Guide to Israeli Slang and Modern Hebrew Expressions

Derived from Arabic, "Yalla" is used to encourage someone to hurry up or start something. It\'s incredibly versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual outings to impatient moments.

Example: "Yalla, we\'re late for the movie!"

Borrowed from Arabic, "Ahlan" is a friendly way to say hello, often used in informal settings. It can be combined with "wa sahlan" for a warmer welcome.

Example: "Ahlan! How are you today?"

Literally meaning "what is heard," this phrase is used to ask how someone is doing. It\'s common among friends and acquaintances.

Example: "Ma nishma? Everything good with you?"

A standard Hebrew farewell, meaning "until we see each other." It\'s polite and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example: "Thanks for coming! Lehitraot!"

Adopted from English, "Bye" is widely used in Israel, especially among younger generations. It\'s quick and informal.

Example: "I have to go now, bye!"

The standard Hebrew word for "no," used in all contexts. It\'s straightforward and essential for communication.

Example: "Do you like this? Lo."

A common way to negate a statement or idea. Often used in conversations to correct or disagree.

Example: "Is this your book? Ze lo."

Used to indicate lack of something, often in negative contexts. Can be part of phrases like "bli davar" (without a thing).

Example: "I want coffee bli sugar."

A imperative form used to tell someone not to do something. Common in warnings or requests.

Example: "Al tif\'il et ze!" (Don\'t open that!)

Literally "not a problem," this phrase is used to say that something is okay or not an issue. Similar to "no worries" in English.

Example: "Sorry I\'m late. Lo beaya!"

A polite phrase used to wish someone enjoyment of their meal. Similar to "enjoy your food" in English.

Example: "Here\'s your falafel, beteavon!"

Sabich is a traditional Iraqi-Jewish sandwich made with pita, fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and various salads. It\'s a staple in Israeli street food.

Example: "Let\'s grab a sabich for lunch."

A beloved Middle Eastern dish, hummus is often eaten with pita bread and is a symbol of Israeli cuisine.

Example: "This hummus is delicious!"

Coffee culture is huge in Israel, and "café" refers to both the drink and coffee shops where people socialize.

Example: "Let\'s meet for café later."

A popular Israeli breakfast dish, often served with bread for dipping. It\'s hearty and flavorful.

Example: "I made shakshuka for brunch."

A heartfelt expression of love. For a male, it would be "Ani ohev otcha" (אֲנִי אוֹהֵב אוֹתְךָ).

Example: "Ani ohev otach, my dear."

Can mean either a male friend or a boyfriend, depending on context. For girlfriend, it\'s "chavera" (חֲבֵרָה).

Example: "He\'s my chaver."

Sometimes used informally to refer to an older male friend or relative in a affectionate way.

Example: "Hi dod, how are you?"

A central concept in Israeli culture, often used to emphasize close bonds, whether biological or chosen family.

Example: "We\'re having a mishpacha dinner tonight."

The word for love, used in various contexts from romantic to familial love. It\'s a powerful and common term.

Example: "I feel so much ahava for you."

Used to comment on high temperatures or someone\'s good looks. Very common in youth slang.

Example: "Eize cham today!" or "He\'s eize cham!"

A casual way to ask what\'s going on, similar to "what\'s up" in English. Popular in informal chats.

Example: "Ma kore? Anything new?"

Borrowed from Arabic, this term is widely used by young Israelis to express that something is great or impressive.

Example: "That concert was achla!"

Often used to describe something beautiful or excellent. Can be standalone or in phrases like "eize yofi."

Example: "Your dress is yofi!"

From Russian via Yiddish, this word is used to describe a messy or chaotic situation. Very common in everyday speech.

Example: "My room is a total balagan."