הכי טוב
hakhi tov/(h)aˈχi tˤoːb/word by word
The English phrase "best" is translated into Hebrew as הכי טוב (hakhi tov).
This phrase is the superlative of the adjective good (adj).
Meaning: superlative of the adjective good (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word הכי (hakhi) literally means "the most" and is used to form the superlative.
Which one should you use?
The phrase הטוב ביותר means the best and is formal, while הכי טוב means the best and is informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a feminine noun, the adjective 'טוב' (tov) must change to its feminine form הכי טובה. When describing a masculine plural noun, the adjective 'טוב' (tov) must change to its plural form הכי טובים.
How do you pronounce it?
hakhi tov
Did you know?
- In modern slang, saying הכי alone followed by an adjective is used for extreme emphasis, such as 'the most' or 'totally', even when no comparison is being made.
- The word הכי used to be an interrogative particle, meaning it originated from a way to ask a question rather than a way to express 'the most'.
Examples in context
- הדיו הזה הכי טוב.This ink is the best.This sentence shows how to use הכי טוב to describe the quality of ink.Tatoeba #2205620 by MrShoval, translation #2898087 by AlanF_US
- תום יודע הכי טוב.Tom knows best.This sentence demonstrates the use of הכי טוב in the context of knowing something well.Tatoeba #6073194 by fekundulo, translation #2237124 by CK
- זה החבר הכי טוב שלי.This is my best friend.This sentence illustrates using הכי טוב to describe a best friend.Tatoeba #5015356 by esterik, translation #3732604 by CK
- אני ממליץ על הספר הזה, הוא הטוב ביותר בקטגוריה שלו.I recommend this book, it's the best in its category.
- את השוקולד הזה אתה חייב לנסות, זה הכי טוב שיש!You must try this chocolate, it's the best there is!
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Maya are deciding which movie to watch.
- נועם Noamאיזה סרט הוא הכי טוב?eyze seret hu hachi tov?Which movie is the best?
- מאיה Mayaאני חושבת שהסרט השני הכי טוב.ani khoshevet she-haseret hasheni hachi tov.I think the second movie is the best.
- נועם Noamאני מסכים, בואי נראה אותו.ani maskim, boi nireh oto.I agree, let's watch it.
- מאיה Mayaמעולה, זה יהיה כיף!meule, ze yihiye kef!Great, it will be fun!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (הכי, טוב) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries הכי, טוב, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
