Babies and Young Children’s Vocabulary in Hebrew

Here’s a fact: Israelis love babies. In 2016, 181,405 babies were born in Israel, and every year since, that number just keeps increasing. No matter where you go in the Land of Milk and Honey, you will always see babies or pregnant women.

Today, along with reminding you about these great activities you can do with your young children while in Israel, we want to teach you some Hebrew vocabulary that is in this cute, engaging, encouraging, fun, and smelly field: babies.

If you are planning to live in Israel, to come for a long vacation, or only to spend 48 hours in Tel Aviv with your little ones, there are some Hebrew words you must learn. These words will help you both extend your Hebrew vocabulary, and help your lovely תינוק whenever he/she needs something.

Are you ready to learn some baby-related words in Hebrew? Make yourself comfortable, arrange the diapers near the screen from which you are reading this article and let’s learn.

Baby-related Hebrew words: Changing diapers, getting food, and buying baby powder

There are many things you’ll need to know when coming with your babies to Israel. Some words you’ll need to learn, and some places you’ll need to go to. With no more prelude, it is time to learn some Hebrew.

Diapers: Important word, isn’t? How many of these does your baby use per day? Whatever your question might be, you need to know how to ask for them in the closest supermarket or בית מרקחת (don’t worry, we’ll get to this word very soon). Diapers in Hebrew are called חיתולים (pronounced: chee-too-leem), and just like back home, you can find them in big packages so you can relax for at least… a few hours.

Baby Powder: That magical white powder that comes to seal our job when changing a diaper is called טלק (pronounced: talc). Just like we discussed in previous articles like The Modern Hebrew Words, there are many, many concepts that have been added to modern Hebrew along the way. Since it is language that was rescued from biblical times, we assume Abraham did not have any talc powder to apply on Yitzchak. Therefore, the name is very, very similar to the English version.

Pharmacy: Remember we told you we were going to get here? See! We keep our promises! There is a big chance you’ll have to go to a pharmacy if you are in Israel with a baby. Either to get more חיתולים, to buy formula for milk, or just to get a pacifier. Pharmacy in Hebrew is בית מרקחת (pronounced: Beit Mer-kah-chat), and you have one almost every 2 corners. Don’t worry, you’ll find one sooner than later.

Pacifier: Wow! Don’t you dare miss it, or change it for an uncomfortable one! This important element also affects the lives of thousands of parents in Israel. Pacifier in Hebrew is מוצץ (pronounced: moh-tzetz) and just for you to be relaxed, they sell it at almost every convenience store, kiosk, pharmacy and supermarket.

Park: Because your baby is not going to stay at home all day, right? Especially not in Israel where even on some winter days, people go to the beach. Park in Hebrew is פארק, yes, just like that… It is pronounced “park”, and we’re sure it will be easy for you to remember. In almost every park you’ll find משחקים לילדים (games for kids) that can keep them entertained for hours! If you want a recommendation for Jerusalem, don’t miss the “Monster” (here we tell you a bit more about the Monster in Kiryat Yovel).

Babysitter: Here’s another easy Hebrew word to learn. Why? Because since ‘babysitters’ (as a concept) did not exist in the biblical world, when rebuilding the Hebrew language, someone decided to use the word בייביסיטר for this. Know how to pronounce it? Can you guess? And you’re right! It is pronounced “babysitter”. Easy, isn’t?

Grandparents: Here’s a word to make grandparents melt from cuteness. With this Hebrew word you can teach your children, and then have them say it to your parents you’ll have a guaranteed emotional and remarkable moment. So, let’s make it even more specific, ok? Grandma is סבתא (pronounced: sav-tah) and grandpa is סבא (pronounced: sah-bah). Can you picture your little ones who are just learning how to speak, saying these names to your parents? Let us know how it goes!

It is always a good moment to learn some Hebrew!

It doesn’t matter what the reason is. If you’re planning to spend 48 hours in Tel Aviv, if you want to know how to date an Israeli, or if you want to know more about Israeli Hollywood stars, Hebrew is always useful!

Join one of our online Hebrew courses and start learning Hebrew today, in live lessons, with amazing teachers and classmates, from the comfort of your office or home. Don’t wait any longer and start mastering Hebrew today.