language

Put out the Fire

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.

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Shoo! Get out of Here!

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

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Can You Hurry It Up? Quick!

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.

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You Shouldn’t Steal

In Hebrew, גנב (ganav) is a thief. Perhaps you already know its Yiddish pronunciation, ganef (גאַנעוו). But there are other, more exciting words that belong to the Hebrew root גנב, including several slang uses. Guy explains.

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Take a Look Around You

The Hebrew words סביב (saviv), סביבה (sviva), מסביב (misaviv), סבב (sevev), all come from the ס.ב.ב root. They also come in very handy in spoken Hebrew. So today, Guy explains the many words and phrases that stem from this interesting root.

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We Deserve Special Treatment

We all deserve to receive good customer service and to be treated with respect. But let’s be real – that’s not always the case. The Hebrew word יחס means treatment, attention, and service, while the plural יחסים means relations.

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It’s Time to Decide

“You decide.” “No you decide.” “No no, you decide!” So many decisions to make. On this episode, Guy talks about Hebrew words and phrases related to decision-making.

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You’re So Wrong!

What Hebrew words and phrases can we use to disagree with someone? Which can be written in a reply online but not said to someone face to face? And which can be said but not written, and what intonation will give that extra oomph?

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No Thanks!

Sometimes people offer us things that we simply don’t want. Telemarketing? No thanks. A leaflet about a new yoga studio around the corner? No thank you. What about an offering of a slice of cheesecake baked by your friend when you’re on a diet? How do we decline an offer (politely or impolitely) in Hebrew?

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Six Is a Beautiful Number

This week we celebrate our podcast’s sixth anniversary. Can you believe it? Six years, שש שנים. It’s a good excuse to talk about שש, six, and its family of Hebrew words.

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