How do you pronounce Sababa?

Sababa is pronounced "sa-BA-ba". The stressed syllable is marked in capitals. It is written סבבה in Hebrew script.

Sababa Meaning in Hebrew: Pronunciation & 5 Examples

What Does Sababa Mean in Hebrew?

Sababa (סבבה, pronounced sa-BA-ba) is the most iconic Israeli slang word, meaning "cool", "great", "awesome", or "no problem". It's borrowed from Arabic and is used universally by Israelis of all ages and backgrounds. You can use sababa to agree to plans, compliment something, or just signal that everything is fine. If an Israeli says "sababa" to you, it's a very good sign. You're being accepted warmly.

How to Pronounce Sababa

סבבה

Sababasa-BA-baCapitals = stressed syllable

The Hebrew script reads right-to-left. The English transliteration uses the Israeli Sephardic pronunciation standard.

When Do Israelis Use Sababa?

The single most iconic Israeli slang word, used by everyone from teenagers to grandparents. It covers "cool", "great", "sounds good", and "no problem" all at once. You can end any awkward silence with "sababa" and Israelis will immediately warm up. It signals approval, agreement, and general contentment in a single breezy word.

Fun fact

"Sababa" was voted Israel's most beloved slang word in multiple surveys. The word has spread beyond Israel. Diaspora Jews worldwide use it as a shorthand for Israeli culture. Common misconception: some think it means only "cool" like English slang, but sababa also covers agreement ("sure"), approval ("nice!"), and reassurance ("no worries").

Sababa in a Sentence: Examples

איך היה הסרט? סבבה לגמרי.
Eikh haya hasirat? Sababa legamrei.
How was the movie? Totally great.
אפשר לבוא מחר? סבבה, אין בעיה.
Efshar lavo makhar? Sababa, ein ba'aya.
Can I come tomorrow? Sure, no problem.
אתה סבבה, אחי.
Ata sababa, achi.
You're cool, man.
הכל סבבה? תגיד לי אם צריך עזרה.
Hakol sababa? Tagid li im tsarikh ezra.
Is everything cool? Tell me if you need help.
סבבה, נפגש ב-7 בערב.
Sababa, nifgash b'sheva ba'erev.
Sounds good, we'll meet at 7 in the evening.

Origin of Sababa

Borrowed from Arabic (ṣabāba, صبابة, meaning yearning, fondness, or something wonderful). Entered Hebrew through Mizrahi communities in the 1970s–80s and spread universally across Israeli society.

Trace the full journey of Sababa in the baba Atlas: the languages it passed through, what it literally means, and the sources.

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