מצוין
m'tsuyán
The English word 'excellent' is translated into Hebrew as מצוין (m'tsuyán).
מצוין is used to describe something of the highest quality. It can also be used as an exclamation on its own to express approval or praise, much like saying 'Great!' or 'Excellent!' in English.
Meaning: of the highest quality (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The masculine singular form מצוין is derived from a root meaning 'to be found' or 'to be distinguished', literally meaning 'excellent' or 'distinguished'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: use מצוינות for the feminine singular, מצוינים for the masculine plural and מצוין for the masculine singular.
How do you pronounce it?
m'tsuyán
Did you know?
- In modern Israeli slang, you might hear אש meaning 'fire' used as a synonym for מצוין. It describes something so excellent that it is 'hot' or 'lit'.
- Hebrew speakers often use מצוין sarcastically to mean the exact opposite, similar to saying 'Great!' when something goes wrong.
- In grading systems, a student who performs excellently might see the word מצוין written on their exam, which serves as the formal equivalent of an 'A' grade.
Examples in context
- הוא מנתח מח מצוין.He's an excellent brain surgeon.This sentence shows how to use מצוין to describe a professional.Tatoeba #1479459 by MrShoval, translation #304339 by CK
- זה היה מפגש מצוין.That was an excellent meeting.This sentence shows how to use מצוין to describe an event.Tatoeba #1493861 by Eldad, translation #1493799 by niceguydave
- תום זמר ג'ז מצוין.Tom is an excellent jazz singer.This sentence shows how to use מצוין to describe a person's talent.Tatoeba #5567589 by fekundulo, translation #5231056 by CK
- נָהִיגָה מְצוּיֶנֶתExcellent driving
- מַעֲרֶכֶת מְצוּיֶנֶתExcellent system
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Rotem are discussing a restaurant they visited.
- דניאל Danielרוטם, מה דעתך על המסעדה?Rotem, ma da'atakh al hamasa'ada?Rotem, what did you think of the restaurant?
- רוטם Rotemהשירות שם היה מצוין.hashirut sham haya metzuyan.The service there was excellent.
- דניאל Danielאני מסכים, גם השירות היה מצוין.ani maskim, gam hashirut haya metzuyan.I agree, the service was also excellent.
- רוטם Rotemבאמת, דניאל, זה היה פשוט נהדר.be'emet, Daniel, ze haya pashut nehedar.Really, Daniel, it was simply wonderful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry מצוין, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
