מדהים
madhím
The Hebrew word for awesome is מדהים (madhím).
מדהים is used to describe something that is excellent, exciting. While it functions as a standard, non-slang word to describe something truly amazing or wonderful, it also carries a sense of being truly amazing.
Meaning: excellent, exciting (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root ד–ה–ם (d-h-m), which relates to being stunned or dazed. It literally means 'astonishing' or 'amazing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use the feminine singular form מדהימה for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form מדהימים for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form מדהימות for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
madhím
Did you know?
- While מדהים is common, some speakers use the word פגז meaning 'shell' or 'rocket' to describe something awesome. Using a weapon as a slang term for excellence is a quirky feature of modern Israeli speech.
- In Hebrew, the state of being 'stunned' linked to מדהים can describe both a positive awe and a negative state of shock. Depending on the context, the same root can describe a beautiful sunset or a traumatic event.
- To express that something is 'totally awesome', Israelis often use the word בטירוף meaning 'insanely'. This suggests that the experience is so great it borders on madness.
Examples in context
- אלי, איזה משחק מדהים שיחקנו אמש!My, my, what an awesome game we had last night!This sentence shows how to use מדהים to describe an exciting game.Tatoeba #4869008 by fekundulo, translation #4867396 by Ishao
- זה מדהים.It's awesome.This sentence demonstrates a simple way to say 'It's awesome' using מדהים.Tatoeba #1775127 by MrShoval, translation #2187197 by CK
- השיר החדש שלו מַגְנִיבHis new song is awesome.
- הנוף מההר הזה מדהים.ha-nof me-ha-har ha-ze mad-him.The view from this mountain is awesome.
Example conversation
Rotem and Ido are discussing a new movie.
- רוטם Rotemראית את הסרט החדש?Ra'it et haserat hachadash?Did you see the new movie?
- עידו Idoכן, הוא היה מדהים!Ken, hu haya madhim!Yes, it was awesome!
- רוטם Rotemאני שמחה שאהבת אותו.Ani smacha sheahavta oto.I'm glad you liked it.
- עידו Idoהוא היה באמת מיוחד.Hu haya bemet meyuchad.It was really special.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry מדהים, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
