אם ירצה השם
im yirtse hashem
The English phrase "God willing" is translated into Yiddish as אם ירצה השם (im yirtse hashem).
אם ירצה השם is used as an interjection.
Meaning: God willing (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of אם (if), ירצה (will/desire) and השם (the Name, which is a euphemism for God).
How do you pronounce it?
im yirtse hashem
Did you know?
- The word השם is used because traditional Jewish law prohibits writing or speaking the formal name of God in casual conversation to avoid taking it in vain.
- Although the phrase is Hebrew in origin, it is a standard part of the Yiddish lexicon and is used by secular Yiddish speakers as a cultural idiom rather than a purely religious one.
- In Yiddish, using אם ירצה השם can sometimes function as a verbal shrug, implying that while one has plans, the ultimate outcome is out of human control.
Examples in context
- אם ירצה השם, וועט אלעס ארבעטן.im yerze di-shem, vet ales arbetn.God willing, everything will work out.
Example conversation
Sarah and Menachem discuss their plans for a trip.
- שרה Saraמנחם, איר וועלן פֿאָרן אין שבת?Menachem, ir veln forn in shabes?Menachem, will you be traveling on Saturday?
- מנחם Menahemיא, אם ירצה השם, מיר וועלן פֿאָרן.yo, im yirtse hashom, mir veln forn.Yes, God willing, we will travel.
- שרה Saraאיך האָף אַז די וועג וועט זיין גוט.ikh hof az di veg vet zayn gut.I hope that the road will be good.
- מנחם Menahemדאַנק איר פֿאַרן געבעט, שרה.dank ir farn gebet, Sarah.Thank you for the prayer, Sarah.
