Hebrew · Nature & Environment
chaya
Animal
A living creature such as a dog, bird, or fish.
הילדים אוהבים חיות.
Children love animals.
The word 'חיה' (chaya) translates to 'animal' and derives from a root meaning 'to live'. This term embodies the concept of life in the natural world.
'חיה' is used in both formal and informal contexts about wildlife and domestic animals, found in spoken discussions and written texts.
The concept of animals features in fables and biblical texts, often representing virtues or moral lessons throughout Jewish literature.