בן זונהBen zona
Son of a b**** (very common expletive)
What does Ben zona mean in Hebrew?
Ben zona (בן זונה, pronounced ben ZOH-nah) literally means "son of a whore" and functions as the Israeli equivalent of "son of a b****". Despite its literal vulgarity, it's extremely common in informal Israeli speech, used for surprise, frustration, pain, or even admiration (when something amazing happens). It's considered adult language but is heard constantly in everyday Israeli conversation.
How to pronounce Ben zona
בן זונה
The Hebrew script reads right-to-left. The English transliteration uses the Israeli Sephardic pronunciation standard.
When do Israelis use Ben zona?
Despite being literally vulgar, "ben zona" is one of the most commonly used expletives in Israeli Hebrew, expressing surprise, frustration, admiration, or pain. Dropping something? "Ben zona!" Watching an amazing sports play? "Ben zona, eize goal!" Used constantly in informal contexts, often without strong malice.
Ben zona in a sentence: examples
בן זונה, כאב לי!
Ben zona, ka'av li!
Son of a b****, that hurt!
בן זונה, הוא ממש עשה את זה!
Ben zona, hu mamash asa et ze!
Holy s***, he actually did it!
...בן זונה, לא ידעתי.
...Ben zona, lo yadati.
...Holy cow, I had no idea.
Origin of Ben zona
Hebrew "ben" (son) + "zona" (prostitute). A direct translation of "son of a whore" used as a general expletive.
Heard "Ben zona" and need to translate it?
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