שבת שלום
shabát shalóm
The English phrase "good sabbath" is translated into Hebrew as שבת שלום (shabát shalóm).
שבת שלום is a greeting used to wish someone a peaceful and happy Sabbath. You can use this phrase both when arriving at a destination and when departing from someone on Friday or Saturday.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun שבת (Sabbath) and the noun שלום (peace).
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use the specific form Shabbat Shalom lecha to say "Good Sabbath to you" when addressing a male.
How do you pronounce it?
shabát shalóm
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with שבת שלום, the most common response is to repeat the same phrase back to them.
Did you know?
- The word שבת may not originally mean 'rest' as many assume. It might instead stem from an Akkadian word referring to 'the middle day of the lunar month'.
- In Israel, the time surrounding שבת שלום is marked by a distinct atmospheric shift where public transport ceases and most businesses close.
- The word שלום in this greeting is rooted in the concept of wholeness and completeness, rather than just the absence of conflict.
Examples in context
- שבת שלום לכולם!Shabbat shalom le'kulam!Good Sabbath to everyone!
- שבת שלום ומהנה!Shabbat shalom u'mehana!A peaceful and enjoyable Sabbath!
Example conversation
Maya and Noam are leaving a Friday afternoon gathering.
- מאיה Mayaהיה ממש כיף לראות אותך, נועם.Haya mamash kef lir'ot otkha, Noam.It was really nice to see you, Noam.
- נועם Noamגם לי, תודה רבה על הכל.Gam li, toda raba al hakol.Me too, thank you very much for everything.
- מאיה Mayaשבת שלום!Shabbat shalom!Good Sabbath!
- נועם Noamשבת שלום, מאיה.Shabbat shalom, Maya.Good Sabbath, Maya.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry שבת שלום, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries שבת, שלום, CC BY-SA 4.0.
