אַ פֿרײליכען יום־טובֿ
a freylikhen yontef
To say "happy holidays" in Yiddish, use אַ פֿרײליכען יום־טובֿ (a freylikhen yontef).
אַ פֿרײליכען יום־טובֿ is used as a general greeting for various Jewish holidays, such as Passover or Sukkot, rather than a specific seasonal greeting like "Merry Christmas".
Meaning: holiday greeting (phrase)
How do you pronounce it?
a freylikhen yontef
Did you know?
- The word יום־טובֿ is used specifically for religious festivals, whereas the word פֿעסט is used for secular celebrations like birthdays.
- The adjective פֿרײליכען shares a common linguistic ancestor with the English word 'free', linking the concept of happiness to liberation.
- The term יום־טובֿ is a direct loan from Hebrew, meaning 'good day', and functions as a single concept for 'holiday' in Yiddish.
Examples in context
- איך וויל אייך ווינטשן אַ פֿרײליכען יום־טובֿ.ikh vil aykh vintshn a fraylikhen yom-tov.I want to wish you happy holidays.
Example conversation
Two friends greet each other before a holiday meal.
- אברהם Avrahamשלום, מרים! אַ פֿרײליכען יום־טובֿ!Sholom, Miriam! A freylikhen yom-tov!Hello, Miriam! Happy holidays!
- מרים Miriamאַ דאַנק, אברהם! אַ פֿרײליכען יום־טובֿ צו דיר אויך.A dank, Avrom! A freylikhen yom-tov tsu dir oykho.Thanks, Avrom! A happy holiday to you too.
- אברהם Avrahamוואָס האָט איר געקוּפֿט פֿאַרן טיש?Vos hot ir gekuft farn tish?What did you buy for the table?
- מרים Miriamאיך האָב געקוּפֿט פֿרישע פֿריכטן.Ikh hob gekupt frishe frikhtn.I bought fresh fruit.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אַ, יום־טובֿ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
