kochavim

Kochavim is the Hebrew term כוכבים, meaning "stars," and it is the plural form of kochav (star). In Hebrew, kochavim refers to stars in the night sky and is used in both scientific and literary contexts. The word also appears in modern Hebrew everyday language to evoke celestial imagery and can function poetically or symbolically to denote brightness, fame, or guidance.

In astronomical usage, kochavim denotes stars as celestial bodies and is part of common vocabulary alongside other terms for heavenly objects. The term appears in biblical and post-biblical Hebrew literature, where stars are often described or personified as part of the firmament.

Kochavim is also used as a toponym in Israel. Several Israeli localities have been named Kochavim, reflecting a broader tradition of using celestial terms for place names. Because multiple places may share the same name, additional geographical context is typically required to identify a specific Kochavim. The toponym can also appear in the names of schools, streets, and other institutions associated with a locality bearing that name.

Transliteration of כוכבים varies, with spellings such as Kochavim or Kokhavim. Despite these variations, the pronunciation remains close to "ko-chah-VEEM," and the meaning—"stars"—remains constant across uses.