Modern Hebrew words: The “Televizia” Moses never had!

Oh, Eliezer Ben Yehuda, how much we love you! Eliezer Ben Yehuda is the father of modern Hebrew and the creator of the language we speak in Israel today. But, how could he create a modern language based on roots that were born thousands of years ago? That is the question we’d like to answer right here and now.

After arriving in Israel from Lithuania, Ben Yehuda set a goal: to make Hebrew the primary language in Israel. Kind of a difficult goal considering that people stopped using it in masses after the times of the bible. Today we’re not going to talk about the process he went through, but about 5 modern words that didn’t exist either in the roots of the language or in the times of the bible.

How do you say television, Wi-Fi, computer, or app? How do you refer to new elements and creations of our era? You might be surprised to hear that learning these Hebrew words will be very easy for you.

Modern Hebrew Words that are very easy to learn

Television

The correct way to say television in Hebrew is Televizia (Pronounced: Teh-leh-vee-zee-ah). So when asking how to turn the TV on in your hotel or in your AirBNB, you won’t have that much trouble. Simple translation, isn’t it?

Wi-Fi

Ok. So there are 2 different correct ways to say “Wi-Fi”, and the first one is just the same as English: Wi-Fi. Not problematic at all. Now, the second way to say it is “Internet Alchuti” (pronounced “internet al-chu-tee). Both of them are more than ok, but if you don’t want to sound like you are 100 years old, we recommend you go with the first one.

App

Some of the best apps in the world were created in Israel, but when developing them, they had another word in mind: Aplicatzia (pronounced: App-lee-kah-tzee-ah). Get used to the ending sound of this Hebrew word, because you’ll see it and hear it in more than one modern or technology-oriented word. Also, if you are thinking about the possibility of meeting an Israeli through Tinder, at some point, you’ll have to use the “aplicatzia” word when telling your story in public.

Credit Card

Back in Egypt, Pharaoh didn’t pay Moses with a VISA or MasterCard to stop the plagues. So, how do we say “Credit card” in Hebrew? How do we tell the young waiter that we would like to pay with plastic? Well, very easy “Cartis Ashrai” (Pronounced: Kar-tees Ash-rah-ee). Important: You can also use the word Cartis (card/ticket), without the Ashrai (credit) part, when buying a ticket on public transportation; either the bus or the train.

Camera

It happens. You will ask someone to take a picture of you and your family on your next trip to Israel. Therefore, you have to know how to say “camera” so you don’t embarrass yourself when they ask you if they can take the picture for you. The Hebrew word for camera is “Matzlema” (pronounced: Mah-tzleh-mah). Now you can freely ask anyone to take your matzlema and to freeze a perfect moment in the Holy Land. You’re ready to go!

If you want to learn more Hebrew words to assure a full experience in Israel, don’t hesitate to check out our Hebrew courses. Begin today and we’re sure tomorrow you’ll say “Todah” to yourself for having done it.