Oct 19, 2011 11:55
12 yrs ago
3 viewers *
Hebrew term
Not a translator
יישר כוח
Non-PRO
Hebrew to English
Other
General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters
I have understood this expression means "Good job!" or "Keep up the good work!" or someting along those lines. Is this correct? Could someone explain the literal meaning of the words, please? Yishar from "yashar" meaning straight? And koach meaning power or strength? Any idea how the expression came to mean what it means? Thanks.
Proposed translations
(English)
| 5 +1 | Keep it up! + Additional links.... |
Ty Kendall
|
| 5 | well-done!/bravo!/congratulations!/More power to your elbow! |
Gad Kohenov
|
| 4 | Kudos |
Shakhar Pelled
|
References
| Explanation in Wiki |
meirs
|
Proposed translations
+1
1 hr
Selected
Keep it up! + Additional links....
Meirs wikipedia article is about as detailed an account as I have seen on יישר כוח.
I've also supplied some English language links on the origin and use of the phrase.
A key concept in understanding the phrase can be found in Meirs suggested wikipedia article:
"הפירוש המילולי של הביטוי: "יישר" היא צורת עתיד של הפועל הארמי יש"ר. להבדיל מעברית, שבה פועל זה עניינו יושר, בארמית עניינו חוזק, ועל כן מילולית משמעו של הביטוי "יחזק כוחך" (בדומה לו נמצא בתלמוד "אי איישר חיל" = "אם יֶחזק כוח", גיטין לו, ב)."
Translated and simplified:
There is a difference in meaning with the future tense verb יישר...
In Hebrew the root's meaning is to do with "straightness/integrity" but
In Aramaic, it has to do with strength. So the actual literal meaning of it is more along the lines of "יחזק כוחך" lit may your strength be strengthened (enhanced).
So the יישר in this phrase doesn't relate to straightness, but strength.
I've also supplied some English language links on the origin and use of the phrase.
A key concept in understanding the phrase can be found in Meirs suggested wikipedia article:
"הפירוש המילולי של הביטוי: "יישר" היא צורת עתיד של הפועל הארמי יש"ר. להבדיל מעברית, שבה פועל זה עניינו יושר, בארמית עניינו חוזק, ועל כן מילולית משמעו של הביטוי "יחזק כוחך" (בדומה לו נמצא בתלמוד "אי איישר חיל" = "אם יֶחזק כוח", גיטין לו, ב)."
Translated and simplified:
There is a difference in meaning with the future tense verb יישר...
In Hebrew the root's meaning is to do with "straightness/integrity" but
In Aramaic, it has to do with strength. So the actual literal meaning of it is more along the lines of "יחזק כוחך" lit may your strength be strengthened (enhanced).
So the יישר in this phrase doesn't relate to straightness, but strength.
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "So, in general conversation on the street, the pronunciation is yishar koach, and means "good job", and after an aliyah in synagogue, yashar koach? Thanks again, Ty!"
33 mins
Shakhar Pelled
Israel
Israel
Native in Hebrew
&
English
Israel
Expertise, precision, experience
Native in: Hebrew 
, English
Works in: Hebrew to English, English to Hebrew
Kudos
It come from Jewish tradition that calls a man to direct his powers to the study of Torah - there's a saying: Your power for Torah. So this expression means that your power is straight and true - that you are enlisting your powers for the right goal/mission.
1 hr
Gad Kohenov
Israel
Israel
Native in Hebrew
Works in field
Israel
30 years of experience+satisfied clients
Native in: French 
, Hebrew
Works in: English to Hebrew, Hebrew to English, French to Hebrew, and 8 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
96
well-done!/bravo!/congratulations!/More power to your elbow!
Pick up the one that suits your test best.
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