Speak Like Israeli Gen Z: 14 Slang Phrases That Are Totally 'Sof Ha'Derech'

_{[Cover Picture by Yoav Aziz]}

From 'Sababa' to 'Balagan': 14 Hebrew Slang Phrases to Up Your Game

Think you’ve got Hebrew down because you can say “Shalom” and “Toda”? Well, not so fast! If you want to keep up with Israeli Gen Z, you’ve got to dive into their unique slang. From the streets of Tel Aviv to Israeli TikTok, Hebrew slang has evolved into a whole new vibe, mixing creativity, humor, and a sprinkle of internet culture.

Ready to sound like a true Israeli Gen Z? We’ve got you covered with 14 must-know Hebrew slang phrases that’ll level up your language game. Whether you’re talking with friends or scrolling through Hebrew memes, these words will keep you up to date with the latest trends. Let’s dive into the coolest Hebrew lingo Gen Z is loving!

1. "Sababa" (סבבה)

Sababa is an essential word for Israeli Gen Z. It’s used to say “cool,” “okay,” or “no problem.” It can describe anything from how you’re feeling to how a situation is going. Whether you’re happy with plans or just chilling, sababa works in almost every situation.

Pronunciation: “Sah-bah-bah”
How to use it: "Let’s meet at the mall? Sababa!"
In short: Use sababa when you’re saying “cool” or “all good.”

2. "Achla" (אחלה)

Achla means “great” or “awesome.” It’s a casual, go-to slang for when something is better than expected. Whether it’s an event, a meal, or a good day, achla is the perfect way to express how awesome it was.

Pronunciation: “Ach-la” (with a soft “ch” like in “Bach”)
How to use it: "That concert was achla!"
In short: Say achla when something is great, fun, or impressive.

3. "Yalla" (יאללה)

This word comes from Arabic, but it’s been fully adopted into Hebrew slang. Yalla means “let’s go” or “hurry up,” and Israeli Gen Z uses it constantly. It’s perfect for rallying your friends or encouraging someone to move faster.

Pronunciation: “Yah-lah”
How to use it: "Yalla, we’re going to be late!"
In short: Use yalla to say “let’s go” or to hurry things along.

4. "Chai B’Seret" (חי בסרט)

Literally translating to “living in a movie,” chai b’seret is used to describe someone who’s out of touch with reality, kind of like saying they’re “living in a fantasy.” It’s the perfect playful roast for someone who’s being overly dramatic or unrealistic.

Pronunciation: “Chai b’seh-ret”
How to use it: "You think you’ll win the lottery? You’re chai b’seret!"
In short: Use chai b’seret to describe someone who’s living in a dream world.

5. "Sof Ha’Derech" (סוף הדרך)

This phrase literally means “end of the road,” but Gen Z uses it to describe something that’s the best of the best. It’s like saying “the ultimate” or “amazing” in English. When something blows your mind, it’s sof ha’derech.

Pronunciation: “Sof ha-de-rech”
How to use it: "That new café is sof ha’derech!"
In short: Say sof ha’derech to describe something unbelievably cool or impressive.

6. "Kapara" (כפרה)

Kapara is an endearing term that Gen Z uses to show affection, kind of like “sweetheart” or “love.” It’s often used between friends in a playful or loving way. You’ll hear this all over Israel as a term of endearment for close friends or family.

Pronunciation: “Ka-pah-rah”
How to use it: "Thanks for the help, kapara!"
In short: Use kapara when you want to show love or affection to someone.

7. "Chaval Al Hazman" (חבל על הזמן)

This one literally means “waste of time,” but Gen Z uses it to mean something is so good, it’s beyond words. It’s like saying “it’s amazing” or “out of this world.” If something is beyond awesome, it’s chaval al hazman.

Pronunciation: “Cha-val al haz-man”
How to use it: "That beach party was chaval al hazman!"
In short: Use chaval al hazman to hype something that’s insanely good.

8. "Tachles" (תכלס)

Tachles means “to the point” or “honestly.” It’s used to cut through the small talk and get real about a situation. When Gen Z uses tachles, they’re saying “let’s get straight to it” or “to be honest.” It’s all about being direct.

Pronunciation: “Tach-les” (soft “ch” like in “Bach”)
How to use it: "Tachles, I think we should leave early."
In short: Use tachles to get straight to the point or be real about something.

9. "Motek" (מותק)

Motek is a cute way of calling someone “sweetie” or “honey.” It’s used casually between friends, and sometimes even strangers, as a term of endearment. It’s super common among Israeli Gen Z, especially when they’re being friendly.

Pronunciation: “Mo-tek”
How to use it: "Can you help me with this, motek?"
In short: Use motek when you want to call someone sweet or friendly.

10. "Patzlach" (פצלח)

Patzlach comes from “patzua,” meaning “broken” or “injured,” but Gen Z uses it to describe someone who’s messed up or clumsy. It’s a playful way to poke fun at someone who’s had a clumsy moment or is feeling down.

Pronunciation: “Patz-lach”
How to use it: "You spilled your drink again? You’re such a patzlach!"
In short: Use patzlach to tease someone for being clumsy or awkward.

11. "Shvitz" (שביץ)

This slang comes from Yiddish and means “sweat,” but Israeli Gen Z uses it casually to describe anything sweaty or when someone’s working hard. It’s perfect for talking about a workout, a hot day, or just being super busy.

Pronunciation: “Shvitz”
How to use it: "I’m going to the gym for a big shvitz!"
In short: Use shvitz to talk about sweating or working hard.

12. "Al Ha'Panim" (על הפנים)

This phrase literally translates to “on the face,” but Gen Z uses it to describe something that’s really bad or a total failure. It’s like saying “this sucks” or “that was awful.” When something doesn’t go as planned, it’s al ha’panim.

Pronunciation: “Al ha-pa-neem”
How to use it: "That test went al ha’panim."
In short: Use al ha’panim when something goes completely wrong or fails.

13. "Shafa" (שאפה)

Shafa is used to give someone credit or props. It’s short for shefa (meaning “abundance”), but in slang, it means “respect” or “well done.” Israeli Gen Z uses it to compliment someone on doing something great or achieving something impressive.

Pronunciation: “Sha-fah”
How to use it: "You finished the project early? Shafa!"
In short: Use shafa to give someone respect or credit for a job well done.

14. "Balagan" (בלאגן)

Balagan is a widely-used word in Israel that means “chaos” or “mess.” If a situation is completely out of control, it’s a balagan. Whether it’s a messy room, a wild party, or a confusing situation, balagan is the perfect way to describe it.

Pronunciation: “Ba-la-gan”
How to use it: "My room is such a balagan right now!"
In short: Use balagan to talk about any chaotic or messy situation.

Now that you’ve learned these 14 Hebrew Gen Z slang words, you’re ready to blend in with the coolest crowds in Israel. Whether you’re hanging out in Tel Aviv or scrolling through Israeli social media, these phrases will help you fit right in. From saying sababa when everything’s cool to calling something balagan when it’s a mess, you’ve got the lingo to stay in the know. Start using them with friends, and you’ll be talking like a true Israeli Gen Z in no time!

Stay tuned to Woke Waves Magazine for more slang guides and global Gen Z trends!

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