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Streetwise Hebrew

TLV1 Studiostlv1.fm
A bite-size podcast showcasing modern Hebrew and its slang. Host Guy Sharett explains what we can learn about Israeli psyche, society, and culture through the Hebrew language.
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Episodes

#412 Lost in Translation

The Hebrew word לתרגם, to translate, is a handy verb, especially if you live in Israel and go to the cinema. Why? Because you want to make sure the Israeli film you’re about to watch has been translated and has English subtitles. How do you ask whether something has been translated to your language? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Letargem – To translate – לתרגם Mutarjem (Arabic) – Translator – מותרג’ם Metargem – Translator – מתרגם Metargemet/metargem lisfat ha-...

Feb 06, 202410 minEp. 412

#411 Overcoming Depression

The Israeli song לצאת מדיכאון is perhaps the song that best describes how an entire nation is feeling at this moment. It’s an appropriate time to talk about דיכאון, depression, and its root. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: “Atem yod’im ma ha-derech hachi tova latset mi-dika’on?” – Do you know what is the best way to get out of depression? – אתם יודעים מה הדרך הכי טובה לצאת מדיכאון Dika’on – Depression – דיכאון Dik’onot – Depressions – דכאונות Latset mi-dika’on –...

Dec 19, 20238 minEp. 411

#410 Release Me

The Hebrew word לשחרר means to release, to free. It is used often when speaking about the hostage crisis in Gaza. How else do we use לשחרר, and how do we say it in the passive? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Leshachrer – To release, to free, to liberate – לשחרר Israelim kor’im la-memshala laasot hakol kedei leshachrer et ha-hatufim me-hamas. – Israelis call on the government to do whatever it can to release the hostages from Hamas. – ישראלים קוראים לממשלה לעשות...

Dec 12, 20238 minEp. 410

#409 When Will They Be Released?

“When will the hostages be released?”, מתי הם ישתחררו, is what everyone in Israel is asking themselves. This week we saw the release of some of the hostages taken on October 7th. Guy explains how we talk about it in Hebrew. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: “Et hishtachrarti” – When I got released – עת השתחררתי Hu hishtachrer – He got released, he was liberated – הוא השתחרר Hem hishtachreru – They were released – הם השתחררו Hem mishtachrerim, hen mishtachrerot – T...

Nov 28, 20239 minEp. 409

#408 Keep On Smiling

Especially these days, it’s important to keep on smiling and to try and stay optimistic. Guy explains how to smile in Hebrew. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Hiuyooch male shinayim – A smile full of teeth – חיוך מלא שיניים Hiyoochim mezuyafim – Fake smiles – חיוכים מזוייפים Raper/it – Rapper – ראפר/ית “Toda, he’eleta hiyooch al panai” – You brought a smile to my face – העלית חיוך על פניי Lehaalot hiyooch al pnei mishehu – To bring a smile to someone’s face – להע...

Nov 14, 202310 minEp. 408

#407 Words of Encouragement

In time of war, we need to cheer one another up. How do we cheer on and provide words of encouragement to those around us in Hebrew? Guy explains. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Idood – Encouragement – עידוד Shir idood – An encouragement song – שיר עידוד Milot idood – Words of encouragement – מילות עידוד Ha-keren le-idood yozmot hinoochiyot – The fund for promotion of educational initiatives – הקרן לעידוד יוזמות חינוכיות Ha-keren le-idood + noun – The fund for ...

Nov 07, 20238 minEp. 407

#406 Words of War

Israel is at war. There are a few words that we hear on the news all the time — words you should absolutely know. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Retsu’at aza – The Gaza Strip – רצועת עזה Retsua la-kelev – Leash for a dog – רצועה לכלב Otef aza (Ha-otef) – The area bordering with the Gaza Strip – עוטף עזה, העוטף Yeshuvey otef aza – Villages near the Gaza Strip, inside Israel – ישובי עוטף עזה Matach kaved shel raketot – Heavy barrage of rockets – מטח כבד של רקטות ...

Oct 24, 20239 minEp. 406

#405 You’re in Our Thoughts

What can you write to your family and friends in Israel during these difficult days of war? What’s appropriate at this moment? Guy has some ideas. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Letaksher im haverim ve-krovim – Communicate with family and friends – לתקשר עם חברים וקרובים Ve-eich lehabi’ah de’agah ve-tmicha – And how to express concern and support – ואיך להביע דאגה ותמיכה Shamati ma kara – I heard what had happened – שמעתי מה קרה Shamati ma kore ba-aretz achshav...

Oct 17, 20239 minEp. 405

#404 War

Israel is at war. Guy explains the word מלחמה and others from the same root, לחמ, that we hear on Israeli news coverage. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Milchama – War – מלחמה Milchama ve-shalom – War and Peace – מלחמה ושלום Milchemet ha-olam ha-rishona, ha-shniya – The First/Second World War – מלחמת העולם הראשונה, השנייה WW2 – מלחה”ע ה-2 Mivtsa – Operation – מבצע Lochama elektronit – Electronic warfare (lamed alef) – לוחמה אלקטרונית Lochama ba-terror – Counter-...

Oct 10, 20239 minEp. 404

#403 I Need Some Self-Discipline

There are quite a few words in Hebrew, like משמעות (meaning) and משמעת (discipline), that are connected to the root שמע (to hear) even though it might not seem like it at first sight. Let's go over some of these words together. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Mashmaoot – Meaning – משמעות Mashmaoot ha-shem – The meaning of the name – מה משמעות השם Ma mashmaaoot ha-mila/ha-mishpat – What is the meaning of the word/sentence – מה משמעות המילה/המשפט Ma mashmaoot ha-s...

Oct 03, 20237 minEp. 403

#402 Animal Sounds in Hebrew

If you didn’t grow up as a child in Israel, chances are you don’t know the sounds animals make in Hebrew, nor the verbs we use to describe them. Guy to the rescue. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Miao – Meow – מיאו Leyalel – To wail, to complain – ליילל Dai leyalel! – Stop complaining – די ליילל Klavlav – Small dog (kelev katan) – כלבלב Hav-hav – Woof-woof – הב-הב Kelev nove’ah – Dog barking – כלב נובח Ha-klavim novchim ve-ha-shayara overet – The dogs bark but t...

Sep 19, 202313 minEp. 402

#401 Animals

We have many expressions with animals in Hebrew. Like, איזה חמור הייתי. Which ones can you use day-to-day and which ones can get you in trouble? Guy explains. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Ein haya kazot – No such thing – אין חיה כזאת Eize hamor ani – I am so stupid – איזה חמור אני Eize hamor hayiti – How stupid I was – איזה חמור הייתי “Naavod kmo hamorim” – We’ll work like donkeys – נעבוד כמו חמורים Ani oved kol yom kmo hamor – I work everyday like a dog – אנ...

Sep 05, 202310 minEp. 401

#400 Eat Your Vegetables

In Israel, the person who runs our neighborhood vegetable stall, the ירקן, is an important figure. Guy explains why. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Yerakot – Vegetables – ירקות Yarkan – Vegetable seller – ירקן Yerek – Greens – יֶרֶק Haser li yerek – I am missing my greenery – חסר לי ירק Hanut yerakot, yarkaniya – Vegetable shop – חנות ירקות, ירקנייה Mishlo’ach yerakot habaita – Vegetables delivered home – משלוח ירקות הביתה Sal yerakot organiyim – Organic vegeta...

Aug 15, 202312 minEp. 400

#399 Face to Face

The Hebrew word פנים means face, and on its face, an ordinary and simple word. But there’s more to it in spoken Hebrew, including little things about its proper use. On this episode, Guy covers mafia talk, some politically incorrect uses of פנים, and a tourism campaign from the 1950’s. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Panim – Face – פנים Bi-fnim – Inside – בפנים Ba-huts – Outside – בחוץ Panim el mul panim – Face to face – פנים אל מול פנים Panim el panim – Face to...

Aug 08, 202312 minEp. 399

#398 Who’s Putting the Kids to Sleep?

The Hebrew word להשכיב means, to put something or someone in a horizontal position. Read that sentence again and you’ll understand why this episode is not suitable for children. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Lehashkiv – To put to rest, to put someone to bed – להשכיב “Kama kesef hishkavta al ze” – How much money did you spend on this – כמה כסף השכבת על זה “Eich ani matslicha lehashkiv et ha-ktanim kshe-yesh gdolim ba-bayit?” – How am I able to put the little on...

Jul 04, 202310 minEp. 398

#397 Only the Finest Goods

The Hebrew word סחורה means merchandise. When sellers in the fruit and vegetable markets shout סחורה אלף-אלף, what are they saying? And how do we say drug trafficking and drug dealers in the language of the Bible? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Socher – Trader, merchant, dealer – סוחר Socher rahitim – Furniture merchant – סוחר רהיטים Diamond dealer – Socher yahalomim – סוחר יהלומים Socher cocaine gadol – A big cocaine dealer – סוחר קוקאין גדול Socher samim, soc...

Jun 20, 202310 minEp. 397

#396 Shopping in Hebrew

Where do you go shopping? How do you pay? And what do we say to a friend who just bought something new? Guy explains shopping in Israel. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Kniyot, shopping – Shopping – קניות Metsiot – Findings, good deals – מציאות Mutag, mutagim – Brand name product – מותג Mutag ha-bayit – Home brand – מותג הבית Logo, logo’im – Logo, logos – לוגו, לוגואים Mutsar – Product – מוצר Mischar – commerce, trade – מסחר Socher – trader – סוחר Socharim bi-mn...

Jun 13, 202311 minEp. 396

#395 My Calendars Won’t Synchronize!

The Hebrew word for calendar is יומן. Our calendars used to be made of paper and hung up on the wall. But today, most of us have gone digital. That means all our events have to be synchronized across our many devices. So what does היומן לא מסונכרן mean? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Lua’ch shana – Calendar – לוח שנה Yoman – Calendar – יומן Lu’ach ha-shana ha-ivri (ha-lu’ach ha-ivri) – The Jewish calendar – לוח השנה העברי, הלוח העברי Yomana shel Anna Frank – An...

Jun 06, 20239 minEp. 395

#394 I Haven’t Seen You in Ages!

What should we say in Hebrew when we see someone we haven’t seen for a very long time? How about someone who just got back from an extended stay abroad? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Baruch shuvcha – Welcome back (m.) – ָברוך שובך Baruch shuvech – Welcome back (f.) – ברוך שובךְ Baruch shuvcha, chaver – Welcome back, my friend – ברוך שובך, חבר “Shalom rav shuvech tsipora nechmedet” – Welcome back, cute bird – שלום רב שובך ציפורה נחמדת Baruch ha-shav, brucha ha-...

May 23, 20238 minEp. 394

#393 Aim High

To aim, to tune, to intend, to really mean something. The Hebrew equivalent of these verbs all come from the root כ.ו.נ, a root which has many interesting uses in our spoken language. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Mi mechaven et ha-tnu’ah – Who is directing the traffic – מי מכוון את התנועה Lechaven ekdah le-ever mishehu – To aim a gun at someone – לכוון אקדח לעבר מישהו Az ani akhaven le-shmone kazé – I’ll aim to get there at eightish – אז אני אכוון לשמונה כזה ...

May 02, 202313 minEp. 393

#392 Which Direction Is the Wind Blowing?

The word כיוון means direction but it’s got many different uses in day-to-day Hebrew. In this episode, Guy talks about wind direction, career trajectory, prayer orientation and so much more. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Kivoon – Direction, bearing, orientation – כיוון “Kol kivoon she-bo halachnu” – Every direction in which we went – כל כיוון שבו הלכנו Kivoon ba-kariera – Career trajectory – כיוון בקריירה Kivoon ha-ktiva be-ivrit hu mi-yamin li-smol – The dire...

Apr 18, 202310 minEp. 392

#391 Hide and Go Seek

What do we say to someone really tall who is sitting in front of us in the movie theater? And how do spies communicate with each other? Guy explains the Hebrew root ח.ב.א Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Machbo’im – Hide and seek – מחבואים Mesachkim be-machbo’im – We’re playing hide and seek – משחקים במחבואים Machbo – Hideout, hiding place – מחבוא Mistor – Hiding place – מסתור Lehachbi – To hide – להחביא Lehastir – To hide – להסתיר “Tipim eich lehachbi mamtakim m...

Apr 11, 202310 minEp. 391

#390 See You at the Protests

In Hebrew, הפגנה is a demonstration, a protest. Israelis are very diligent protesters and demonstrators. Guy explains how to use the root פגנ to its fullest. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Hafgana - Demonstration, protest - הפגנה Hafganat neged - A counter demonstration - הפגנת נגד Hafganat ha-smol - The demonstration of the left - הפגנת השמאל Hafganat ha-yamin - The demonstration of the right - הפגנת הימין Hafganat ha-haredim - The ultra orthodox demonstration...

Apr 04, 20237 minEp. 390

#389 Dear Inspector

This episode is about the Hebrew root פקח. We call parking enforcement officers פקחי חניה. What might you say to one in order not to get a parking ticket? And what does this root have to do with kosher certificates? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Pikuach – Supervision, regulation – פיקוח Be-fikuach/be-pikuach – Under supervision – בפיקוח Gaz beiti – Domestic gas – גז ביתי “Batuach kshe-ze be-fikuach” – It’s safe when it’s under supervision – בטוח כשזה בפיקוח Be...

Mar 21, 202312 minEp. 389

#388 Danger Zone

There are so many סכנות, dangers, in everyday life. How do we say, “it’s not worth the risk,” in Hebrew? And what does the Japanese word for fish have anything to do with taking risks? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Sakana la-demokratya – Danger to democracy – סכנה לדמוקרטיה Sakanat hitchashmelut – Danger of electrocution – סכנת התחשמלות Ha-demokratya be-sakana – Democracy is at risk – הדמוקרטיה בסכנה “Mevad’im she-ein ba sakana le-yeladim” – Making sure there’...

Mar 14, 202312 minEp. 388

#387 Have You Been Working Out?

What Hebrew words and phrases do you need to know when looking for a new gym? How do we say fitness trainer, and what time is the best time to go to a gym? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Hadar kosher/Machon kosher – Fitness center, gym – חדר כושר, מכון כושר Ani holech la-machon – I am going to the gym – אני הולך למכון Minui (manuy) – Subscription, membership – מנוי, מינוי Minui “1 plus 1” – 1+1 subscription – מינוי אחד פלוס אחד Kama ole minui etslechem? – How m...

Mar 07, 202310 minEp. 387

#386 Exposing the Truth

The Hebrew word לחשוף is commonly used by archaeologists, journalists, dermatologists and… strippers. What does it mean? Guy explains. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Lahsof – To expose – לחשוף “Anahnu hosfim et ha-or shelanu la-shemesh, bederech klal bimchuvan” – We expose our skin to the sun, usually intentionally – אנחנו חושפים את העור שלנו לשמש, בדרך כלל במכוון “Gam anashim im gon or kehe yisarfu” – People with dark skin will also burn – גם אנשים עם גון עור ...

Feb 14, 20239 minEp. 386

#385 You Don’t Want to Mess With Me

There are people you don’t want to mess with, and there are things you shouldn’t do because they’re too much of a hassle. How do you say all this in Hebrew? Well, you’d use the עסק root, of course! Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Laasok be- – To deal with – לעסוק ב Hu osek be-ze harbe shanim – He’s been dealing with this for many years – הוא עוסק בזה הרבה שנים Al taasok be-ze achshav – You don’t have to deal with this right now – אל תעסוק בזה עכשיו Be-ma ata ose...

Feb 07, 202310 minEp. 385

#384 The Deal of a Lifetime

In Hebrew עסקים means business. Today, Guy talks about the root עסק and introduces other nouns we should know. Bonus: What do you do when you see an unfamiliar transaction in your credit card statement? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Esek – Business, matter – עסק Asakim – Business – עסקים Beit esek – Shop, store – בית עסק Ze lo ha-esek shelcha – It’s none of your business – זה לא העסק שלך Ish asakim – Businessman – איש עסקים Eshet asakim – Businesswoman – אשת ע...

Jan 31, 20239 minEp. 384

#383 Best Served Warm

The Hebrew word להגיש is a verb with several different meanings. Food, university papers and TV shows — these are all things we can להגיש. Guy explains. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Lehapil – To drop – להפיל, נפל Lehasi’ah – To drive someone somewhere – להסיע, נסע Lehagish bakasha – To submit a request, an application, or to apply for something – להגיש בקשה Kupat Holim – A national health insurance company – קופת חולים Eich lehagish bakasha le-tofesh 17 – How...

Jan 17, 20239 minEp. 383
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