אַ גוטע רײַזע
a gute rayze
The Yiddish phrase for safe travels is אַ גוטע רײַזע (a gute rayze).
אַ גוטע רײַזע is used to wish someone a bon voyage.
Meaning: bon voyage (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'a good journey'.
Which one should you use?
While אַ גוטע רײַזע focuses on the journey, זײַ געזונט (stay healthy/well) is a common alternative used when seeing someone off.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase אַ גוטע רײַזע, the adjective גוטע is in the feminine singular form to agree with the feminine noun רײַזע.
How do you pronounce it?
a gute rayze
Did you know?
- In Yiddish culture, wishing for 'success' with the word הצלחה (hatzlacha) often accompanies אַ גוטע רײַזע. This changes the meaning from simply arriving safely to achieving the specific goal of the trip.
- While Yiddish uses the Hebrew alphabet, the grammar of אַ גוטע רײַזע follows Germanic rules of adjective agreement. This creates a sharp contrast with the logic of the Hebrew language.
- The word גוטע is a direct cognate of the English word 'good', appearing as a linguistic mirror between the two languages.
Examples in context
- אַ גוטע רײַזע!a gute rayze!Safe travels!
- זאָלסט האָבן אַ גוטע רײַזע.zolt hobn a gute rayze.May you have a safe journey.
Example conversation
Abraham is seeing Hannah off at the train station.
- חנה Chanaאיך בין שוין גרייט פֿאַר דער רײַזע.Ikh bin shoyn greyt far der rayze.I am already ready for the trip.
- אברהם Avrahamאַ גוטע רײַזע, חנה!A gute rayze, Khone!Safe travels, Hannah!
- חנה Chanaאַ דאַנק, אברהם.A dank, Avrom.Thank you, Abraham.
- אברהם Avrahamרוף מיך ווען דו קומסט אן.Ruf mikh ven du kumst on.Call me when you arrive.
