מותק
mótek
The English phrase 'babe' can be translated into Hebrew as מותק (mótek).
While מותק can be used affectionately between partners, it is frequently used in a condescending or patronizing way to address someone, similar to 'sweetie' or 'honey' in English. Another informal term, חֲמוּדִי, can be used to mean 'darling' or 'adorable' to express affection.
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
מותק is a diminutive form of the word for 'sweet' (מתוק), literally meaning 'sweetie'.
How does it change in a sentence?
מותק is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its form based on the gender of the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
mótek
Did you know?
- While מותק is used for 'sweetie', the Hebrew word for 'babe' in the sense of a beautiful person, פרח (flower), is often used to describe an attractive woman in a poetic or slangy way.
- The root of מותק is connected to the Hebrew concept of sweetness, which is often used in religious or liturgical contexts to describe the 'sweetness' of divine commandments.
- In Israeli culture, using מותק with a stranger in a service setting, like a taxi or a cafe, can often be perceived as an assertion of power rather than kindness.
Examples in context
- את מתעסקת עם האיש הלא נכון, מותק.You're messing with the wrong guy, babe.This sentence shows how מותק can be used in a patronizing way when telling someone they are messing with the wrong person.Tatoeba #1542912 by Eldad, translation #1542541 by Aomori
- אֵיפֹה אַתָּה, חֲמוּדִי? אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְרַאוֹת אוֹתָךְ!Where are you, my darling? I want to see you!
- היא ממש מותק, לא?hi mamash motek, lo?She is such a babe, isn't she?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry מותק, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries מותק, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
