Hebrew Phrases :: Greetings & other common phrases

Shabbat Shalom

Peaceful Sabbath

Used any time on Shabbat, especially at the end of a Shabbat service. Used also preceding Shabbat (in Israel) almost like “have a good weekend.”

שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם

Shavua Tov

(Have a) Good week

Used on Saturday nights after Havdalah and even on Sundays “shavua tov” is used to wish someone a good coming week

שָׁבוּעַ טוֹב

Chag Sameach

Happy Holiday

Used as a greeting for the holidays, can insert holiday name in the middle; e.g. “chag hanukkah sameach”.

חַג שָׂמֵחַ

L’Shanah Tovah

To a good year

Used as a greeting during Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Awe, Also used, simply “shanah tovah” (שָׁנָה טוֹבָה)

לְשָׁנָה טוֹבָה

Tzom Kal

(May you have an) Easy fast

Used to wish someone well for Yom Kippur. The word “happy” is not used because Yom Kippur is meant to be somber holiday.

צוֹם קַל

Shalom

A Hebrew greeting literally meaning “peace” and used for both hello and goodbye.

Hello, goodbye, peace

שָׁלוֹם

Mazel Tov

Good luck

Used to mean congratulations.

מַזָּל טוֹב

B’ezrat HaShem

With G-d’s help

Used by religious Jews when speaking of the future and wanting God’s help (similar to “God willing”).

בְּעֶזְרָת הַשֵּׁם

Yishar Koach

You should have strength

Meaning “good for you”, “way to go”, or “more power to you”. Often used in synagogue after someone has received an honor.

יְשַׁר כֹּחַ

Kol Ha Kavod

All of the honor

Used for a job well done.

כֹּל הַכָּבוֹד

L’Chaim

To life

The equivalent of saying “cheers” when doing a toast

לְחַיִּים

Labriut

Good health

Hebrew equivalent of saying “bless you” when someone sneezes.

לבריאות