גוטע וואָך
gute vokh
The English phrase "good week" is translated into Yiddish as גוטע וואָך (gute vokh).
This phrase is a greeting used to wish someone a pleasant week. You can use it as a standalone wish, such as אַ גוטע וואָך! (A good week!) or as part of a longer sentence like האָב אַ גוטע וואָך, [Name]! (Have a good week, [Name]!).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective גוטע (gute – good) and the noun וואָך (vokh – week).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective גוטע takes the feminine singular ending to agree with the feminine noun וואָך. Adding the indefinite article אַ (a) to the phrase creates אַ גוטע וואָך, making it a complete noun phrase often used as a standalone wish.
How do you pronounce it?
gute vokh
Did you know?
- The Yiddish wish גוטע וואָך is often paired with the response אַמען, which means 'so be it' or 'amen'. This transforms a casual social greeting into a shared prayer or spiritual affirmation.
- The timing of this phrase is quite specific compared to English. While English speakers might say 'have a good week' on a Monday, Yiddish speakers often use it on Saturday night or Sunday morning to mark the transition from the holiness of 'Shabbat' to the mundane work week.
- The word וואָך is a linguistic relative of the English word 'week'. Both descend from a Proto-Germanic root that originally referred to a turning point or a change.
Examples in context
- אַ גוטע וואָך!Have a good week!This sentence is useful for practicing the wish גוטע וואָך.Tatoeba #8602028 by shekitten, translation #4220036 by BEASY8
- איך ווינטש אייך אַ גוטע וואָך.ikh vintsh aykh a gute vokh.I wish you a good week.
- זאָלסט האָבן אַ גוטע וואָך!zolt hobn a gute vokh!May you have a good week!
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye on a Sunday afternoon.
- חנה Chanaבערל, איך גיי שוין. גוטע וואָך!Berl, ikh gey shoyn. Gute vokh!Berl, I am leaving now. Good week!
- בערל Berelאַ גוטע וואָך, חנה!A gute vokh, Khone!A good week, Khone!
- חנה Chanaזיי געזונט!Zey gezunt!Be well!
- בערל Berelאַוך דיר, זיי געזונט!Akh dir, zey gezunt!You too, be well!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries וואָך, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
