לילה טוב
layla tov
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Hebrew as לילה טוב (layla tov).
לילה טוב is a farewell phrase. It can be used in any situation and with people of any gender.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 'night' (layla) and the adjective 'good' (tov).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hebrew, the adjective tov follows the noun layla it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
layla tov
Did you know?
- The word layla shares the same ancient Semitic root as the Arabic word 'layl', meaning they are linguistic cousins that have existed for thousands of years.
- While לילה טוב is a farewell, it is rarely used as a greeting when first arriving at a location at night.
- Because Hebrew is a gender-sensitive language, while the phrase layla tov remains the same, the words used to describe the 'dreams' you wish upon someone will change based on whether you are speaking to a man or a woman.
Examples in context
- שיהיה לך לילה טוב.Have a good night.This example shows how to wish someone a good night.Tatoeba #1085139 by Eldad, translation #434826 by lukaszpp
- לילה טוב, חלומות פז!Good night. Sweet dreams.This example shows a way to say good night followed by a wish for sweet dreams.Tatoeba #636797 by Eldad, translation #2194 by laurafults
- לילה טוב, וחלומות פז.Good night and sweet dreams.This example shows how to combine a good night wish with a wish for sweet dreams.Tatoeba #684333 by Eldad, translation #64653 by Eldad
- לילה טוב, אחיGood night, my brother.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya and Ido are saying goodbye at the end of a date.
- מאיה Mayaלילה טוב, עידו.layla tov, Ido.Good night, Ido.
- עידו Idoלילה טוב, מאיה.layla tov, Maya.Good night, Maya.
- מאיה Mayaנשתמע מחר?nishtamea machar?Will we talk tomorrow?
- עידו Idoכן, בטח.ken, betach.Yes, definitely.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries טוב, לילה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
