אַ געזונט
a gezunt[a ɡəˈzɪnt]word by word
The Yiddish phrase for "good health" is אַ געזונט (a gezunt).
The phrase אַ געזונט is commonly used as a colloquial exclamation to say "bless you" after someone sneezes. You may also encounter variations like Gezunt zolst du zayn or Gesund zolst du zayn to mean "Be healthy."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indefinite article אַ (a) and the noun געזונט (health).
How do you pronounce it?
a gezunt
When do people say it?
אַ געזונט is used as an exclamation to say "bless you" or "health to you."
Did you know?
- The word געזונט shares a root with the English word 'sound' in the sense of 'safe and sound' or 'a sound mind'.
- In some Jewish communities, saying אַ געזונט is seen as a way to ward off the 'evil eye' by wishing health immediately after a bodily tremor or sneeze.
- Because Yiddish was spoken across Europe, the pronunciation of געזונט can vary significantly between the Litvak and Galitzianer dialects.
Examples in context
- זאָלסט האָבן אַ געזונט.zolst hobn a gezunt.May you have good health.
Example conversation
Two friends are greeting each other after a long time.
- יצחק Yitzchakמרים, איך האָף אַז דו האָסט אַ געזונט.Miryam, ikh hof az du host a gezunt.Miryam, I hope that you have good health.
- מרים Miriamיצחק, ייבסער, איך פיל זיך זייער גוט.Yitzkhok, yayber, ikh fil zikh zeyer gut.Yitzhak, dear, I feel very well.
- יצחק Yitzchakדאָס איז זייער גוט צו הערן.dos iz zeyer gut tsu hern.That is very good to hear.
- מרים Miriamאַ דאַנק דיר, יצחק!a dank dir, Yitzkhok!Thank you, Yitzhak!
