Language/Hebrew/Vocabulary/Slang

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Hebrew → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Slang

In this lesson, we will dive into the vibrant world of Hebrew slang. Understanding slang is crucial for anyone looking to engage with native speakers in everyday conversations. It adds color, personality, and cultural context to the language, making interactions feel more authentic. Slang often reflects cultural nuances and social dynamics, providing insights into how language evolves in a community.

In this lesson, we'll explore:

• What is Slang?: A brief overview of slang in Hebrew.

• Common Hebrew Slang Words and Phrases: We’ll go through 20 essential slang terms, including their meanings and contexts.

• Practice Exercises: A set of fun exercises to help you apply what you've learned.

• Conclusion: A wrap-up of the lesson.

After going through this lesson, you will not only know some cool slang words but also feel more comfortable using them in context. So, let’s get started!

What is Slang?

Slang refers to informal language that is often specific to a particular group or culture. In Hebrew, just like in any other language, slang words can change quickly and may vary by region or among different age groups. It’s an important aspect of the living language that helps convey emotions, humor, and camaraderie among speakers.

Common Hebrew Slang Words and Phrases

Let's take a look at some popular Hebrew slang words and phrases that you might hear in casual conversations. Each term will include its Hebrew spelling, pronunciation, and English translation.

Hebrew	Pronunciation	English
סבבה	sababa	Cool/Okay
אחלה	achla	Awesome/Great
יאללה	yalla	Come on/Hurry up
חבל על הזמן	chaval al hazman	A waste of time (but used positively as "worth it")
מה קורה?	ma kore?	What's up?
כפרה עליך	kapara aleicha	A term of endearment (literally "atonement on you")
על הפנים	al hapanim	On the face (meaning "terrible" or "bad")
בקטנה	bektana	It's nothing/No big deal
לגמרי	legamrei	Totally/Absolutely
תכלס	tachles	Basically/To the point
סתם	stam	Just kidding/Not serious
פששש	pshhhh	Wow/Impressive
הגז (h)agaz	Go for it/Speed up
טוב טוב	tov tov	Okay, okay (reassurance)
לא משנה	lo meshane	Doesn't matter/Never mind
חביבי	habibi	My dear (affectionate term)
זורם	zorem	Flowing/Going with the flow
קטע	keta	A scene/An interesting moment
מגניב	magniv	Cool/Neat
דחוף	dakhuf	Urgent/Pushy

These slang terms are often used in everyday conversations among friends, family, and peers. Understanding the context in which they are used will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Practice Exercises

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with some slang words and phrases, let’s put your knowledge to the test! Below are some exercises designed to help reinforce what you’ve learned.

Exercise 1: Match the Slang

Match the Hebrew slang term with its English meaning.

Hebrew Slang	English Meaning
א. סבבה	1. Awesome/Great
ב. יאללה	2. What’s up?
ג. אחלה	3. Cool/Okay
ד. מה קורה?	4. Come on/Hurry up

• Solution:

• א - 3

• ב - 4

• ג - 1

• ד - 2

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with appropriate slang words from the list:

(סבבה, אחלה, יאללה, מה קורה)

1. ______, how are you doing today?

2. The party was ______, I had so much fun!

3. ______, let’s go grab some food!

4. Everything is ______, no worries!

• Solution:

1. מה קורה

2. אחלה

3. יאללה

4. סבבה

Exercise 3: True or False

Determine if the following statements about Hebrew slang are true or false.

1. “חבל על הזמן” is always used negatively.

2. “כפרה עליך” is a term of endearment.

3. “לא משנה” means “It doesn’t matter.”

4. “מגניב” means “boring.”

• Solution:

1. False (it can be used positively)

2. True

3. True

4. False (it means “cool”)

Exercise 4: Create Your Own Sentences

Using any four of the slang words from the lesson, create sentences in Hebrew (you can write them in transliteration if you prefer) and then translate them into English.

• Example:

1. אחלה מסיבה הייתה אתמול! (Achla mesiba hayta etmol!) → It was a great party yesterday!

• Solution:

Students will create their own sentences, which can vary.

Exercise 5: Dialogue Practice

Write a short dialogue between two friends using at least five slang terms from this lesson.

• Solution:

Example Dialogue:

Friend 1: מה קורה? (Ma kore?)

Friend 2: סבבה, אתה? (Sababa, ata?)

Friend 1: אחלה, יאללה נלך לקולנוע? (Achla, yalla nelech lekolnoa?)

Friend 2: כן, מגניב! (Ken, magniv!)

Exercise 6: Contextual Understanding

Choose a slang term and describe a situation where you would use it.

• Solution:

Students should elaborate on their chosen slang term in context.

Exercise 7: Translate the Slang

Translate the following slang phrases into English:

1. תכלס

2. חביבי

3. פששש

4. דחוף

• Solution:

1. Basically

2. My dear

3. Wow

4. Urgent

Exercise 8: Slang Synonyms

Find a synonym for each slang term below:

1. סבבה

2. אחלה

3. יאללה

4. מגניב

• Solution:

1. טוב (Tov)

2. מעולה (Me'ule)

3. קדימה (Kadima)

4. נחמד (Nehmad)

Exercise 9: Role Play

Pair up with a partner and role-play a casual conversation using at least six slang terms from the lesson.

• Solution:

Students should engage in dialogue while incorporating slang.

Exercise 10: Slang in Context

Watch a short Hebrew video or listen to a Hebrew song and identify at least three slang terms used. Write down their meanings.

• Solution:

Students will find terms and provide meanings based on their research.

Conclusion

Slang is an essential part of learning Hebrew that enables you to connect with native speakers on a more personal level. By incorporating these slang terms into your vocabulary, you’ll be able to engage in casual conversations and understand the cultural context of the language better. Keep practicing, and don't hesitate to use these words in your daily interactions!

Table of Contents - Hebrew Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Hebrew Alphabet

• Consonants
• Vowels
• Nikkud
• Reading Practice

  ---

Everyday Hebrew Vocabulary

• Greetings
• Numbers
• Family Members
• Colors, Shapes, and Sizes
• Food and Drink
• Clothing
• Transportation and Travel
• Weather
• Time and Calendar

  ---

Hebrew Grammar

• Nouns
• Pronouns
• Adjectives
• Verbs
• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Israeli Culture

• Jewish Holidays
• Israeli Society
• Famous Israelis
• Israeli Cuisine

  ---

Hebrew Expressions

• Common Phrases
• Slang
• Idioms

  ---

Hebrew Numbers

• Ordinal Numbers
• Fractions and Decimals

  ---

Hebrew Geography and Landmarks

• Cities and Regions
• Landmarks

  ---

Hebrew Literature and Language

• Hebrew Poetry
• Hebrew Proverbs

  ---

Grammar Review

• Review of Nouns and Pronouns
• Review of Adjectives
• Review of Verbs

Sources

• The 10 Best Hebrew Slang Words – Volunteering & Internships in ...
• Hebrew Slang Words - Anglo-List
• Hebrew Slang - The iCenter
• The Top 10 Hebrew Slang Words That You Should Learn

Other Lessons

• Cities and Regions
• Count to 10
• Animals
• Games and Toys
• Idioms
• Feelings and Emotions
• Clothes
• Weather
• Time
• Location

◀️ Common Phrases — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Idioms ▶️