שדכן
shadkhn/ˈʃadχn/masculine
The Yiddish word for matchmaker is שדכן (shadkhn). Wiktionary also lists יענטע (yente).
Meaning: someone who finds suitable marriage partners (noun)
Ways to say it
| Yiddish | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| שדכן | shadkhn | /ˈʃadχn/ | masculine |
| יענטע | yente | feminine |
A matchmaker is someone who finds suitable marriage partners.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form שדכן is used for a male matchmaker.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of שדכן is /ˈʃadχn/.
Did you know?
- The word יענטע originated from a fictional character named 'Yente Telebende' created by the humorist Jacob Adler.
- While שדכן is the formal term, the word יענטע is often used pejoratively to describe a woman who meddles in other people's business.
- In traditional Ashkenazi culture, a שדכן was not just a romantic facilitator but a social gatekeeper who vetted the family history and reputation of both parties.
Examples in context
- דער שדכן איז זייער גוט.der shdikn iz zeyer gut.The matchmaker is very good.
- איך וועל פרעגן דעם שדכן.ikh vel fregn dem shdikn.I will ask the matchmaker.
Example conversation
Berl and Miriam are discussing their daughter's future.
- בערל Berelהאָט איר געהערט פֿון דעם נייעם שדכן?hot ir gehert fun dem nayem shadkhn?Have you heard of the new matchmaker?
- מרים Miriamניין, ווער איז ער?neyn, ver iz er?No, who is he?
- בערל Berelער איז א זייער באקאַנטער שדכן.er iz a zeyer bakanter shadkhn.He is a very well-known matchmaker.
- מרים Miriamלאָמיר רעדן מיט אים.lomir redn mit im.Let's talk to him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “matchmaker” translations and entries שדכן, יענטע, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries יענטע, שדכן, CC BY-SA 4.0.
