נסיעה טובה
nesi'a tova
In Hebrew, "have a safe trip" is expressed as נסיעה טובה (nesi'a tova).
This phrase is used to wish someone a pleasant and secure journey when they are departing. It is versatile and can be used for both long-distance travel, such as a flight and short-distance travel, such as a car ride.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "a good trip" or "a good journey".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is grammatically feminine because the noun נסיעה (trip) is a feminine noun, which requires the feminine adjective טובה (good).
How do you pronounce it?
nesi'a tova
When do people say it?
A common response to נסיעה טובה is "toda, gam lecha" (to a male) or "toda, gam lach" (to a female), which means "thanks, to you too".
Did you know?
- In many Hebrew-speaking contexts, rather than just wishing a safe trip, people often say תגיע בשלום (tagi'a b'shalom), which literally means 'arrive in peace'.
- The word טובה comes from the same root as the word for 'goodness' and 'beauty', meaning a 'good trip' is conceptually linked to a 'beautiful' experience.
- If you are traveling by sea, you might hear the phrase שייט נעים (sheit na'im), which specifically wishes someone a 'pleasant sail' instead of a general trip.
Examples in context
- נסיעה טובה לשדה התעופה.Nesiah tovah lashade ha-teufa.Have a safe trip to the airport.
- תגיעו בשלום, נסיעה טובה!Tagiu beshalom, nesiah tovah!Arrive safely, have a safe trip!
Example conversation
Maya is saying goodbye to Daniel at the airport.
- מאיה Mayaדניאל, אני הולכת הביתה. נסיעה טובה!Daniel, ani holechet habayta. Nesi'ah tovah!Daniel, I'm going home. Have a safe trip!
- דניאל Danielתודה רבה, מאיה!Toda raba, Maya!Thank you very much, Maya!
- מאיה Mayaתשלח לי הודעה כשתנחית.Tishlach li hoda'ah kshe-tnachit.Send me a message when you land.
- דניאל Danielבטח, אני אשלח.Betach, ani eshlach.Sure, I will.
