צהריים טובים
tsohorayim tovim
צהריים טובים (tsohorayim tovim) is the Hebrew way to say good afternoon.
This phrase is used as a greeting from midday until the late afternoon/early evening.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of צהריים (tsohorayim), which literally means 'noon' or 'midday' and טובים (tovim), which means 'good'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word טובים is the masculine plural form of 'good', which is used to agree with the dual-form noun צהריים.
How do you pronounce it?
tsohorayim tovim
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with צהריים טובים, it is common to respond with the exact same phrase.
Did you know?
- While צהריים טובים is the standard greeting, the word צהריים is also used to refer to 'lunch' in modern Israel. Saying 'good afternoon' can sometimes overlap with the idea of 'good lunch'.
- The word צהריים can be traced back to the root for 'brightness' or 'light', reflecting the intense light of the midday sun.
- The word צהריים shares a common ancestor with the Arabic word ظُهْر, which also refers to the time of the midday prayer.
Examples in context
- צהריים טובים לכולם.tzohorayim tovim le'kulam.Good afternoon to everyone.
- צהריים טובים, הגעתי!tzohorayim tovim, higati!Good afternoon, I'm here!
- צהריים טובים, מה שלומך?tzohorayim tovim, ma shlomcha?Good afternoon, how are you?
Example conversation
Noam and Noa meet at a coffee shop in the afternoon.
- נועם Noamהיי נועה, צהריים טובים!Hei Noa, tzohorayim tovim!Hi Noa, good afternoon!
- נועה Noaהיי נועם, נעים לראות אותך.Hei Noam, na'im lir'ot otkha.Hi Noam, it's nice to see you.
- נועם Noamגם אני. רוצה קפה?Gam ani. Rotza kafe?Me too. Do you want a coffee?
- נועה Noaכן, בבקשה.Ken, bevakasha.Yes, please.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries צהריים, CC BY-SA 4.0.
