שלום עליכם, װאָס מאַכסטו
sholem aleykhem, vos makhstu
The English phrase "hello, how are you" is translated into Yiddish as שלום עליכם, װאָס מאַכסטו (sholem aleykhem, vos makhstu).
This phrase is a common greeting used to say hello and ask about someone's well-being. The first part, שלום עליכם, is a traditional greeting that can stand alone as a way to say hello.
What does it mean word for word?
The greeting שלום עליכם literally means "peace be upon you."
Which one should you use?
The phrase װאָס מאַכסטו is used for a single person you know well, whereas װאָס מאַכט איר is used for a group or to show respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase װאָס מאַכסטו uses the singular second-person verb form to address one person, while װאָס מאַכט איר is used to address more than one person or to be formal.
How do you pronounce it?
sholem aleykhem, vos makhstu
When do people say it?
A common response to being asked how you are is גוט, אַ דאַנק (good, thanks).
Did you know?
- The greeting שלום עליכם is a cognate of the Arabic greeting 'As-salamu alaykum'.
- The phrase װאָס מאַכסטו literally translates to 'what are you making', rather than 'how are you'.
- The greeting שלום עליכם is so iconic that it served as the pen name of the most famous Yiddish writer of all time, Sholem Aleichem.
Examples in context
- שלום עליכם, װאָס מאַכסטו?sholom alekhim, vos makhsto?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Two neighbors meet on a street in the afternoon.
- מרים Miriamשלום עליכם, װאָס מאַכסטו, בערל?sholom alekhim, vos makhsto, Berl?Hello, how are you, Berl?
- בערל Berelגוט, דאַנק דיר, מרים.gut, dank dir, Miriam.Good, thank you, Miriam.
- מרים Miriamאיז אַלץ גוט ביי דיר?iz alts gut bay dir?Is everything good with you?
- בערל Berelיאָ, אַלץ איז גוט.yo, alts iz gut.Yes, everything is good.
