Shalom from Israel! Whether you’re hanging out at a Tel Aviv club or sunning yourself on the beach in Eilat, Hebrew slang words will help you mix with the sabra (Israeli-born) locals. We’ve collected the most popular slang words to get you ready for your trip to the Holy Land. So Yalla, let’s get started!
The Best Words to Know in Hebrew
Balagan – בלאגן
Pronunciation: “Bah-la-gan”
Meaning: Mess, disorder
Type of speech: Hebrew
The word balagan was brought to Israel by Russian immigrants. It’s used to describe a busy market, someone’s unbrushed hair, and everything in between. You can say “Eizeh” to convey the sentiment of “what a mess!”
“You’ve mixed everything up. Eizeh balagan.”
Bassa – בסה
Pronunciation: “Bah-sah”
Meaning: Downer, a shame, unfortunate
Type of speech: Slang
When Israelis are disappointed or trying to commiserate with someone, we use Bassa to describe a situation or event. It’s commonly paired with the word “Eizeh.”
“I lost my phone” “Eizeh bassa!”
Dai – די
Pronunciation: “Dai”
Meaning: Enough, stop, you don’t say
Type of speech: Hebrew
This Hebrew word is a great way to tell someone you’ve had enough of their shtuyot (nonsense), and their behavior is not sababa (cool)! When an Israeli is pouring you a drink, you can say “dai” to let them know you’d like them to stop.
“I’m not interested, dai!”
Ma Pitom – מה פתאום
Pronunciation: “Mah-pea-tom”
Meaning: No way
Type of speech: Hebrew
The literal translation of ma pitom is “what suddenly.” In Israel, we use ma pitom to indicate something unexpected or unacceptable.
“300 shekels? Ma pitom!”
Mashu Mashu – משהו משהו
Pronunciation: “Mash-oo Mash-oo”
Meaning: Awesome, fantastic, really something
Type of speech: Hebrew
The phrase “mashu mashu” literally means “something something.” It’s used to describe something that is truly amazing or fantastic. We use mashu mashu to describe a great meal, good trip, or even a pretty girl.
“How was your shawarma?” “Mashu mashu.”
Nu – נו
Pronunciation: “Noo”
Meaning: “Move forward and what’s the big deal?”
Type of speech: Yiddish expression
Nu’ is often used to urge someone to keep going or to hurry up. If you’re feeling annoyed by someone who’s moving slowly, you might complain and say, ‘nu.'”
“Nu, and what happened next?”
Sababa – סבבה
Pronunciation: “Sa-bah-bah”
Meaning: Cool, awesome, OK
Type of speech: Slang
“This Arabic word is frequently used in daily Hebrew to express that you agree with something or to show approval.”
. All Israelis use sababa, from the hipsters on Tel Aviv’s Shanken Street to those working to make this the Start-Up Nation.
“Do you want to come to Jerusalem?” “Sababa.”
Stam – סתם
Pronunciation: “Stah-m”
Meaning: Not important, just kidding, I’m joking
Type of speech: Hebrew
Add “stam” to the end of a sentence when you want to indicate that something isn’t special. You can also stretch the word out to indicate that you’re only kidding.
“I don’t like chocolate. Sta-a-am. who doesn’t like chocolate.”
Walla – וואלה
Pronunciation: “W-allah”
Meaning: Wow, really? you don’t say
Type of speech: Slang
We’ve adopted Walla from Arabic, and it’s used as you would use an exclamation mark! Raise your eyebrows and say “walla” to express your surprise at what someone tells you.
“You’re British? Walla!”
Yalla – יאללה
Pronunciation: “Yu-la”
Meaning: Let’s go, come on
Type of speech: Slang
Yalla’ is an Arabic term that functions similarly to the Yiddish word ‘Nu.’ You can use ‘yalla’ to prompt someone to speed up or to motivate them to take action. Saying ‘yalla yalla’ adds a sense of urgency and can come off as impolite.
For example, you might say, ‘Yalla, yalla, we’re going to miss the bus.
‘”Yoffi – יופי
Pronunciation: “Yo-fee” rhymes with toffee
Meaning: Beauty, Great, well done, nice
Type of speech: Hebrew
“‘Yoffi’ (or ‘yofi’) translates to beauty in Hebrew, but in Israeli slang, it conveys approval, recognition, or encouragement.”
“Yoffi, you’re doing well.”
Yalla, Sababa?
Yoffi, now you have a better understanding of Hebrew slang. Locals will think you’re a real motek (sweetie) and a booba (doll). Fitting in when you visit the Holy Land should be Kal (easy).
