When it comes to expressing goodwill and wishing someone a great weekend in Hebrew, there are various phrases and expressions you can use. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “Have a good weekend” in Hebrew, while also providing some regional variations if they exist. Whether you want to greet a colleague, friend, or family member, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Have a Good Weekend”
1. שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם (Shabbat Shalom):
This is a widely used formal greeting that translates to “Peaceful Sabbath.” While it specifically refers to the Jewish Sabbath, it also implies a good weekend. It’s a versatile and widely accepted phrase suitable for both personal and professional settings.
2. שַׁבָּת טוֹבָה (Shabbat Tovah):
Another formal way to wish someone a good weekend is by saying “Good Sabbath.” This expression is commonly used among religious individuals and can be used to convey a positive weekend wish.
3. נִשְׁמַע טוֹב (Nishma Tov):
Literally translating to “May it sound good,” this phrase is often used when signing off emails or ending a phone call on a Friday afternoon. It suggests hope that the person you’re addressing has a pleasant weekend ahead.
Informal Ways to Say “Have a Good Weekend”
1. סוּפֶּר מְגֻנָּב (Super Megunav):
This popular and casual phrase literally means “Have a stolen weekend!” It is an informal way to express the wish for someone to have a fantastic weekend, filled with joy and relaxation. It’s commonly used among friends and peers.
2. שַׁבָּת נָעִימָה (Shabbat Na’imah):
Translating to “Pleasant Sabbath,” this is an informal greeting that conveys the wish for someone to have an enjoyable weekend. It’s commonly used among friends and family members.
3. סוּף שָׁבוּעַ נָעִים (Sof Shavua Na’im):
A friendly way to say “Have a pleasant weekend,” this phrase is regularly used to bid farewell on Fridays. It’s suitable for informal settings and can be used among friends, family, or colleagues you have established a rapport with.
Tips and Examples
To make your weekend wishes in Hebrew more meaningful, here are a few tips:
1. Consider the Time of the Year
In Israel, specific greetings are used during Jewish holidays when wishing someone a good weekend. For instance:
- Before Passover: חַג כָּשֵׁר וּשְׂמֵחַ (Chag Kashér u’Semeach) – “Have a kosher and joyful holiday”
- Before Hanukkah: חַג אוֹרֵיֵה שַׂמֵחַ (Chag Oréyeh Semeach) – “Have a bright and joyful holiday”
- Before Rosh Hashanah: שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְתוּקָה (Shanah Tovah u’Metukah) – “Have a good and sweet year”
2. Adjust for Gender
When addressing someone directly, you may need to modify the phrases based on gender:
- If addressing a man: שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם לְךָ (Shabbat Shalom L’cha)
- If addressing a woman: שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם לָךְ (Shabbat Shalom Lach)
3. Combine Phrases
Feel free to combine greetings, especially in informal situations:
- שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם וְסוּפֶּר מְגֻנָּב (Shabbat Shalom v’Super Megunav) – “Peaceful Sabbath and a stolen weekend”
- שַׁבָּת טוֹבָה וְסוּפֶּר מְגֻנָּב (Shabbat Tovah v’Super Megunav) – “Good Sabbath and a stolen weekend”
4. Add Personal Touch
Consider including the person’s name or an affectionate term to make the greeting more personal:
- שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם וּמְתוּקָה לְךָ יוֹסֵף (Shabbat Shalom u’Metukah L’cha Yosef) – “Peaceful Sabbath and a sweet one for you, Yosef”
- נִשְׁמַע טוֹב וּסוּפֶּר מְגֻנָּב לָךְ שְׂרָה (Nishma Tov u’Super Megunav Lach Sara) – “May it sound good and a stolen weekend for you, Sara”
5. Non-Weekend Holidays
On occasions when you want to wish someone an enjoyable holiday that falls on a weekday, you can use:
- יוֹם טוֹב נָעִים (Yom Tov Na’im) – “Have a pleasant holiday”
- חַג שָׂמֵחַ (Chag Sameach) – “Happy holiday”
Now that you have a wide range of options to wish someone a fantastic weekend in Hebrew, feel free to choose the most suitable phrase based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person. Remember, a warm and genuine wish is always appreciated!
Enjoy exploring the richness of the Hebrew language and have a wonderful weekend yourself!
