גיי געזונטערהייט
gey gezunterheyt
The English phrase "go in good health" is translated into Yiddish as גיי געזונטערהייט (gey gezunterheyt).
This phrase is used specifically as a parting wish when someone is leaving.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb גיי (go) and the adverb געזונטערהייט (in good health).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word גיי is the singular imperative form of the verb גיין (to go).
How do you pronounce it?
gey gezunterheyt
Did you know?
- While געזונטערהייט is used here for a departure, it is also the standard response when someone sneezes, similar to the English 'bless you'.
- In Yiddish culture, wishing for 'health' געזונט is often used as a proxy for overall well-being, prosperity and spiritual peace, not just the absence of illness.
- The word געזונטערהייט shares a linguistic root with the German word 'Gesund', which is the basis for the common German sneeze response 'Gesundheit'.
Examples in context
- גיי געזונטערהייט, מיין ליבע.gey gezunterheyt, mayn libe.Go in good health, my dear.
Example conversation
Yitzhak is leaving Reizel's house after a visit.
- יצחק Yitzchakאיך גיי שוין, רייזל.Ikh gey shoyn, Reyzl.I am leaving now, Reizel.
- רייזל Reizelגיי געזונטערהייט, יצחק!Gey gezunterheyt, Yitzhak!Go in good health, Yitzhak!
- יצחק Yitzchakאַ דאַנק, ביז מיר וועלן זיך זען.A dank, biz mir veln zikh zen.Thank you, until we see each other.
- רייזל Reizelזיי געזונט!Zey gezunt!Be well!
