געבענטשט
gebentsht
The Yiddish word for "blessed" is געבענטשט (gebentsht).
געבענטשט is an adjective used to describe someone or something that has divine aid, protection or another form of blessing.
Meaning: having divine aid, or protection, or other blessing (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is built from the root בנט (b-n-t), which means "to bless". It uses the prefix גע– (ge-) and the suffix –ט (-t), which are standard components used to create a past participle that functions as an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
gebentsht
When do people say it?
When wishing someone success and happiness, you might use the informal phrase Mazl un brokhe, which means "luck and blessings".
Did you know?
- In traditional Jewish folklore, calling someone געבענטשט too many times was sometimes avoided to prevent the 'evil eye' from noticing the blessing.
- A person who is considered 'blessed' might be called a זעגנער (zegner), a term that blends Hebrew and Germanic influences.
- The prefix גע– in געבענטשט is a hallmark of Yiddish and German grammar, but it has no equivalent in the Hebrew language from which many other Yiddish blessings derive.
Examples in context
- זיי זײַנען געבענטשט מיט גליק.zay zayn gebentsht mit glik.They are blessed with luck.
Example conversation
Sarah and Menachem are reflecting on their lives together.
- שרה Saraמנחם, מיר זענען זייער געבענטשט.Menachem, mir zenen zeyer gebentsht.Menachem, we are very blessed.
- מנחם Menahemדו ביסט גערעכט, שרה.du bist gerecht, Sarah.You are right, Sarah.
- שרה Saraאונזער לעבן איז פול מיט ליבוב.unzer lebn iz pul mit libuv.Our life is full of love.
- מנחם Menahemדאס איז אמת.dos iz emes.That is true.
