ברוך השם
barúkh hashém
The English phrase 'thank goodness' is expressed in Hebrew as ברוך השם (barúkh hashém).
ברוך השם is used as an interjection to express relief when something good happens or when a bad situation is avoided.
Meaning: express gratitude (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means 'Blessed is the Name', referring to God.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase has a religious and traditional origin, though it is used widely in secular Hebrew. It can be used informally among friends or in a relaxed atmosphere.
How do you pronounce it?
barúkh hashém
Did you know?
- In many Jewish communities, saying ברוך השם when asked 'how are you' is a way to avoid 'tempting fate' by bragging about good health.
- Depending on the context, ברוך השם can be used ironically or sarcastically to express the exact opposite of relief.
- The word ברוך (barúkh) shares a common linguistic ancestor with the Arabic word مبارك (mubārak), which also means 'blessed'.
Examples in context
- ברוך השם, הכל בסדר.Baruch Hashem, hakol beseder.Thank goodness, everything is okay.
- הילדים חזרו הביתה, ברוך השם.Hayeladim hazru habayta, baruch Hashem.The children came home, thank goodness.
- ברוך השם, לא קרה כלום.Baruch Hashem, lo kara klum.Thank goodness, nothing happened.
Example conversation
Maya and Ido are talking about a difficult exam.
- מאיה Mayaעידו, עברת את המבחן?Ido, avarta et hamivchan?Ido, did you pass the test?
- עידו Idoכן, ברוך השם עברתי!Ken, Baruch Hashem avarti!Yes, thank goodness I passed!
- מאיה Mayaאני כל כך שמחה בשבילך.Ani kol kach smecha bishvilecha.I am so happy for you.
- עידו Idoתודה רבה, מאיה.Toda raba, Maya.Thank you very much, Maya.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ברוך השם, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ברוך, השם, CC BY-SA 4.0.
