How do you say "sweet" in Coptic?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
In the Coptic language, specifically the Bohairic dialect, the word for "sweet" is:
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(Holsh)
This is a native Coptic word of Ancient Egyptian origin. It can be used as a noun meaning "sweetness" or as an adjective/verb meaning "to be sweet."
Grammatical Usage
1. Describing something as sweet (qualitative form):
To say "It is sweet," you use the qualitative form:
(ef-holsh) — "It is sweet."
2. Liturgical Example:
This word is used in the Agpeya (the Book of Hours), specifically in the Ninth Hour during the prayer "Taste and see":
(Shem-tipi owoh anau je ou-holshe pe Pi-chois)
"Taste and see that the Lord is sweet (good)."
Other Related Terms
- Melitos: This is a Greek loanword** (μέλιτος) referring to honey or being honey-sweet.
- Ebiō: This is the native Coptic word for honey**. It is often used metaphorically for sweetness in hymns and the praises of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary).
- - (Nane-):** While this primarily means "good" or "nice," it is sometimes used broadly to describe things that are pleasant or "sweet" to the senses.
Summary:
- Sweet: Native Coptic
- Honey: Native Coptic
- Sweet (Greek loan): Greek