Surprise! You’re already a Hebrew genius, and you didn’t even know it. Thanks to our interconnected world, modern Hebrew has borrowed a lot of English words. So, congratulations! You’ve got a secret stash of Hebrew vocabulary right in your English-speaking brain. Let’s unlock that linguistic treasure chest and discover 50 words that’ll make you sound like a sabra in no time.
Quick tip: Pronounce these words like an Israeli, so, basically try to simplify it, as in Hebrew we only have 5 different sounds. So, “AW” usually becomes “O”, and “YU” usually becomes “OO”. Later on I will add some sound to it, but for now, try to imagine your Israeli friends of family making “pitta” out of the English, and here we go 🙂
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1. אינטרנט (Internet) – Because how else would you show off your newfound Hebrew skills on social media?
2. אפליקציה (Application) – Almost like in English, and plural – אפליקציות
3. ווטסאפ (WhatsApp) – The lifeblood of Israeli communication
4. לפטופ (Laptop) – pronounced more like “Lep-top” but… it’s the same instrument.
5. לגגל (to Google) – Yes, it’s a verb. Example: אני מגגל את זה (Ani megagel et ze) – I’m Googling it
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6. סלפי (Selfie) – Because your Hebrew learning journey needs to be documented
7. לייק (Like) -It seems that in Israel, we’re better at expressing emotions in English. Maybe it’s because switching to another language instantly breaks the ‘tough’ military image.
8. פוסט (Post) – What you’re reading right now…
9. צ’אט (Chat) – But only in technology, not when meeting someone.
10. סטורי (Story) – A thing I still didn’t understand how and why to create….
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11. היי (Hi) – Your new favorite way to start a conversation\ביי (Bye) – Shorter than להתראות, and therefore – more common
12. ביי (Bye) – Shorter than להתראות, and therefore – more common
13. אוקיי (Okay) – The universal word, now with a Hebrew twist (o-key)
14. פליז (Please) – When ‘בבקשה’ (bevakasha) feels too formal
15. סורי (Sorry) – Same like “Like”. We are softer in English… So it’s easier to say “סורי” than “סליחה”…
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16. פיצה (Pizza) – Because even in the land of falafel, sometimes you need a slice
17. צ’יפס (Chips) – Used for both French fries and potato chips
18. מילקשייק (Milkshake) – For those hot Tel Aviv summers (also סמות’י – Smoothie…)
19. סנדוויץ’ (Sandwich) – A familiar favorite with a Hebrew accent (Send-vich)
20. ברוקולי (Broccoli) – Eat your veggies, even in Hebrew!
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21. וואו (Wow) – For when Hebrew leaves you speechless
22. שיט (Shit) – No Hebrew word for that. But we also have an Arabic alternative.
23. קול (Cool) – Because being מגניב (magniv) is so last year
24. אוווף (Oof) – When you’ve had enough of trying to pronounce those guttural Hebrew sounds
25. יסססס (Yesss) – When you are very happy with something (again, the Israeli emotions that are more easily expressed in English…)
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26. מוזיקה (Music) – The universal language, now in Hebrew (Mu-zi-ka)
27. ספוילר (Spoiler) – Don’t ruin the ending of this article!
28. פלייליסט (Playlist) – Fill it with Israeli songs for instant language immersion
29. פופקורן (Popcorn) – Essential for binging Israeli TV shows (but we say “Pop-Co-Ren”)
30. בינג’ (Binge) – As in “בינג’ בנטפליקס” (binge on Netflix) – Because marathon-watching your favorite shows is an international language
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31. דדליין (Deadline) – Always pronounced with a hint of panic
32. פרזנטציה (Presentation) – Impress your Israeli colleagues
33. בוס (Boss) – Show some respect to your מנהל (menahel), or… boss
34. סטארט-אפ (Start-up) – for the brave people our there
35. פידבק (Feedback) – Because “משוב” (mashov) sounds too formal
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36. טרנד (Trend) – Stay ahead of the curve in Hebrew style
37. שופינג (Shopping) – A favorite Israeli pastime, especially abroad
38. סטייל (Style) – Because fashion speaks all languages
39. מייקאפ (Makeup) – Look your best while speaking your best Hebrew
40. שמפו (Shampoo) – Keep your Hebrew and your hair looking fresh
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41. פילאטיס (Pilates) & יוגה (Yoga) – Strengthen your core and your language skills
42. ספורט (Sport) – General term for working up a sweat
43. טניס (Tennis) – Advantage: your vocabulary
44. סקי (Ski) – Yes, you can ski, but rarely in Israel..
45. גולף (Golf) – For the country club crowd
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46. ניו אייג’ (New Age) – Same spiritual vibe, now with a Hebrew accent
47. קואוצ’ינג (Coaching) – Get a personal trainer for your Hebrew
48. מיינדפולנס (Mindfulness) – Stay present while conjugating those Hebrew verbs
49. סופרפוד (Superfood) – Power up your Hebrew diet with some Chia seeds…
50. דיאטה (Diet) – Counteract all that delicious Israeli food (pronnounced “Di-E-Ta)
Congratulations! You’ve just expanded your Hebrew vocabulary by 50 words without breaking a sweat. Remember, these words often take on Hebrew grammatical forms, so don’t be surprised if you hear someone say “Let’s do a סלפי” or “I’m מגגל (Googling) it.”
Next time you’re chatting with Hebrew speakers, throw in a few of these words. You’ll either impress them with your local flair or give them a good laugh. Either way, it’s a win!
Got more English words you’ve heard in Hebrew? Drop them in the comments and let’s keep this linguistic party going!
After all, I only collected 50 words, but there are many many more!
And don’t forget to check out Part 2, where we’ll dive into the magical world of English suffixes that have found a new home in Hebrew.
