שנה טובה
shaná tová
שנה טובה (shaná tová) is the Hebrew way to say Happy New Year.
שנה טובה is used to wish someone a happy new year.
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "a good year". It consists of the noun שנה (year) and the adjective טובה (good).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective טובה is in the feminine singular form to match the feminine noun שנה.
How do you pronounce it?
shaná tová
When do people say it?
In more traditional or religious contexts, it is common to expand the greeting to שנה טובה ומבורכת (a good and blessed year).
Did you know?
- The phrase שנה טובה is actually a shortened version of a longer blessing: לְשָׁנָה טוֹבָה תִּכָּתֵב, which means 'may you be inscribed for a good year'.
- In Israel, it is common to eat apple slices dipped in honey while saying שנה טובה to symbolize a sweet year ahead.
- While English speakers say 'Happy New Year' on January 1, שנה טובה is used for Rosh Hashanah, which occurs in autumn.
Examples in context
- אני מאחל לך שנה טובה.I wish you a Happy New Year.This sentence shows how to use שנה טובה in a wish.Tatoeba #578005 by Eldad, translation #30091 by Eldad
- שנה טובה לכל באי טטואבה!Happy New Year to all Tatoebans!This sentence demonstrates the phrase used as a general greeting to a group.Tatoeba #4118355 by Eldad, translation #12892137 by rul
- שנה טובה!Happy New Year!This sentence shows the phrase used as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #1817262 by MrShoval, translation #361350 by blay_paul
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street during the holiday season.
- איתי Itayהיי מאיה, שנה טובה!Hi Maya, shana tovah!Hi Maya, happy new year!
- מאיה Mayaתודה איתי, גם לך שנה טובה!Toda Itai, gam lecha shana tovah!Thanks Itai, happy new year to you too!
- איתי Itayמה התוכניות שלך לחג?Ma hatokhniyot shelach lachag?What are your plans for the holiday?
- מאיה Mayaאני הולכת לבקר את המשפחה.Ani holechet levaker et hamishpacha.I am going to visit the family.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy new year” translations and entries שנה טובה, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries שנה, שנה טובה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
