What is the meaning of 'L'shanah tovah'?

“L’shanah tovah” means “For a good year,” a traditional Jewish New Year greeting.

The Hebrew phrase is commonly shortened from a longer blessing such as “L’shanah tovah tikatevu,” meaning “May you be inscribed for a good year.” The wording reflects the traditional Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur theme that people’s fates are written and sealed in the Book of Life during the Days of Awe.

In everyday use, L’shanah tovah functions much like “Have a good year.” It is especially associated with Rosh Hashanah, though related greetings may continue through the period leading to Yom Kippur. Some people say “Shanah tovah u’metukah,” meaning “a good and sweet year.”

“Happy New Year” conveys the general social purpose but is not the literal translation. “May you be inscribed” belongs to the longer form, not the short phrase by itself. The greeting is also different from “G’mar chatimah tovah,” used near or on Yom Kippur to wish someone a good final sealing.