berakah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialized / Religious
Quick answer
What does “berakah” mean?
A Hebrew word meaning 'blessing' or 'benediction'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Hebrew word meaning 'blessing' or 'benediction'.
In Jewish religious context, it refers specifically to a formula of blessing or thanksgiving, often recited before performing a commandment or enjoying a pleasure. In broader usage, it can denote a spiritual blessing, a gift, or a moment of divine favor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. Usage is equally rare and confined to the same specialized contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of Jewish religious practice and theology.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both regions, with no discernible variation.
Grammar
How to Use “berakah” in a Sentence
to recite a berakah for [something]the berakah over [object]a berakah of [type]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “berakah” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not a verb
American English
- N/A - not a verb
adverb
British English
- N/A - not an adverb
American English
- N/A - not an adverb
adjective
British English
- N/A - not an adjective
American English
- N/A - not an adjective
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, or Judaic studies papers and discussions.
Everyday
Not used in everyday English conversation.
Technical
Terminology within Jewish liturgical practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “berakah”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “berakah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “berakah”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈbɛrəkə/ or /bəˈreɪkə/.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'luck' or 'good fortune'.
- Capitalizing it unnecessarily when used as a common noun in English text.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Hebrew loanword used in English, but only in very specialized religious or academic contexts. It is not part of general vocabulary.
The most common Anglicized pronunciation is /bəˈrɑːkə/ (buh-RAH-kuh), with the stress on the second syllable. The 'r' can be pronounced.
Only if you are specifically referring to the formal Jewish liturgical blessing. Using it as a general synonym would sound affected and incorrect.
The standard transliteration from Hebrew uses a 'k', as in 'berakah'. Spellings like 'beracha' are also seen but 'berakah' is common in academic texts.
A Hebrew word meaning 'blessing' or 'benediction'.
Berakah is usually specialized / religious in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There is no common English idiom containing 'berakah'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Be RAH KA! (like a joyful shout) when you receive a BERAKAH (blessing).
Conceptual Metaphor
A BLESSING IS A GIFT (from the divine).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'berakah' most accurately used?