As spring blooms across many parts of the world, people gather to observe one of the most meaningful days in the Christian calendar—Good Friday. For English learners, this day offers more than just a glimpse into religious tradition. It provides an opportunity to reflect, learn new vocabulary, explore English idioms, and understand the cultural significance behind the words we use.
In today’s blog post, we’ll dive into the meaning of Good Friday, explore related English expressions, and discover how this solemn day can help you grow in your language journey. Whether you’re learning English for school, work, travel, or just the love of language, this post is for you.
Good Friday is observed during Holy Week, just two days before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is a day of mourning and reflection for Christians around the world.
Despite the name “Good” Friday, the day is associated with sadness, quiet prayer, and remembrance. So, why is it called “Good” Friday?
That’s a great language question!
Some historians believe “Good” originally meant “Holy.” Others say it’s because the death of Jesus, although tragic, led to the hope of resurrection and salvation, which is considered “good” news in the Christian faith.
Let’s take a moment to explore some key vocabulary that you may hear or read around this time.
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Crucifixion | The act of being nailed to a cross | The crucifixion of Jesus is central to Good Friday. |
| Sacrifice | Giving something up for the sake of others | His sacrifice is remembered on Good Friday. |
| Mourn | To feel or express sorrow | People mourn quietly during the Good Friday service. |
| Solemn | Serious or respectful | The atmosphere in church was very solemn. |
| Reflection | Deep thought or contemplation | Good Friday is a day for prayer and reflection. |
| Redemption | The act of being saved or forgiven | Christians believe in redemption through Jesus. |
| Fasting | Choosing not to eat certain foods or meals | Many people fast on Good Friday. |
💬 Try it! Write two sentences using any new word you learned above. Bonus points if you use solemn—it’s a lovely word for tone and mood in writing!
In English-speaking countries, Good Friday is often a public holiday, especially in the UK, Australia, and parts of Canada. Churches hold special services that include Bible readings, hymns, and quiet reflection.
Unlike Easter Sunday, which is festive and joyful, Good Friday is more restrained. Many people avoid loud celebrations. Some choose to fast, wear black, or stay silent for part of the day.
This contrast between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is also a powerful lesson in English tone and context. Words change their emotional meaning depending on the day or setting. Learning how to adjust your tone—whether spoken or written—is a skill every English learner should master.
While there aren’t many idioms that come directly from Good Friday, this is a perfect time to introduce expressions that relate to struggle, sacrifice, and hope—themes connected with the day.
Here are a few idioms you can learn and use:
Meaning: To deal with a big challenge or burden.
Example: “Raising three children while working full time is her cross to carry.”
This idiom is directly inspired by the Biblical story of Jesus carrying his cross to Calvary.
Meaning: To forgive or not fight back when someone hurts you.
Example: “Instead of yelling back, he turned the other cheek.”
This comes from Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness, often reflected upon during Good Friday.
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first, but turns out to be good.
Example: “Losing my job was a blessing in disguise—I found something I love even more.”
This idiom connects with the idea of Good Friday being “good” because of what follows—Easter.
Use this quiet moment of reflection to try a short writing exercise. Writing helps you build fluency and confidence in sentence structure and vocabulary.
Prompt:
“Think of a time when you made a sacrifice. What did you give up, and what did you learn from it?”
Try to write 100–150 words. Focus on:
Using past tense
Including words like sacrifice, reflection, or hope
Describing emotions (sadness, peace, strength)
You can share your writing with me on Instagram @englishwithjanet or email it through the website. I love seeing your creativity!
Many Good Friday services include traditional hymns (religious songs) and Bible readings. These can be excellent listening tools.
Here’s how you can turn a hymn into a learning moment:
Search for a Good Friday hymn like “Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)” on YouTube.
Listen to the lyrics carefully. Try writing down what you hear.
Look up the lyrics and compare.
Highlight any new words or phrases. Use them in your own sentences.
This not only improves listening and pronunciation—it deepens your understanding of English rhythm and emotion.
Here’s a tasty tradition with a linguistic twist!
In the UK and other countries, people often eat hot cross buns on Good Friday. These are sweet, spiced buns with a cross made of icing or dough on top.
Fun fact: There’s even a nursery rhyme about them!
“Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns!”
Try listening to this rhyme online. It’s great for pronunciation practice, especially with rhythm and syllables.
Here’s a short paragraph for you to practice reading and comprehension:
Reading:
On Good Friday, Maria and her family attend a quiet church service in the morning. They light candles, listen to hymns, and think about the meaning of sacrifice and love. At home, they eat simple food and spend time together without distractions. For Maria, it’s a day to be thankful and calm.
Questions:
What do Maria and her family do on Good Friday?
What kind of food do they eat?
How does Maria feel on this day?
Try answering in complete sentences. This helps build writing fluency too!
Good Friday may not be a day of celebration, but it is a day full of meaning. For English learners, it is also a beautiful reminder that language is not just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about emotion, history, and connection.
Whether or not you observe Good Friday in a religious sense, you can still take time to:
Learn a new word
Reflect on a personal moment
Listen quietly to the sounds of a hymn or story
Speak with kindness and understanding
In English, we often say:
“Words have power.”
Let today be a day where you use your words mindfully, gently, and meaningfully.
Until next time, dear learners—wishing you peace, reflection, and progress on your language journey.
With heart,
Janet from English with Janet 💛
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