#157 “You Want a Juice?” “No”: Translating Israeli Brevity (Rerun)

We have all had conversations with Israelis bereft of the common courtesies - thank you, please, or polite excuses. On this episode, host Guy Sharett explains exactly what is going on in the Israeli brain when answering our offers or questions in what seems to be curt, abrupt, and even rude ways.

Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon

 

New Words and Expressions:

Nimus – Politeness – נימוס

Sicha menumeset – Polite conversation – שיחה מנומסת

Efshar espresso vaksha? – May I have an espresso please? – אפשר אספרסו בַקְשָה

“Nahutz li gever menumas” – I need a polite man – נחוץ לי גבר מנומס

Rotse kafe? Lo – Do you want coffee? No – רוצה קפה? לא

Efshar laredet? Ken – May I get off here? Yes – אפשר לרדת? כן

Ba lecha mitz? Lo – Do you feel like juice? No – בא לך מיץ? לא

Nifgashim ba-spontani? Lo, asuk – Wanna meet now spontaneously? No, I am busy – נפגשים בספונטני? לא, עסוק

Ani rotse havita – I’d like an omelet please – אני רוצה חביתה

Adoni – Sir – אדוני

Gvirti – Maam – גבירתי

“Ramkolim menumasim”- Polite loudspeakers – רמקולים מנומסים

 

Playlist and Clips:

Shlomo Artzi & Astar Shamir – Brit Lo Muteret (lyrics)

Yossi Banai & Yona Atari – Rina (lyrics)

Meir Ariel – Terminal (lyrics)