how to say “it’s been an honor” in Hebrew
זכיתי…
This one’s for my dear Mom.
Mom asked me how to say honor as in It’s been an honor to have met you. I started brainstorming out loud, saying something with the word כָּבוֹד (kah-VOHD), which means honor and respect. So Mom said, “no, that’s a literal translation.” She was right – what’s needed is a culturally appropriate translation, not a literal one.
So here’s what I came up with, using the word for to merit – לִזְכּוֹת (leez-KOHT): אֲנִי שָׂמֵחַ/שְׂמֵחָה שֶׁזָּכִיתִי לְהַכִּיר אוֹתְךָ/אוֹתָך (ah-NEE sah-MEH-akh (masc.)/smeh-KHAH (fem.) sheh-zah-KHEE-tee leh-hah-KEER oht-KHAH (masc.)/oh-TAHKH (fem.)) – literally, I’m happy that I’ve merited to make your acquaintance.
זָכִיתִי – it’s polite, dignified… and useful for special occasions.
To the Jewish crowd on this blog – have a great שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה! (seem-KHAHT toh-RAH)
And to the Jeursalemites – when it’s over, consider signing up for a course with…
