Shiva Meaning in English

word

US

ˈʃivə

SHEE-vuh

UK

ʃˈiːvɐ

shee-VUH

Definition

'Shiva' can refer to (1) a week-long Jewish mourning period observed after a family member's death or (2) Shiva, a major god in Hinduism known as the destroyer or transformer.

Usage & Nuances

'Shiva' as mourning is mainly used in Jewish cultural contexts. As a Hindu god, the pronunciation shifts slightly (‘SHEE-vuh’). Be clear about context, since the two meanings are unrelated. Do not confuse with 'Sheva' (number seven in Hebrew).

• Spanish: shivá (rito judío de luto) - Shiva (Dios hindú)
• Portuguese (BR): shivá (rito judaico de luto) - Shiva (deus hindu)
• Portuguese (PT): shivá (rito judaico de luto) - Shiva (deus hindu)
• Chinese (Simplified): 希瓦（犹太哀悼期）- 湿婆（印度神）
• Chinese (Traditional): 希瓦（猶太哀悼期）- 濕婆（印度神）
• Hindi: शिवा (यहूदी शोक विधि) - शिव (हिंदू देवता)
• Arabic: شيفا (فترة حداد يهودية) - شيفا (إله هندوسي)
• Bengali: শিভা (হিন্দু দেবতা) - শিভা (ইহুদি শোকাবহ অনুষ্ঠান)
• Russian: Шива (индуистский бог) - шива (еврейский траурный период)
• Japanese: シヴァ（ヒンドゥー教の神） - シヴァ（ユダヤ教の喪の儀式）
• Vietnamese: Shiva (vị thần Ấn Độ giáo) - shiva (lễ tang Do Thái)
• Korean: 시바(힌두교 신) - 시바(유대교 조기간)
• Turkish: Şiva (Hindu tanrısı) - şiva (Yahudi yas dönemi)
• Urdu: شیوَا (ہندو دیوتا) - شیوا (یہودی سوگ کی مدت)
• Indonesian: Shiva (dewa Hindu) - shiva (masa berkabung Yahudi)

Example Sentences

During shiva, friends visit the family to offer comfort.

basic

Shiva is an important god in Hinduism.

basic

The family sat for shiva after their loss.

basic

Many people bring food to the house during shiva to help the mourners.

natural

In Hindu stories, Shiva is both a creator and a destroyer.

natural

You can always tell when someone is sitting shiva by the open door and the quiet atmosphere inside.

natural