שיין פּנים
sheyn ponem
The English phrase "pretty face" is translated into Yiddish as שיין פּנים (sheyn ponem).
The phrase refers to a face that is physically attractive or beautiful.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase in the dative case (for example, in the phrase "to a pretty face"), the adjective changes to the form שיינעם פּנים (sheynem ponem), taking the -עם ending.
How do you pronounce it?
sheyn ponem
Did you know?
- While פּנים means 'face', it is borrowed from Hebrew, where it is a plural noun. This creates a unique grammar where a single face is referred to using a plural form.
- The word שיין shares a common ancestor with the English word 'sheen', which describes a luster or brightness, suggesting an ancient connection between beauty and light.
Example conversation
A couple is looking at a photograph of their granddaughter.
- חנה Chanaבערל, קוק אויף דעם קינד!Berl, kuk oyf dem kind!Berl, look at the child!
- בערל Berelיא, זי האט א שיין פּנים.ya, zi hot a sheyn ponim.Yes, she has a pretty face.
- חנה Chanaזי זעט אויס פונקט ווי אן ענגעל.zi zet oys punkt vi an engel.She looks exactly like an angel.
- בערל Berelדאָס איז אמת, חנה.dos iz emes, Khone.That is true, Hana.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries פּנים, שיין, CC BY-SA 4.0.
