Hebrew is a rich and ancient language that has evolved over millennia, and like any living language, it has its fair share of slang and informal phrases. These colloquial expressions are an essential part of everyday conversation in Israel and can give you a deeper understanding of the culture and social dynamics. In this article, we will explore some common Hebrew slang and informal phrases that will not only help you sound more like a native speaker but also make your interactions more engaging and authentic.
Basic Hebrew Slang
Saba/Savta (סבא/סבתא)
In Hebrew, “Saba” means grandfather and “Savta” means grandmother. However, these terms have taken on a more informal usage among younger people. When someone says “Saba” or “Savta” to a friend, it’s a playful way to call them an old person or to tease them about being old-fashioned.
Achi (אחי)
Literally translating to “my brother,” “Achi” is a term of endearment used among friends, similar to “bro” or “dude” in English. You’ll hear this a lot among young people, and it’s a great way to show camaraderie.
B’seder (בסדר)
“B’seder” means “okay” or “alright.” It’s a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts, from agreeing with someone to indicating that everything is fine. For example, if someone asks how you are, you can simply say, “Ani b’seder” (I’m okay).
Yalla (יאללה)
One of the most commonly used slang words, “Yalla” means “let’s go” or “hurry up.” It is borrowed from Arabic and is widely used in everyday conversation. Whether you’re urging someone to speed up or just encouraging them to get moving, “Yalla” is the perfect word.
Expressions of Surprise and Excitement
Sababa (סבבה)
“Sababa” is a slang term that means “cool” or “great.” It’s an upbeat word used to express approval or satisfaction. If someone asks if you enjoyed your trip, you can respond with “Sababa!” to show that you had a great time.
Eizeh Yofi (איזה יופי)
This phrase translates to “What beauty!” or “How beautiful!” It’s commonly used to express admiration or pleasure. For example, if you see a beautiful sunset, you might say, “Eizeh yofi!”
Pashut (פשוט)
“Pashut” means “simple,” but in slang, it’s often used to mean “obvious” or “of course.” If someone asks if you’re going to a party, you might respond with “Pashut!” to indicate that it’s a no-brainer.
Negative Slang and Expressions
Balagan (בלאגן)
“Balagan” means “mess” or “chaos.” It’s used to describe a situation that is disorganized or out of control. For example, if you walk into a room and it’s extremely messy, you can say, “What a balagan!”
Lo Meshaneh (לא משנה)
This phrase means “it doesn’t matter.” It’s a way to indicate that something is insignificant or not worth worrying about. If someone apologizes for being late, you might respond with “Lo meshaneh.”
Chaval Al Hazman (חבל על הזמן)
Literally translating to “waste of time,” this phrase is used to express that something is amazing or worth every minute. It can be a bit confusing because the literal translation is negative, but in slang, it’s positive. For example, if a movie was fantastic, you might say, “Chaval al hazman!”
Interjections and Fillers
Nu (נו)
“Nu” is an interjection borrowed from Yiddish, used to express impatience or to urge someone to get on with it. It’s similar to saying “come on” in English. For example, if someone is taking too long to get ready, you might say, “Nu, let’s go!”
Stam (סתם)
“Stam” means “just” or “nothing special.” It’s a filler word used to downplay something or to indicate that there’s no particular reason for what you’re doing. If someone asks why you’re sitting alone, you might respond with “Stam.”
Tachles (תכלס)
“Tachles” means “to the point” or “bottom line.” It’s used to cut through the fluff and get straight to the main issue. If you’re having a lengthy discussion, you might say, “Tachles, what’s the problem?”
Compliments and Flattery
Motek (מותק)
“Motek” means “sweetie” or “honey.” It’s a term of endearment used to show affection. You might hear it between couples or even from a friendly shopkeeper.
Chaval Al Hazman (חבל על הזמן)
As mentioned earlier, this phrase can also be used to give high praise. If someone did an excellent job on a project, you might say, “Chaval al hazman!” to show your admiration.
Al Ha’panim (על הפנים)
This phrase literally means “on the face,” but it’s used to describe something that’s terrible or a complete failure. If a meal you cooked turned out badly, you might say, “It’s al ha’panim.”
Casual Greetings and Goodbyes
Shalom (שלום)
While “Shalom” is a formal greeting that means “peace,” it’s also used casually to say “hello” and “goodbye.” It’s a versatile word that you’ll hear often.
Ma Nishma? (מה נשמע?)
This phrase means “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?” It’s a casual way to check in with someone and start a conversation. A typical response might be “Hakol beseder” (Everything’s okay).
Lehitraot (להתראות)
“Lehitraot” means “see you later.” It’s a friendly way to say goodbye when you expect to see the person again soon.
Food-Related Slang
Mezeh (מזה)
“Mezeh” means “what is this?” but in slang, it’s often used to express disbelief or surprise, similar to saying “What the heck?” in English. If someone tells you an unbelievable story, you might respond with “Mezeh?”
Al Ha’esh (על האש)
This phrase means “on the fire” and is used to describe a barbecue. It’s a popular social activity in Israel, and you’ll often hear people talking about having an “Al Ha’esh” on weekends.
Bamba (במבה)
“Bamba” is a popular Israeli snack made from peanuts. It’s so well-loved that the word has become slang for anything that is universally liked or appealing. If you want to say something is a crowd-pleaser, you might call it “Bamba.”
Work and Study Slang
Balagan (בלאגן)
As mentioned earlier, “Balagan” means “mess” or “chaos,” but it’s often used in work or study contexts to describe a complicated or disorganized situation. For example, if a project is not going well, you might say, “This project is a balagan.”
Lachatz (לחץ)
“Lachatz” means “pressure” or “stress.” It’s commonly used among students and professionals to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed. If you have a lot of exams coming up, you might say, “Ani b’lachatz” (I’m stressed).
Freier (פרייר)
“Freier” is a slang term for a sucker or someone who is easily taken advantage of. In a work context, it’s used to describe someone who takes on too much work without getting proper credit. You don’t want to be a “freier” in any situation!
Relationship and Dating Slang
Chaver/Chavera (חבר/חברה)
“Chaver” means “friend” for a male, and “Chavera” means “friend” for a female. However, these terms are also used to mean “boyfriend” and “girlfriend,” respectively. If someone asks if you have a “Chavera,” they’re asking if you have a girlfriend.
Chai B’Seret (חי בסרט)
This phrase means “living in a movie” and is used to describe someone who is unrealistic or has their head in the clouds. If someone is overly romantic or idealistic, you might say, “He’s chai b’seret.”
Adom Adom (אדום אדום)
“Adom” means “red,” and repeating it emphasizes the color. In dating slang, “Adom adom” is used to describe someone who is very attractive or “hot.” If you see someone who looks great, you might say, “He’s adom adom!”
Tech and Social Media Slang
Chafif (חפיף)
“Chafif” means “careless” or “sloppy,” but in tech and social media contexts, it’s used to describe something that’s been done quickly and without much effort. If someone’s social media post looks rushed, you might call it “chafif.”
Shitat Matzlema (שיטת מצלמה)
This phrase translates to “camera method” and is used to describe someone who only does things for the sake of appearances, especially on social media. If someone is always posting photos to show off, you might say they’re using “shitat matzlema.”
Spam (ספאם)
While “spam” is a universal term, in Hebrew slang, it’s also used to describe someone who is constantly messaging or overwhelming you with information. If a friend keeps sending you texts, you might say, “Stop spamming me!”
Conclusion
Understanding and using slang and informal phrases can greatly enhance your fluency in Hebrew and help you connect more deeply with native speakers. These expressions offer a window into the culture and everyday life in Israel, making your conversations more lively and authentic. Whether you’re navigating social situations, expressing emotions, or just trying to fit in, these common Hebrew slang words and phrases will serve you well. So, next time you’re in Israel or speaking with Hebrew speakers, don’t be afraid to throw in some “Yalla” or “Sababa” to show off your new skills!
