
lishmo'a
נפשו
nafsho
אופנים
ofanim
בבשורה
babsora
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
literary
common
Usage
The word נפשו (nafsho) is often used in Hebrew literature and religious texts to express deep emotional or spiritual concepts, particularly in discussions about one's essence or inner self. You might hear it in conversations about personal struggles, well-being, or during spiritual reflections, particularly around holidays such as Yom Kippur when the soul's state is contemplated.
Synonyms & nuances
While נפשו (nafsho) specifically denotes 'his soul,' a similar word, רוחו (ruacho), means 'his spirit.' While both relate to the inner self, נפשו encompasses a more profound and personal essence, often tied to one's identity and emotional state, whereas רוחו leans more towards the concept of spirit or breath.
Culture
The word נפשו (nafsho) derives from the root נ-פ-ש, which relates to the idea of breathing or life. In Jewish thought, the soul is considered the essence of a person, and נפשו often appears in prayers and philosophical discussions, emphasizing the connection between the individual and the divine. This reflects a rich tradition where the soul's journey is a central theme in both mysticism and everyday life.
FAQ
