Cheat Sheet Enjoy!

p e a k Like a Sab
S ra
Word Endings Sounds of Interest

-nik/-nikit: A suffix to denote the member of a

certain group, as in kibbutznik, chutznik, or
moshavnik
Last Syllable Rule: The syllable can be
repeated to denote a lesser or smaller form, such
as chatultul (small cat) or cacholchol (near-
blue).
English-Hebrew Conversion: If the
word ends in a “y”, the sound is changed to
“ia”, as in psychologia, biographia, and
nu: Not really a word, but significant in
intonation. It can mean anything from
*
“hurry up”, in which case it is often paired
with appropriate gestures or drawn out, to A Quick Guide to
Israeli Slang
I hope that this guide proves you well,
disbelief, as in the phrase “nu, b’emet?”
and provides an introduction to the wide
(sort of like saying “no, really?”)
world of Israeli slang. There is much
more to be learned than what is offered
here, but this could be a good start.
psshhhh: Sort of a hissing noise. It gives
the impression of being impressed, and *Sabra: A common
often used sarcastically. The most important thing is to get out term used to denote a
there and practice. Yes, people may make native-born Israeli
fun of your accent, and yes, you can get
yo, vow: These are often used, drawing

Cut & Carry

so on. For other words, try to make sure you away with speaking English, but the
emphasize the last syllable. Also, similarly, out the vowel, to denote shock, occasionally
disbelief. Signifies speechlessness, in a way.
best way to improve in the language
cemika=chemistry, matematica=math is to speak it. So take this, cut off the
Cheat Sheet if you want, and get ready
to Speak Like a Sabra.
Know the Difference!
Good Luck!
Living Situations: A kibbutz is a collective society, where all
property is owned by the collective. A moshav is similar to the
kibbutz, but property is owned by the individual. A yishuv is a very
small, “settlement” community.

Groceries: A makolet is a small grocery, like a general store.

A super is a supermarket (or, in a different context, superintendent).
A shuk is an open air market, usually referring to Machane Yehuda in
Jerusalem.
For more ideas on how to truly experience Israel, read
It’s Interesting in Israel: A Non-Tourist’s Guidebook
Transportation: A monit is a standard taxi. A sheirut is a van
service that travels between 2 major cities. A tender is a combo- a
or Yallah, Okay, Bye: An Aliyah Account
csb for around 10 people
 Talk to Me! Describe It!
Notes
Write the vocabulary
you pick up here:

Basic Info Phrases to Know

“allo”: Besides the well-known “shalom”, “korim li...”: This is how you should introduce “achla”: Another Arabic word that has been “achi/achoti”: Literally meaning “my brother”
this Israeli version of the word “hello” is also a yourself. It means “I am called” as supposed to absorbed into the language. This is something or “my sister”, this is a common way to refer to
common greeting (particularly for the phone). “shmi”, “My name is...” along the lines of “terrific” or “splendid”. the person your speaking to. The Hebrew
equivalent of “buddy” (“hey buddy, move it)

Well-being: There are many different ways
of asking “how are you” (see the next panel for
responses). These include “mah koreh” (what’s
happening), “mah inyanim” (what’s the news),
“sababa”: Another famous Israeli word, also
The Time: To ask for the time, you should say from the Arabic. This is used to mean “okay” or “chatich/chaticha”: From the Hebrew word
“mah hasha’a”. The response can be a number, “satisfactory”. It symbolizes nondescript meaning “a piece”, this word literally means “a
but like in English, there are shortcuts for acceptance or contentment. hunk”, a highly attractive person.

Cut & Carry

“mah nishma” (what’s happening), and “mah
hamatzav” (what’s the situation)
“Yallah”: This Arabic word has become one
of the most common worda uaed in Hebrew.
It means something similar to “onward” and is
often used to hurry someone along or resume
focus on a task. It is also part of a very common
phrase, “yallah, okay, bye”.
various times, like reva l’ (a quarter to). Other
examples: sheva v’reva (seven and a quarter,
7:15), shmoneh v’chetzi (eight and a half,
8:30)
IMPORTANT: If you see a flier, the time will
usually be in 24-hour time, so get used to
converting!
“al hapanim”: This fun phrase literally means “juke”: Literally meaning “cockroach”, the word
“on the face”, as in falling flat on your face. It can refer to someone sleazy or slimy, or basically
describes something very bad, something a jerk.
completely destroyed. For example, you could
use this to describe the economy, or a depressed
or very sick person.

Random, but Fun FRIENDSHIP WARNING: There are two words in

Hebrew for “friend”, “yedid/yedidah” and “chaver/
chavera”. If the second is used for the opposite gender,
“mah nisgar itcha/itach”: Basically, “what’s your problem?” This
it WILL imply a romantic relationship (even though
is a rather rude thing to say to someone, but it can come up.
it can be used for the same gender, without necessarily
implying homosexuality). So, unless you want to give
CURSES: Yes, there are plenty of swears and curses in Hebrew. others that idea, use the first to refer to those friends.
English versions are often used as minor swears. But they are left
off of here, as that would be inappropriate.