אַ גוטן טאָג
a gutn tog/aˌɡʊtn̩ˈtɔɡ/
אַ גוטן טאָג (a gutn tog) is the Yiddish way to say good day.
This phrase is used as a greeting between sunrise and sunset.
Meaning: greeting between sunrise and sunset (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indefinite article אַ (a), the adjective גוטן (good) and the noun טאָג (day).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective גוטן takes the masculine singular ending -ן to agree with the masculine noun טאָג.
How do you pronounce it?
a gutn tog
Did you know?
- The word טאָג shares the same ancient roots as the English word 'day', both tracing back to the Proto-Germanic *dagaz.
- In some traditional Jewish communities, saying אַ גוטן טאָג to someone on a weekday might be avoided in favor of greetings that specifically wish for a 'good Shabbos' or a 'good week'.
- In many Yiddish-speaking communities, the greeting is often swapped for שלום־עליכם (Shalom Aleichem) or even just a warm 'Hello', making a literal 'good day' feel quite formal.
Examples in context
- אַ גוטן טאָג פֿאַר אײַך.a gutn tog far aykh.A good day to you.
- איך ווינטש אײַך אַ גוטן טאָג.ikh vints aykh a gutn tog.I wish you a good day.
Example conversation
Menachem and Miriam meet on the street in the afternoon.
- מנחם Menahemאַ גוטן טאָג, מרים!A gutn tog, Miriam!Good day, Miriam!
- מרים Miriamאַה, מנחם! שלום עליכם.Ah, Menachem! Sholem aleykhem.Ah, Menachem! Peace be with you.
- מנחם Menahemוואו גייטו?Vu geytu?Where are you going?
- מרים Miriamאיך גיי אין געשעפט.Ikh gey in gesheft.I am going to the store.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry אַ גוטן טאָג, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אַ, טאָג, CC BY-SA 4.0.
