שמחה
simcha
The English word "joy" is translated into Hebrew as שמחה (simcha).
שמחה is used to describe both the abstract feeling of joy and to refer to a celebratory event or festive occasion, such as a wedding.
Meaning: feeling of happiness (noun)
Which one should you use?
While שמחה is the standard term, the formal term גִּיל can also be used to express joy, specifically referring to a state of gladness or rejoicing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun שמחה is grammatically feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
simcha
Did you know?
- In Jewish tradition, the concept of שמחה is often viewed as an active choice or a spiritual discipline rather than just a spontaneous emotion.
- The Hebrew word שמחה shares a distant linguistic root with ancient Ugaritic words for 'joy', showing a connection that stretches back thousands of years.
- The word שמחה shares a root with the verb meaning 'to rejoice', which in some contexts is linked to the physical act of dancing.
Examples in context
- היא קפצה מרוב שמחה.She's jumping with joy.This sentence is useful for showing how someone reacts physically to the feeling of שמחה.Tatoeba #3929455 by fekundulo, translation #3928192 by Ooneykcall
- היא ניתרה מרוב שמחה.She leaped for joy.This sentence is useful for showing how someone leaps for the feeling of שמחה.Tatoeba #5447705 by fekundulo, translation #317344 by CH
- בוב יצא מעורו מרוב שמחה.Bob was beside himself with joy.This sentence is useful for describing being beside oneself with שמחה.Tatoeba #6016119 by fekundulo, translation #33156 by AlanF_US
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Itay and Maya are talking about a family celebration.
- איתי Itayהיית בשמחה גדולה בחתונה, נכון?Hayit be-simcha gdola ba-chatuna, nachon?You were in great joy at the wedding, right?
- מאיה Mayaכן, זו הייתה שמחה אמיתית לכולנו.Ken, zo hayta simcha amitit le-kulanu.Yes, it was true joy for all of us.
- איתי Itayאפשר היה לראות את השמחה בעיניים שלך.Efshar haya lir'ot et ha-simcha be-einayim shelach.One could see the joy in your eyes.
- מאיה Mayaתודה, איתי. זה היה יום מיוחד.Toda, Itay. Ze haya yom meyuchad.Thanks, Itay. It was a special day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries שמחה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
