אוכל טוב
okhel tov
The phrase "good food" in Hebrew is אוכל טוב (okhel tov).
אוכל טוב is used to describe food that tastes pleasant or is of high quality.
Which one should you use?
While אוכל טוב means "good food", Hebrew speakers more frequently use the alternative phrase אוכל טעים to specifically describe food that is tasty or delicious.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hebrew, the word for food (okhel) is a masculine noun. Therefore, the adjective for "good" must also be in its masculine form, טוב, to match it.
How do you pronounce it?
okhel tov
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the feminine form אוכל טובה. Because אוכל is masculine, you must use the masculine adjective טוב.
Did you know?
- The word אוכל is a noun, but it is also the present tense form of the verb 'to eat' in Hebrew.
- The adjective טוב is a distant cousin to the Akkadian word 𒁕𒁍𒌝, which also meant 'good' in ancient Mesopotamia.
- Hebrew has a unique word מטעמים (matamim) to describe 'delicacies' or 'good foods' that are specifically treat-like or gourmet.
Examples in context
- תודה על האוכל הטוב שהכנת הערב!Thank you for the delicious food you prepared this evening!
- זו עוגת שוקולד פשוט מפנקת!This chocolate cake is simply indulgent!
- יש פה אוכל טוב.yesh po okhel tov.There is good food here.
- אני תמיד מחפש אוכל טוב.ani tamid mekhapesh okhel tov.I am always looking for good food.
- היא מכינה אוכל טוב מאוד.hi mekhina okhel tov me'od.She makes very good food.
Example conversation
Agur and Noam are deciding where to eat lunch.
- עגור Adiנועם, אתה מכיר מסעדה עם אוכל טוב?Noam, ata makir mis'ada im ochel tov?Noam, do you know a restaurant with good food?
- נועם Noamכן, יש מקום מעולה בפינה.ken, yesh makom me'ule ba-pina.Yes, there is an excellent place on the corner.
- עגור Adiאיזה סוג של אוכל יש שם?eize sug shel ochel yesh sham?What kind of food is there?
- נועם Noamיש שם אוכל איטלקי נהדר.yesh sham ochel itali nehedar.There is great Italian food there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אוכל, טוב, CC BY-SA 4.0.
