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.