תודה לאל
toda la'el
The English phrase "thank you lord" is translated into Hebrew as תודה לאל (toda la'el).
This phrase is used both to express genuine religious gratitude and as a secular exclamation of relief when a problem is avoided.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'toda' (thanks) and 'la'el' (to the God).
How do you pronounce it?
toda la'el
When do people say it?
The expression 'Baruch Hashem' is translated as 'Blessed is the Name' and is used to acknowledge God's blessings.
Did you know?
- The word תודה shares a root with the Hebrew verb for 'to acknowledge', meaning that to 'thank' someone is etymologically linked to 'recognizing' or 'confessing' a truth.
- If you use the phrase תודה לאל in a very religious Jewish circle, you might be met with the preference for ברוך השם instead, as it avoids directly naming the deity in a casual exclamation.
- The word אל used in this phrase is one of the oldest names for God in the Semitic family and is used across several ancient languages, including Ugaritic.
Examples in context
- תודה לאל, הוא בסדר.toda la'el, hu beseder.Thank you lord, he is okay.
- הכל עבר בשלום, תודה לאל.hakol avar beshalom, toda la'el.Everything passed safely, thank you lord.
- מצאתי את המפתחות, תודה לאל!matzati et hamaftekhot, toda la'el!I found the keys, thank you lord!
Example conversation
Two friends discussing a difficult exam result.
- נועם Noamרוטם, כבר פרסמו את הציונים.Rotem, kvar parsamu et ha-tzionim.Rotem, they already posted the grades.
- רוטם Rotemעברתי את המבחן! תודה לאל.Avarti et ha-mivchan! Toda l'El.I passed the test! Thank God.
- נועם Noamאני שמח מאוד בשבילך.Ani same'ach me'od bishvilech.I am very happy for you.
- רוטם Rotemגם אני. באמת חששתי.Gam ani. Be'emet hashashti.Me too. I was really worried.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries תודה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
