את נראית יפה
at nire'et yafa
In Hebrew, "you look beautiful" is said as את נראית יפה (at nire'et yafa).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell a woman that she looks attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of את (you, feminine), נראית (look/appear, feminine) and יפה (beautiful).
Which one should you use?
The form את נראית יפה is specifically addressed to a female. Using the masculine form to a woman would be grammatically incorrect.
How do you pronounce it?
at nire'et yafa
Did you know?
- The word יפה (beautiful) shares a deep ancestral root with the concept of 'honour' and 'dignity' in ancient Semitic languages like Ugaritic.
- In Israel, it is common to respond to a compliment like את נראית יפה by modestly dismissing it or returning the compliment immediately.
- In modern Hebrew, יפה (beautiful) can be used to describe a well-done action, such as saying 'beautifully done' after a successful task.
Examples in context
- את נראית יפה.You look beautiful.This example shows how to use את נראית יפה.Tatoeba #1809867 by MrShoval, translation #954758 by CK
- Shira: את נראית יפה מאוד הערב.You look beautiful tonight.
- Yoni: את נראית יפה היום.You look beautiful today.
- Maya: את נראית מהממת עם השיער החדש שלך.You look gorgeous with your new haircut.
- את נראית יפה מאוד היום.at nire'et yafa me'od hayom.You look very beautiful today.
Example conversation
Daniel compliments Noa before they go to a party.
- נועה Noaאני מוכנה, אפשר לצאת?Ani mukhana, efshar latzet?I'm ready, can we leave?
- דניאל Danielרגע, את נראית יפה מאוד!Rega, at nira'it yafa me'od!Wait, you look very beautiful!
- נועה Noaתודה דניאל, זה מאוד נחמד.Toda Daniel, ze me'od nehmad.Thanks Daniel, that's very sweet.
- דניאל Danielבואי נלך, נהיה באיחור.Bo'i nalech, nihiye be'ikhur.Let's go, we'll be late.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries את, יפה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
