לְהִתְרָאוֹת
Lehitraot
“Goodbye”
Lehitraot (לְהִתְרָאוֹת) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “goodbye,” pronounced “le-hit-ra-OT.” The literal translation is “until we see each other again.” The standard way to say goodbye in Hebrew, used in virtually all settings. More specific than shalom as it explicitly expresses the hope of meeting again.
| Hebrew | לְהִתְרָאוֹת |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Lehitraot |
| English Meaning | Goodbye |
| Literal Translation | Until we see each other again |
| Pronunciation | le-hit-ra-OT |
| Category | Greetings & Common |
| Origin | Modern Hebrew. While the root ר-א-ה (to see) is thoroughly biblical, the reflexive hitpael form lehitraot as a farewell emerged during the language revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. |
Hebrew goodbyes carry a built-in promise. While English 'goodbye' is a contraction of 'God be with ye' — a meaning most speakers have long forgotten — the Hebrew farewell lehitraot is transparent and hopeful. It literally means 'until we see each other again,' built from the reflexive verb lehitraot (to be seen mutually). Every time you say this word, you're making a small declaration of faith: this isn't the end, we will meet again. In a culture shaped by exile and diaspora, where partings were often permanent, this insistence on future reunion carries emotional weight that a simple 'bye' never could.
Where Does “Lehitraot” Come From?
Modern Hebrew. While the root ר-א-ה (to see) is thoroughly biblical, the reflexive hitpael form lehitraot as a farewell emerged during the language revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
When and How to Say “Lehitraot”
Lehitraot is the go-to goodbye in Israel. It works in all situations — formal, casual, professional, personal. For shorter partings, Israelis often say 'Yalla, bye' or simply 'Shalom.'
Cultural Context of Lehitraot
Israelis are famously casual with language, so you'll often hear 'Yalla bye' or 'Nu, lehitraot.' But the word lehitraot itself is purely Hebrew and beautifully constructed — a promise of reunion compressed into everyday speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Goodbye” in Hebrew?
“Goodbye” in Hebrew is Lehitraot (לְהִתְרָאוֹת), pronounced “le-hit-ra-OT.” The literal translation is “Until we see each other again.” The standard way to say goodbye in Hebrew, used in virtually all settings. More specific than shalom as it explicitly expresses the hope of meeting again.
How do you pronounce Lehitraot?
Lehitraot is pronounced “le-hit-ra-OT.” The literal meaning is “Until we see each other again.”
What does lehitraot literally mean?
Lehitraot literally means 'until we see each other again.' It's built from the root ר-א-ה (resh-alef-heh, 'to see') in the hitpael (reflexive) form with the prefix 'le-' meaning 'to/until.' The reflexive form indicates mutual seeing — 'we'll see each other.'
Do Israelis actually say lehitraot?
Israelis absolutely say lehitraot in everyday conversation — it's not formal at all. However, younger Israelis often mix in English ('bye') or Arabic ('yalla'). You'll frequently hear 'Yalla, lehitraot' or just 'Yalla bye.'
What other ways can you say goodbye in Hebrew?
Besides lehitraot, common Hebrew farewells include Shalom (works as both hello and goodbye), Bye (borrowed from English), Yalla bye (mixing Arabic and English), Laylah tov (good night), and Shabbat Shalom (on Fridays).
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