זײַ געזונט
zay gezunt
To say "be well" in Yiddish, use זײַ געזונט (zay gezunt).
This phrase is used to wish someone good health or as a parting wish, similar to saying "stay healthy" or "take care" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of "to be" (זײַ) and the adjective for "healthy" (געזונט).
Which one should you use?
While זײַ געזונט is used for a single person, you should use זײַט געזונט when addressing more than one person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing. Use the plural imperative זײַט געזונט for multiple people or to be polite, and the singular זײַ געזונט for one person.
How do you pronounce it?
zay gezunt
Did you know?
- Saying זײַ געזונט can sometimes carry a subtle tone of finality, implying that the speaker may not see the person for a very long time.
- When someone sneezes, the response געזונט functions exactly like 'bless you' or 'gesundheit' in English.
- The concept of being 'healthy' in the phrase זײַ געזונט often encompasses spiritual and emotional peace, not just the absence of disease.
Examples in context
- זײַ געזונט און פֿריילעך.zay gezunt un fraylekh.Be well and happy.
- זײַ געזונט, מיר וועלן זיך זען.zay gezunt, mir veln zikh zen.Be well, we will see each other.
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye after a walk.
- חנה Chanaעס איז שוין צײַט צו גיין, בערל.Es iz shoyn tsayt tsu geyn, Berl.It is already time to go, Berl.
- בערל Berelיאָ, איך מוז גיין אַהיים.Yo, ikh muz geyn aheym.Yes, I must go home.
- חנה Chanaזײַ געזונט, מיין פריינד!Zay gezunt, mayn fraynd!Be well, my friend!
- בערל Berelאַ דאַנק, חנה, זײַ געזונט אויך דו.A dank, Khone, zay gezunt oykh du.Thanks, Khana, be well you too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry זײַ געזונט, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
