What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Jew
Example
My neighbor is a Jew and celebrates Hanukkah every year. [Jew: noun]
Example
The history of the Jews dates back thousands of years. [Jews: plural noun]
Example
This book explores the rich tradition of Jewish cuisine. [Jewish: adjective]
Hebrew
Example
I am learning Hebrew so I can read the Torah in its original language. [Hebrew: noun]
Example
The Dead Sea Scrolls were written in ancient Hebrew. [Hebrew: adjective]
Example
The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters. [Hebrew: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jew is more common in everyday language than Hebrew. Jew is a widely recognized term that refers to Jewish people, while Hebrew is more specialized and used primarily in academic or religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between Jew and Hebrew?
Both Jew and Hebrew can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, Hebrew is more likely to be used in academic or religious settings, while Jew is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
