ברכה
berakha
The English word 'blessing' is translated into Hebrew as ברכה (berakha).
ברכה refers to the act of declaring, seeking or bestowing favor. This includes the concept of a general blessing or benediction, as well as the formal religious recitation of prayers, such as a blessing over wine. The related verb form is לברך, which means 'to bless'.
Meaning: act of declaring, seeking or bestowing favor (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
ברכה is a feminine noun. Its plural form is ברכות.
How do you pronounce it?
berakha
When do people say it?
You will encounter specific formulas like Baruch Atah Adonai in prayer, and Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam, Asher Kidshanu B'Mitzvotav V'Tzivanu Lekadesh Et HaShabbat specifically when welcoming the Sabbath.
Did you know?
- While a 'blessing' is often a positive thing, the root of ברכה is also found in the word for a camel kneeling or settling, suggesting a sense of stability or being grounded.
- In modern Israel, ברכה is commonly used as a woman's given name, turning the concept of a 'blessing' into a personal identity.
- The noun ברכה shares the same root as the Arabic word baraka, which also refers to a divine grace or a source of abundance.
Examples in context
- תום לב, על פי רוב, הוא ברכה ולא מעלה.Innocence, most often, is a blessing and not a virtue.This example uses ברכה to contrast innocence with virtue.Tatoeba #5905457 by fekundulo, translation #2326483 by Gulliver
- איזו ברכה!What a blessing!Tatoeba #6101072 by fekundulo, translation #3732143 by CK
- ילדים הם ברכה.Children are a blessing.This example uses ברכה to describe children.Tatoeba #5451494 by fekundulo, translation #657020 by CM
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noa and Ido are talking about a religious ceremony.
- נועה Noaהאם הוא נתן ברכה?ha'im hu natan bircha?Did he give a blessing?
- עידו Idoכן, נועה, הוא נתן ברכה יפה.ken, noa, hu natan bircha yafa.Yes, Noa, he gave a beautiful blessing.
- נועה Noaזה היה מרגש מאוד.ze haya merages meod.It was very moving.
- עידו Idoאני מסכים איתך לגמרי.ani maskim itach legamrei.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ברכה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
