לחיים
lekhayím/leχaˈjim/
The Hebrew phrase לחיים (lekhayím) means "to life."
לחיים is used as a toast when drinking, functioning similarly to the English "Cheers!" or "To life!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition ל (to) and the plural word חיים (life).
How do you pronounce it?
lekhayím (/leχaˈjim/)
When do people say it?
When someone toasts with לחיים!, the standard response from others is to repeat לחיים!
Did you know?
- In modern Israeli slang, the word חיים is often used as a term of endearment for a partner or child, similar to calling someone 'sweetie' or 'honey' in English.
- In traditional Jewish settings, it is common to avoid saying לחיים if a person is currently mourning a close relative.
- The word חיים is an example of a 'plurale tantum' in Hebrew, meaning it has no singular form when referring to the concept of life.
Examples in context
- מרי רוצה להחזיר ממותות לחיים.Mary wants to bring mammoths back to life.This sentence shows how to use the form לחיים in the context of bringing something back to life.Tatoeba #6061675 by fekundulo, translation #2770659 by Hybrid
- בורות וטעות חיוניים לחיים כמו לחם ומים.Ignorance and error are necessary to life, like bread and water.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form לחיים when discussing things necessary for life.Tatoeba #1874433 by fekundulo, translation #879690 by Scott
- לחיים!To life!This sentence shows the form לחיים being used as a standalone toast.Tatoeba #1499999 by RoyTek, translation #1500018 by RoyTek
Example conversation
Rotem and Noam are celebrating a birthday with drinks.
- נועם Noamמזל טוב, רוטם!Mazal tov, Rotem!Congratulations, Rotem!
- רוטם Rotemתודה רבה, נועם.Toda raba, Noam.Thank you very much, Noam.
- נועם Noamבואי נרים כוסים. לחיים!Bo'i narim kosim. L'chayim!Let's raise glasses. To life!
- רוטם Rotemלחיים!L'chayim!To life!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry לחיים, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
