הושענא
hosha'na
To say hosanna in Hebrew, use הושענא (hosha'na).
הושענא is a liturgical cry that means please save us, used in prayers.
Meaning: liturgical word (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
It joins a verb meaning save with a particle meaning please.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced hosha'na.
When do people say it?
In Jewish worship it is chanted during the autumn festival of Sukkot, when worshippers walk around the synagogue reciting special prayers. The English hosanna comes from this word.
Did you know?
- In modern Hebrew, the root ישוע found in הושענא is also the basis for the name Yeshua, the Hebrew name for Jesus.
- During the festival of Sukkot, worshippers wave lulav palm branches while chanting הושענא to symbolize the yearning for rain and divine salvation.
- In the Hebrew Bible, the root of הושענא is identical to the name 'Joshua' (Yehoshua), linking the concept of the prayer to the very idea of a savior.
Examples in context
- השיר כולל את המילה הושענא.hashir kolel et hamila hosanna.The song includes the word hosanna.
Example conversation
Two friends are attending a religious service.
- איתי Itayהאם את שומעת את השירה, מאיה?Ha-im at shoma'at et ha-shira, Maya?Do you hear the singing, Maya?
- מאיה Mayaכן, הם קוראים הושענא עכשיו.Ken, hem kor'im Hosha'ana achshav.Yes, they are shouting hosanna now.
- איתי Itayזה נשמע מאוד מרגש.Ze nishma me'od meragesh.It sounds very moving.
- מאיה Mayaאני מסכימה איתך, איתי.Ani maskima itcha, Itai.I agree with you, Itai.
