יָפֶה / יָפָה
Yafeh / Yafah
“Beautiful (m/f)”
Yafeh / Yafah (יָפֶה / יָפָה) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “beautiful (m/f),” pronounced “ya-FEH / ya-FAH.” The literal translation is “beautiful, lovely, fair.” The most common Hebrew word for beautiful, with masculine (yafeh) and feminine (yafah) forms. Used to describe people, scenery, art, and ideas.
| Hebrew | יָפֶה / יָפָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Yafeh / Yafah |
| English Meaning | Beautiful (m/f) |
| Literal Translation | Beautiful, lovely, fair |
| Pronunciation | ya-FEH / ya-FAH |
| Category | Love & Relationships |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew. The root י-פ-ה appears throughout the Hebrew Bible. Rachel is described as 'yafat toar' (beautiful in form) in Genesis 29:17. The Song of Solomon repeatedly uses 'yafah' to praise the beloved: 'Hinach yafah rayati' (Behold, you are beautiful, my darling — 1:15). |
Beauty in Hebrew comes in two forms: yafeh for masculine beauty and yafah for feminine beauty. These words appear throughout the Bible to describe everything from the matriarch Rachel ('yafat toar vi'fat mareh' — beautiful in form and appearance) to the land of Israel itself. But Hebrew beauty isn't only skin deep. The Talmud teaches 'Sheker hachen v'hevel hayofi' (Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting — from Proverbs 31), even as the Song of Solomon lavishes praise on physical beauty. This tension — celebrating beauty while recognizing its transience — runs throughout Jewish thought and gives the word yafeh/yafah a philosophical complexity beneath its simple surface.
Where Does “Yafeh / Yafah” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew. The root י-פ-ה appears throughout the Hebrew Bible. Rachel is described as 'yafat toar' (beautiful in form) in Genesis 29:17. The Song of Solomon repeatedly uses 'yafah' to praise the beloved: 'Hinach yafah rayati' (Behold, you are beautiful, my darling — 1:15).
When and How to Say “Yafeh / Yafah”
Used to describe physical beauty, scenic beauty, and figurative beauty (a beautiful idea, a beautiful melody). Yafeh describes masculine things; yafah describes feminine. In casual Israeli speech, 'yofi' (beauty/great) is used as an exclamation meaning 'great!' or 'perfect!'
Cultural Context of Yafeh / Yafah
In Israeli slang, 'Yofi!' (from the same root) means 'Great!' or 'Perfect!' — used dozens of times daily. 'Yofi shel...' (a beauty of a...) is a common intensifier. Israeli culture is generally more direct about physical appearance than American culture, and 'yafeh/yafah' is freely used as a compliment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Beautiful (m/f)” in Hebrew?
“Beautiful (m/f)” in Hebrew is Yafeh / Yafah (יָפֶה / יָפָה), pronounced “ya-FEH / ya-FAH.” The literal translation is “Beautiful, lovely, fair.” The most common Hebrew word for beautiful, with masculine (yafeh) and feminine (yafah) forms. Used to describe people, scenery, art, and ideas.
How do you pronounce Yafeh / Yafah?
Yafeh / Yafah is pronounced “ya-FEH / ya-FAH.” The literal meaning is “Beautiful, lovely, fair.”
How do you call a woman beautiful in Hebrew?
To call a woman beautiful, say 'At yafah' (אַתְּ יָפָה) — 'You are beautiful (feminine).' For very beautiful: 'At yafah me'od' (You are very beautiful). The word yafah is used for both people and things. For a man: 'Atah yafeh' (אַתָּה יָפֶה).
What does yofi mean in Israeli slang?
Yofi (יופי), from the same root as yafeh/yafah, means 'great!' or 'perfect!' in everyday Israeli slang. It's an exclamation of approval: 'Yofi, let's do it!' 'Yofi shel isha' means 'a beauty of a woman.' Israelis use yofi dozens of times daily as a positive response.
Who is described as beautiful in the Bible?
Several biblical figures are described as yafeh/yafah: Sarah (Genesis 12:11), Rachel (Genesis 29:17), Joseph (Genesis 39:6), David (1 Samuel 16:12), Esther (Esther 2:7), and Absalom (2 Samuel 14:25). The Song of Solomon lavishes the word on both the male and female lovers throughout the poem.
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