יום תרועה שמח
yom teruah sameach
The English phrase "happy yom teruah" is translated into Hebrew as יום תרועה שמח (yom teruah sameach).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of yom (day), teruah (blast/shout) and sameach (happy).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Israeli Hebrew, the greeting Shana Tova is also used to mean "Have a good year."
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hebrew, the adjective sameach (happy) follows the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
yom teruah sameach
Did you know?
- In ancient times, a teruah was not just a horn blast but also a loud shout or alarm used by soldiers and messengers to gather people.
- In many contexts, the sounds described by teruah are meant to be startling or even unsettling, serving as a spiritual wake-up call.
- Although sameach means 'happy', the holiday of yom teruah is often associated with solemn introspection rather than outward celebration.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street before the holiday.
- דניאל Danielשלום נועה, יום תרועה שמח!Shalom Noa, Yom Teruah Sameach!Hello Noa, happy Yom Teruah!
- נועה Noaתודה דניאל, גם לך!Toda Daniel, gam lecha!Thanks Daniel, to you too!
- דניאל Danielאת הולכת לבית הכנסת?At holechet la-beit ha-kneset?Are you going to the synagogue?
- נועה Noaכן, אני הולכת עכשיו.Ken, ani holechet achshav.Yes, I am going now.
