אַ גוטן טאָג
a gutn tog/aˌɡʊtn̩ˈtɔɡ/
In Yiddish, goodbye can be expressed in several ways. The default form is אַ גוטן טאָג (a gutn tog). Wiktionary also lists אַ גוט יאָר (a gut yor) and אַ גוטע נאַכט (a gute nakht).
Meaning: farewell (intj)
Ways to say it
| Yiddish | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| אַ גוטן טאָג | a gutn tog | /aˌɡʊtn̩ˈtɔɡ/ (Northeastern, YIVO) /aˌɡʊtn̩ˈtaːɡ/ (Northwestern) |
| אַ גוט יאָר | a gut yor | /aˌɡʊtˈjɔr/ (Northeastern, YIVO) /aˌɡʊtˈjaːr/ (Northwestern) |
| אַ גוטע נאַכט | a gute nakht | /a ˈɡʊtə naχt/ (YIVO) |
| אַדיע | adye |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase אַ גוטן טאָג literally means "a good day".
Which one should you use?
אַ גוטן טאָג is used for a daytime farewell, whereas אַ גוטע נאַכט is used specifically when parting for the night.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal or literary farewell, you can use אַדיע, which is borrowed from French. To wish someone well in a formal context, you can say Zay gezunt to a single person. If you are addressing a group of people or multiple people formally, use Zayt gezunt. For a more informal approach, you can say Zay gesunt un gliklekh, which means "be well and happy".
How do you pronounce it?
a gutn tog
Did you know?
- The phrase אַ גוט יאָר is often used as a farewell specifically during the Jewish New Year, wishing the person 'a good year'.
- In traditional Yiddish culture, parting wishes like Zay gezunt reflect a cultural emphasis on health as the ultimate blessing.
- When saying Zay gezunt to wish someone health upon parting, you are literally telling them to 'be healthy'.
Examples in context
- איך וויל איר ווינטשן אַ גוטן טאָג.ikh vil ir vintshn a gutn tog.I want to wish you a good day.
Example conversation
Two friends are finishing a conversation on the street.
- מרים Miriamעס איז געווען שיין דיך צו זען, אברהם.es iz geven sheyn dikh tsu zen, Avraham.It was nice seeing you, Avraham.
- אברהם Avrahamדיך אויך, מרים. שוין צייט צו גיין.dikh oikh, Miryam. shoyn tsayt tsu geyn.You too, Miriam. It is time to go.
- מרים Miriamאַ גוטן טאָג!a gutn tog!Goodbye!
- אברהם Avrahamאַ גוטן טאָג, מרים!a gutn tog, Miryam!Goodbye, Miriam!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries אַ גוטן טאָג, אַ גוט יאָר, אַ גוטע נאַכט, אַדיע, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
