Hebrew · Nature & Environment

חיה

chaya

Animal

Beginnernoun · feminine

Definition

A living creature such as a dog, bird, or fish.

Example

הילדים אוהבים חיות.

Children love animals.

Etymology

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.

How & Where It’s Used

'חיה' is used in both formal and informal contexts about wildlife and domestic animals, found in spoken discussions and written texts.

Literary Heritage

The concept of animals features in fables and biblical texts, often representing virtues or moral lessons throughout Jewish literature.

Watch “Animal” pronunciation on YouTube
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