1. Life, Soul, Being: This is the most common and general meaning of "nefesh." It refers to the essence of a living being, its animating principle. In this sense, it can be used for both humans and animals.
2. Person, Individual: This meaning emphasizes the distinctiveness of a being. It can be used to refer to a specific person or to any individual.
3. Desire, Appetite, Emotion: "Nefesh" can also refer to the emotional and physical needs of a person. It can be used to describe things like hunger, thirst, or longing.
4. Self, Identity: This meaning emphasizes the subjective experience of a person, their sense of self. It can be used to describe a person's inner world and their personal feelings.
5. Breath, Spirit: In some contexts, "nefesh" can be used to describe the breath or spirit that animates a living being.
Examples:
* "He risked his nefesh to save the child" (meaning life)
* "Every nefesh deserves respect" (meaning person)
* "His nefesh was filled with anger" (meaning emotion)
* "I want to be true to my nefesh" (meaning self)
The specific meaning of "nefesh" will be determined by the context in which it is used. It's a complex word that can have a wide range of applications in Jewish theology, literature, and philosophy.