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PricingAboutSupportToo bad / What a shame
Chaval
slangSaying more? In baba you pick who you're talking to.
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Express regret or disappointment.
Context: Literally means "pity" or "shame". Common expression of disappointment.
Example conversation:
A: Literally means "pity" or "shame".
B: חבל
This phrase is considered casual in register and is at a beginner difficulty level for Hebrew learners.
Chaval
Break it down: Chaval
Hebrew is read from right to left. The transliteration above follows English reading order (left to right) to help you pronounce each sound correctly.
In Israel, casual communication is the norm. Israelis appreciate directness and informality, so this phrase fits right into everyday conversation.
This phrase stays the same regardless of the speaker's gender, making it easy to learn and use for beginners.
Body language matters in Israel. When saying "too bad / what a shame", slang expressions are part of the vibrant Israeli culture. Using them shows you are making an effort to connect on a deeper level.
| Hebrew | חבל |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Chaval |
| English | Too bad / What a shame |
| Category | slang |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Gender-specific | No: same for everyone |
Download baba for modern Israeli Hebrew with roles, slang, idioms, cultural context, tone, and transliteration. To translate a whole message with the right gender and register, use the free Hebrew to English translator.
"Too bad / What a shame" in Hebrew is "חבל". Literally means "pity" or "shame". Common expression of disappointment.
"חבל" is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.
Pronounced: Chaval