Ordering falafel in Israel may seem simple. But when learning Hebrew, the many different options and the barrage of short and direct questions from the seller could make the whole experience a bit stressful. Today, Guy explains how to keep calm through the mayhem of an Israeli falafel stand at lunch time.

Many podcast listeners have written to ask, “How can I improve my Hebrew?” So on this episode, Guy provides 7 tips that will help anyone, from those highly proficient to those just getting started, improve their spoken Hebrew.

The Hebrew word הרי (harei) is a tiny elusive word used to emphasize the words that follow it. Listen to the examples Guy prepared to help explain this somewhat fancy word.

It’s winter time in the northern hemisphere. It is also the time we start over-using the word קר (cold) because, for us Israelis, 14-17° C (57-63° F) is cold. So to get us ready for cooler temperatures, Guy prepared warm-up exercises consisting of words and phrases from the root ק.ר.ר

The Hebrew word סיפור means a story. Though in certain situations it could also mean a matter, a thing, or a mess. The root ס.פ.ר acts a bit funny in some of its verb formats. But no need to worry because Guy explains it all.

Hebrew provides plenty of ways to wish someone well, and they all depend on the severity of the illness. So what should we say to someone with a cold? How about the flu? Pneumonia? This winter, Guy provides a linguistic toolkit for all you well-wishers to use in almost any circumstance.

The Hebrew word פיצוץ (pitsuts) means explosion but is also used in the same fashion as the English phrase, “a blast,” meaning incredible or highly entertaining. And did you know that our neighborhood corner store is called a פיצוצייה (pitsutsiya)?

What does an Israeli judo champion mean when she says, האש כבתה לגמרי? In Hebrew, לכבות means to extinguish and to turn off. So please turn off all cell phones and listen as Guy explains all things כ.ב.ה.

How do you say “buzz off” or “beat it” in Hebrew? And how might it relate to paying off your mortgage? Guy explains.

Israelis need everything here and now, immediately. Preferably yesterday. That’s why the Hebrew word זריז (zariz), quick or quickly, is constantly in use. This episode is a crash course (קורס מזורז) on the root ז.ר.ז.