זכרונה לברכה
Zikhrona livrakha
The English phrase "may her memory be a blessing" is translated into Hebrew as זכרונה לברכה (Zikhrona livrakha).
This phrase is used as a respectful formula when mentioning a woman who has passed away. It expresses the hope that the memory of the deceased woman continues to inspire and comfort others.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of זכרונה (her memory) and לברכה (to/for a blessing).
Which one should you use?
The form זיכרה לברכה is also used as a formal and traditional way to say "may her memory be a blessing".
How do you pronounce it?
Zikhrona livrakha
Did you know?
- The word ברכה (blessing) shares a linguistic root with the word for 'knee' ברך. This suggests an ancient connection between the act of blessing and the physical act of kneeling in reverence.
- In written Hebrew, the phrase זכרונה לברכה is frequently abbreviated to the letters ז״ל (Zal). This allows the writer to honor the deceased without writing the full phrase every time.
- While the phrase translates to 'blessing', it functions as a linguistic marker to inform the listener that the person being discussed is no longer alive.
Examples in context
- זכרונה לברכה.Zichrona livracha.May her memory be a blessing.
- היא הייתה אישה נפלאית, זכרונה לברכה.Hi hayta isha nifla'it, zichrona livracha.She was a wonderful woman, may her memory be a blessing.
- נזכור אותה תמיד, זכרונה לברכה.Nezkhor ota tamid, zichrona livracha.We will always remember her, may her memory be a blessing.
Example conversation
Ido and Noa are talking about a mutual teacher who passed away.
- עידו Idoאת זוכרת את המורה שלנו, זכרונה לברכה?At zocheret et hamora shelanu, zichrona livracha?Do you remember our teacher, may her memory be a blessing?
- נועה Noaכן, היא הייתה מאוד סבלנית איתנו.Ken, hi hayta me'od savlanit itanu.Yes, she was very patient with us.
- עידו Idoהיא באמת השפיעה על המון תלמידים.Hi be'emet hishpi'a al hamon talmidim.She really influenced a lot of students.
- נועה Noaהיא תמיד תישאר בלב שלנו.Hi tamid tisha'er belav shelanu.She will always remain in our hearts.
