בטוח
batúakh/baˈtu.aχ/
The English word 'safe' is translated into Hebrew as בטוח (batúakh).
בטוח is used to describe someone or something that is free from risk. Note that depending on the context, this word can also mean 'sure' or 'certain'.
Meaning: free from risk (adj)
Which one should you use?
While בטוח can mean 'safe', it can also mean 'sure' or 'certain' depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender and number of the subject: the feminine singular form is בטוחה, the masculine plural form is בטוחים and the feminine plural form is בטוחות.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of בטוח is batúakh. It has three syllables and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While בטוח means 'safe', Hebrew uses a different root for 'safe' when referring to a 'safe' used to store money, which is כספת.
- In modern Hebrew, the word בטוח is frequently used as a slang term for 'definitely' or 'for sure' when answering a question, similar to the English 'totally'.
- The root בטח is shared with the word ביטחון, which means both 'security' and 'confidence'. This reflects a cultural link between physical safety and psychological certainty.
Examples in context
- זה לא בטוח פה.It isn't safe here.This sentence is useful for saying it isn't safe in a specific location using בטוח.Tatoeba #3958560 by fekundulo, translation #3238954 by CK
- זה לא היה בטוח.I wasn't safe.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of safety in the past using בטוח.Tatoeba #3955461 by fekundulo, translation #3238972 by CK
- את לא בטוחה שם.You're not safe there.This sentence is useful for addressing a female to say she is not safe using בטוח.Tatoeba #4660045 by fekundulo, translation #3238850 by CK
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a hiking trail.
- עידו Idoהמסלול הזה בטוח מספיק?Hamaslul haze betuach maspik?Is this trail safe enough?
- עגור Adiכן, הוא בטוח לגמרי.Ken, hu betuach legamri.Yes, it is completely safe.
- עידו Idoאני רק רוצה להיות בטוח.Ani rak rotze lihyot betuach.I just want to be safe.
- עגור Adiאל תדאג, עידו, הכל בטוח.Al tid'ag, Ido, hakol betuach.Don't worry, Ido, everything is safe.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry בטוח, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
