Hebrew · Nature & Environment

ים

yam

Sea

Beginnernoun · masculine

Definition

The large body of salt water; Israel touches the Mediterranean, Red, and Dead Seas.

Example

בקיץ שוחים בים התיכון.

In summer we swim in the Mediterranean.

Etymology

'ים' (yam) has ancient roots in the Semitic languages, where it refers to large bodies of water. Its use in Hebrew has persisted since biblical times, referring to seas as well as the concept of water.

How & Where It’s Used

'ים' is used in formal and informal contexts, commonly in discussions about nature, geography, and culture. It appears frequently in both spoken and written forms.

Literary Heritage

The term appears in numerous biblical verses and contains significant cultural references, especially in folk tales and songs related to the sea.

Watch “Sea” pronunciation on YouTube
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