kochav

Kochav, written in Hebrew as כוכב, is the word for "star." In Modern Hebrew it denotes stars in the night sky and is used in astronomy and navigation discussions. It is also used metaphorically to describe someone who is especially prominent or celebrated, akin to the English term "star."

The term appears in Israeli place names and in personal names. It is a common element in toponyms and can appear in given names or, less commonly, as a surname, reflecting the positive connotations of light and prominence associated with stars.

The plural form is kokhavim (כוכבים), meaning "stars." When transcribed into English, transliterations vary, with Kochav and Kokhav being among the most common; other renderings such as Kohav or Koachav may appear in diaspora contexts due to differences in transliteration from Hebrew.

In cultural and scientific contexts, kochav appears in literature and media as a symbol of brightness or guiding light. As a general term, it is widely understood among Hebrew speakers and forms part of many compound names and expressions.