A kalmar is a pencil case: a small pouch or box for pens, pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener. A list that says kalmar does not mean a filled stationery set.

What is the difference between a khotzetz and a shmardaf?

A khotzetz is a binder divider that separates sections. A shmardaf, also called naylonit, is a clear punched sleeve that holds and protects a page.

What is a makhberet mishbetzot?

A makhberet mishbetzot is a squared notebook used for arithmetic and math, also called makhberet kheshbon. Lined notebooks for Hebrew and other text subjects are makhberet shura.

What is a makhberet anglit?

A makhberet anglit is a notebook ruled in bands of lines that guide the height of Latin letters. A makhberet anglit is a paper format, not an English workbook.

What are tziv'ei panda?

In Israeli school usage tziv'ei panda are oil pastels, sticks of pigment with oil and wax. Panda is a brand name that became the everyday label, and tziv'ei panda are not wax crayons.

Israeli School Supply List in English

Bags And Personal Items

On the label or sign

תיקי גב: backpacks
תיק אורטופדי: structured backpack for younger children

תיק / ילקוט / תיק גבSchool backpack

tik / yalkut / tik gav

US English

Backpack or school backpack

UK English

Rucksack or school bag

What it is

A yalkut or tik gav is the school backpack. Tik on its own is a broad word for a bag, case, or folder.

The difference

On a filing list, tik can mean a paper folder rather than a backpack. A paper item adds words like A4, גומי, הגשה, or תיקייה.

Common mistake

Do not translate every tik as backpack; read the words around tik before you buy.

כיסוי גשם לתיקBackpack rain cover

kisuy geshem la-tik

US English

Backpack rain cover

UK English

Rucksack rain cover

What it is

A kisuy geshem la-tik is a removable waterproof cover for the school bag, sold by bag size.

The difference

The 2026 consumer checklist lists the kisuy geshem as optional, if needed, not as standard equipment.

Common mistake

Do not treat a kisuy geshem on a generic checklist as a school requirement.

On the label or sign

קלמר 2 תאים: two-compartment pencil case
מתרחב: expanding
קשיח: hard-shell

קלמרPencil case

kalmar

US English

Pencil case or pencil box

UK English

Pencil case

What it is

A kalmar is a small pouch or box for pens, pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener. A kalmar can be soft, hard-shell, expanding, or divided into compartments.

The difference

The word kalmar does not mean pencils are included, and a list that says kalmar does not prescribe one construction.

Common mistake

Do not buy a filled stationery set when the list says kalmar, and do not assume kalmar means only a rigid box.

תיק אוכלLunch bag

tik okhel

US English

Lunch bag

UK English

Lunch bag

What it is

A tik okhel is an insulated or fabric bag, usually zippered with a handle, that carries the food box.

The difference

A tik okhel is separate from the food container inside it.

Common mistake

Do not buy only a lunch box when the list asks for a tik okhel, the outer bag.

A lunch box, lunch bag and water bottle, kufsat okhel

On the label or sign

מחולקת לתאים: divided into compartments

קופסת אוכלLunch box

kufsat okhel

US English

Lunch box or food container

UK English

Lunch box or food container

What it is

A kufsat okhel is the rigid food container placed inside a bag, often a rectangular plastic box.

The difference

Current lists treat the kufsat okhel separately from the tik okhel.

Common mistake

Do not treat kufsat okhel and tik okhel as synonyms; check which one the list wants.

On the label or sign

בקבוק ספורט: sports bottle

בקבוק מים / בקבוק שתייהWater bottle

bakbuk mayim / bakbuk shtiya

US English

Water bottle

UK English

Water bottle

What it is

A bakbuk mayim or bakbuk shtiya is a reusable drinks bottle.

The difference

The term bakbuk shtiya says nothing about material or capacity, and a school list may just ask for a personal water bottle.

Common mistake

Do not treat a pictured 500 mL model as a universal school specification for the bakbuk.

Blank name labels on a notebook, madbekot shem

On the label or sign

מדבקות שם: name labels
מדבקות למחברת: notebook labels

מדבקת שם / תג שםName labels

madbekat shem / tag shem

US English

Name label or name tag

UK English

Name label or name tag

What it is

A madbekat shem is a label for writing the child's name on books and equipment. Some lists require the child's name and class on every book and notebook.

The difference

Madbekot alone can mean decorative stickers, while madbekot shem are writable identification labels.

Common mistake

Do not buy decorative stickers when the list asks for madbekot shem.

Writing And Coloring

Pencils with a sharpener and grip, iparon

On the label or sign

12 עפרונות: 12 pencils
מחודדים: sharpened
עם מחק: with an eraser

עיפרון / עפרונותPencil

iparon / efronot

US English

Pencil

UK English

Pencil

What it is

An iparon is an ordinary graphite pencil unless the list adds צבעוני, מכני, or חודים. Younger lists may ask for pencils already sharpened.

The difference

Hebrew adds the word tzivoniyim for colored pencils, so plain efronot means graphite pencils.

Common mistake

Do not buy colored pencils when the list says efronot without tzivoniyim.

A mechanical pencil with lead refills, iparon khudim

On the label or sign

עופרות לעפרונות: pencil leads
0.5 / 0.7: lead diameter

עיפרון מכני / עיפרון חודיםMechanical pencil

iparon mekhani / iparon khudim

US English

Mechanical pencil

UK English

Mechanical or propelling pencil

What it is

An iparon khudim is a refillable pencil that advances thin graphite leads. Iparon khudim is the school list wording, and iparon mekhani is the retail category.

The difference

The refills, חודים or עופרות לעפרונות, come in slim tubes marked with a diameter, commonly 0.5 or 0.7. Khudim are not pen ink or colored pencil points.

Common mistake

Do not match only the brand; buy khudim in the same diameter as the iparon khudim.

On the label or sign

עט כדורי: ballpoint pen
עט רולר: rollerball pen
עט ג׳ל: gel pen

עט / עטיםPen

et / atim

US English

Pen

UK English

Pen

What it is

An et is a generic pen, and the list may then name blue, black, or colored. Shops classify ballpoint, rollerball, and gel pens separately.

The difference

A list that says et kakhol or et shakhor does not accept any color or ink type.

Common mistake

Do not assume any et is fine when the list names כחול or שחור.

מחקEraser

makhak

US English

Eraser

UK English

Rubber or eraser

What it is

A makhak is a pencil eraser, usually a small white block. The Academy of the Hebrew Language maps makhak to both eraser and rubber.

The difference

Rubber is the UK word, and in US English rubber can suggest something else. A מחק ללוח מחיק is a different object for a dry-erase board.

Common mistake

Do not say rubber to a US reader for makhak, and do not confuse a pencil makhak with a whiteboard eraser.

On the label or sign

עם מיכל: with a shavings container
2 חורים: two holes

מחדד / מחדד עם מיכלPencil sharpener

mekhaded / mekhaded im mekhal

US English

Pencil sharpener; canister sharpener

UK English

Pencil sharpener; tub sharpener

What it is

A mekhaded is a pencil sharpener, and mekhaded im mekhal has a container that catches the shavings. The Academy now shows mekhaded as the standard pronunciation.

The difference

Primary lists often add עם מיכל. One-hole and two-hole models are both sold, so the hole count is a separate feature.

Common mistake

Do not buy a bare metal mekhaded when a primary list asks for one with a container.

On the label or sign

15 ס״מ: 15 cm
30 ס״מ: 30 cm

סרגלRuler

sargel

US English

Ruler

UK English

Ruler

What it is

A sargel is a straight ruler marked in centimetres. Primary lists often ask for a small 15 cm sargel, while other lists include 30 cm.

The difference

A sargel is measured in centimetres, so an inch-only ruler does not match the list.

Common mistake

Do not buy a 30 cm sargel that will not fit the pencil case when the list says 15 cm.

Child scissors with rounded tips, misparayim

On the label or sign

מספריים לילדים: children's scissors
קצה מעוגל: rounded tip

מספרייםScissors

misparayim

US English

Scissors

UK English

Scissors

What it is

Misparayim are scissors, and the Hebrew noun is grammatically plural. Younger grades may ask for learning scissors with rounded tips.

The difference

Packaging may give a length such as 16 cm and say whether the misparayim are made for children.

Common mistake

Do not buy adult pointed misparayim for a young primary list.

On the label or sign

דבק סטיק: glue stick

דבק / דבק סטיק / דבק שפתוןGlue stick

devek / devek stik / devek sifton

US English

Glue; glue stick

UK English

Glue; glue stick

What it is

Devek is generic glue, but school lists usually mean a solid twist-up glue stick. Devek sifton names the glue stick for its lipstick shape.

The difference

Liquid or white glue is a different product from devek stik.

Common mistake

Do not buy liquid craft glue when the list says סטיק or שפתון.

A tape dispenser with clear tape, selotape

On the label or sign

סלוטייפ כולל מתקן: tape with dispenser

סלוטייפ / סרט דבק / נייר דבקSticky tape

selotayp / seret devek / neyar devek

US English

Clear adhesive tape or sticky tape

UK English

Clear sticky tape or adhesive tape

What it is

Selotayp is a roll of clear sticky tape, often requested with a small dispenser.

The difference

Selotayp on a school list is not masking tape, parcel tape, or glue.

Common mistake

Do not buy only a refill roll when the list asks for selotayp with a dispenser.

אוחזן לעיפרון / אוחזן לראשית הכתיבהPencil grip

okhzan le-iparon / okhzan le-reshit ha-ktiva

US English

Pencil grip

UK English

Pencil grip

What it is

An okhzan is a small shaped grip that fits over a pencil to guide or cushion early handwriting. The okhzan appears on younger primary lists.

The difference

An okhzan is not a pencil case or a desk pencil holder.

Common mistake

Do not search for a pencil holder, which can mean a desk cup; ask for an okhzan that slides onto the pencil.

A stapler and hole punch, shadkhan and menakev

שדכן / מכלב + סיכותStapler and staples

shadkhan / makhlev + sikot

US English

Stapler and staples

UK English

Stapler and staples

What it is

A shadkhan is a stapler, and makhlev is the Academy term. The staples are סיכות (sikot).

The difference

Staple size is a separate specification; match the number on the staple box, such as 26/6 or No. 10, to the shadkhan.

Common mistake

Do not buy paper clips because sikot sounds like pins or clips, and buy staples that fit the shadkhan.

On the label or sign

מנקב ידני לחור אחד: one-hole hand punch

מנקב / מחוררHole punch

menakev / mekhorer

US English

Hole punch

UK English

Hole punch

What it is

A menakev is a tool that punches filing holes in paper. Shops sell one-hole hand punches and multi-hole desk punches.

The difference

The hole pattern of the menakev must suit the binder, and a US three-hole punch may not match an Israeli two-ring binder.

Common mistake

Do not treat a menakev as a stapler; check the hole count against the binder.

On the label or sign

צבעוניים: colored
פרמננטי: permanent
ללוח: for a whiteboard

טוש / טושים; לורד / לורדיםFelt-tip markers

tush / tushim; lord / lordim

US English

Felt-tip markers

UK English

Felt-tip pens or marker pens

What it is

A tush or lord is a porous-tip ink tool for coloring or marking. Packs of 10, 12, and 24 are common.

The difference

Israeli usage does not consistently say whether tush or lord is thick, thin, or permanent; lord began as a trade name, and Jerusalem usage reverses the thick and thin sense heard elsewhere.

Common mistake

Do not assume lord always means permanent or tush always means washable; check the modifier or ask the teacher.

מדגש / טוש זוהר / מרקרHighlighter

madgesh / tush zoher / marker

US English

Highlighter

UK English

Highlighter pen

What it is

A madgesh is a highlighter, a broad-tipped pen with bright, transparent ink. The Academy gives madgesh as the Hebrew term and records marker as a foreign synonym.

The difference

School lists use madgesh, tush zoher, and marker for the same item, while English marker is a much broader word.

Common mistake

Do not buy an opaque permanent marker when the list says marker; a madgesh is a highlighter.

עפרונות צבעוניים / צבעי עיפרוןColored pencils

efronot tzivoniyim / tziv'ei iparon

US English

Colored pencils

UK English

Coloured pencils or pencil crayons

What it is

Efronot tzivoniyim are wood-cased colored pencils, usually in boxed sets of 12 or 24. Tziv'ei iparon is another Hebrew phrasing.

The difference

Efronot tzivoniyim are different from wax crayons, felt-tips, and oil pastels.

Common mistake

Do not buy tziv'ei panda or wax crayons for efronot tzivoniyim just because all are called tzva'im in conversation.

On the label or sign

צבעי שעווה: wax crayons

צבעים / צבעי שעווה / צבעוניםCrayons

tzva'im / tziv'ei sha'ava / tziv'onim

US English

Crayons or wax crayons

UK English

Wax crayons

What it is

Tzva'im is everyday shorthand that depends on context. Nefesh B'Nefesh maps tzva'im to crayons, and the Academy's proposed term for a child's coloring stick is tziv'on.

The difference

Tzva'im can also be a broad instruction for coloring supplies, so the word is not one standard product. Look for שעווה on the box for wax crayons.

Common mistake

Do not treat tzva'im as one fixed product; ask the teacher which coloring medium the list means.

On the label or sign

נוזל מחיקה: correction fluid
רולר מחיקה: correction tape

טיפקס / מחיקון / נוזל מחיקה / רולר מחיקהCorrection fluid or tape

tipeks / mekhikon / nozel mekhika / roler mekhika

US English

Correction fluid or correction tape

UK English

Correction fluid or correction tape

What it is

Tipeks is the everyday brand-derived word for correction products, either fluid or dry tape. Mekhikon is the proposed Hebrew alternative.

The difference

A 2026 list marks tipeks for older pupils and only if allowed. Nozel mekhika is fluid, and roler mekhika is tape.

Common mistake

Do not buy fluid when the school allows only dry tape, or send tipeks to a grade where it is not allowed.

Notebooks

On the label or sign

A5 / A4: page size
40 / 72 / 80 דף: number of sheets
סיכה / ספירלה: stapled or spiral

מחברתSchool notebook

makhberet

US English

School notebook

UK English

Exercise book or school notebook

What it is

A makhberet is a bound book of blank, lined, or squared paper that a pupil writes in.

The difference

Israeli lists qualify makhberet by ruling, size, binding, page count, and number of subjects, so a generic notebook can be the wrong item.

Common mistake

Do not buy a makhberet by cover design; check size, ruling, page count, and binding first.

On the label or sign

שורה: lined

מחברת שורה / מחברת עבריתLined notebook

makhberet shura / makhberet ivrit

US English

Ruled or lined notebook

UK English

Lined exercise book

What it is

A makhberet shura has ordinary horizontal lines and is used for Hebrew and other text subjects.

The difference

Makhberet ivrit on a list describes the ruling and use, not a Hebrew language textbook.

Common mistake

Do not buy a Hebrew workbook or an English handwriting notebook for makhberet ivrit.

On the label or sign

10 שורות: 10 lines
14 שורות: 14 lines

מחברת 10 שורות / 14 שורות10 or 14 line notebook

makhberet eser shurot / arba-esre shurot

US English

Primary handwriting notebook, 10 or 14 lines

UK English

Primary handwriting exercise book, 10 or 14 lines

What it is

A makhberet 10 shurot or 14 shurot is a handwriting notebook for young grades. An Israeli stationery guide describes 10 lines for Grade 1, 14 lines for Grade 2, and ordinary lined books from Grade 3.

The difference

The school's own list decides which ruling to buy. Labels may add מקווקוות, with dotted guide lines.

Common mistake

Do not swap a 10 or 14 line makhberet for generic college-ruled paper.

On the label or sign

אנגלית: English ruling

מחברת אנגלית / מחברת שורות אנגליתEnglish-ruled notebook

makhberet anglit / makhberet shurot anglit

US English

Handwriting notebook with English ruling

UK English

Handwriting exercise book with English ruling

What it is

A makhberet anglit is ruled in repeated bands of lines that guide the height and placement of Latin letters.

The difference

A makhberet anglit is a paper format, not an English workbook.

Common mistake

Do not buy a single-line notebook or a printed English workbook for makhberet anglit.

A squared exercise book, mahberet mishbetzot

On the label or sign

משובץ: squared
חשבון: arithmetic

מחברת משבצות / מחברת חשבוןSquared math notebook

makhberet mishbetzot / makhberet kheshbon

US English

Graph or grid notebook; math notebook

UK English

Squared exercise book; maths book

What it is

A makhberet mishbetzot has a square grid and is used for arithmetic and mathematics. Kheshbon means arithmetic and mishbetzot means squares, and both name the same ruling family.

The difference

A school may ask for a guided Grade 1 version of the makhberet kheshbon.

Common mistake

Do not buy lined math paper or graph paper with any grid size; buy the makhberet mishbetzot the list names.

A plain blank exercise book, mahberet halaka

On the label or sign

חלקה: plain

מחברת חלקהPlain notebook

makhberet khalaka

US English

Unruled or plain notebook

UK English

Plain exercise book

What it is

A makhberet khalaka is a bound notebook with blank pages, often for early grades or creative subjects.

The difference

A makhberet khalaka is bound, unlike a בלוק ציור, whose sheets may be larger or tear out.

Common mistake

Do not buy a drawing pad for makhberet khalaka just because both have blank paper.

On the label or sign

למידה חכמה: smart learning, a product line name

מחברת חכמה / מחברת גאוניתGuided notebook

makhberet khakhama / makhberet ge'onit

US English

Guided handwriting or math notebook

UK English

Guided handwriting or maths exercise book

What it is

A makhberet khakhama is a branded notebook with emphasized, dotted, or otherwise guided lines or squares that help keep letters and numbers a consistent size.

The difference

A makhberet khakhama is not an electronic smart notebook. Variants include 10 or 14 lines, English, Grade 1 arithmetic, and low vision.

Common mistake

Do not substitute a plain notebook or a digitizing notebook for a makhberet khakhama.

A spiral multi-subject notebook, mahberet spirala

מחברת ספירלהSpiral notebook

makhberet spirala

US English

Spiral notebook

UK English

Spiral-bound notebook

What it is

A makhberet spirala is a wire or coil-bound notebook.

The difference

Spirala names only the binding; ruling, size, and subject count are separate.

Common mistake

Do not assume every makhberet spirala is A4 lined, or replace a non-spiral book the school requires.

On the label or sign

4 נושאים: four subjects

מחברת נושא אחד / רב־נושאיתMulti-subject notebook

makhberet nose ekhad / rav-nos'it

US English

One-subject or multi-subject notebook

UK English

Single-subject or multi-subject notebook

What it is

A rav-nos'it notebook has internal dividers that separate subjects. Israeli products include 2, 4, and 5 subject A4 spiral books.

The difference

The number of subjects is separate from ruling and size.

Common mistake

Do not buy several separate notebooks when the list asks for one makhberet with 4 נושאים.

On the label or sign

מחברת מעבדה שורה: lined A4 notebook
מחברת מעבדה חשבון: squared A4 notebook

מחברת מעבדהLarge A4 notebook

makhberet ma'abada

US English

Large A4 notebook

UK English

A4 laboratory exercise book

What it is

In school shops a makhberet ma'abada is a large A4 stapled notebook in lined or squared arithmetic versions.

The difference

A makhberet ma'abada is not necessarily a scientific lab record book, and a school may say without spiral.

Common mistake

Do not buy a hardbound scientific lab notebook for makhberet ma'abada.

Filing And Covers

On the label or sign

דפדפת A4 שורות: A4 lined loose-leaf
דפדפת חשבון: squared loose-leaf

דפדפתLoose-leaf paper

dafdefet

US English

Loose-leaf paper or refill

UK English

Loose-leaf paper or refill pad

What it is

A dafdefet is a pad of punched or removable lined or squared sheets for a binder, often A4.

The difference

A dafdefet is not a bound notebook, a drawing pad, or printer paper.

Common mistake

Do not buy a bound makhberet when the list says dafdefet.

On the label or sign

קלסר טבעות: ring binder
תיק שתי טבעות: two-ring binder

קלסר / עוקדן / אוגדןRing binder

klaser / okdan / ogdan

US English

Ring binder; sometimes lever-arch binder

UK English

Ring binder or lever-arch file

What it is

A klaser is a stiff cover with metal rings for punched loose sheets. Nefesh B'Nefesh calls the common school klaser a two-ring binder.

The difference

Klaser is broader than a US three-ring binder, and Israeli shops sell ring, office lever, and different spine widths. Okdan and ogdan are less common Hebrew alternatives.

Common mistake

Do not bring a US three-ring binder whose holes may not match locally punched paper.

On the label or sign

7 חוצצים: set of 7 dividers
12 חוצצים: set of 12 dividers
מדורג: stepped tabs

חוצץ / חוצציםBinder dividers

khotzetz / khotzetzim

US English

Binder divider or tab divider

UK English

File divider or subject divider

What it is

A khotzetz is a card or plastic sheet, usually tabbed, that separates sections in a binder. Lists normally ask for khotzetzim in a numbered set.

The difference

A khotzetz separates sections, while a clear sheet protector holds a page.

Common mistake

Do not buy sheet protectors when the list says khotzetzim.

Clear punched plastic sleeves, shmardafim

שמרדף / ניילונית / ניילון / שומרןSheet protector

shmardaf / naylonit / naylon / shomran

US English

Sheet protector or clear binder sleeve

UK English

Punched pocket or plastic sleeve

What it is

A shmardaf is a clear plastic pocket with filing holes that holds and protects a sheet. Shomran is the Academy term, and shops also say naylonit or naylon.

The difference

A shmardaf is not a divider. Translating naylon as the material alone does not name the product.

Common mistake

Do not confuse shmardaf with khotzetz; a shmardaf holds a page and a khotzetz separates sections.

Document folders, elastic folder and display book, tikiya

On the label or sign

תיקיית גומי A4: A4 elastic folder
אלסטיק פולדר: elastic folder

תיקייה / תיקיית גומיElastic folder

tikiya / tikiyat gumi

US English

Folder or elastic document folder

UK English

Folder or elasticated document wallet

What it is

A tikiya is a flat folder for loose worksheets, often plastic with corner elastics.

The difference

A tikiya has no binder rings unless the product says so, and here tikiya does not mean a computer folder.

Common mistake

Do not buy a ring binder for tikiya just because both can be called folder in English.

תיק הגשהReport cover

tik hagasha

US English

Report cover or presentation folder

UK English

Report file or presentation folder

What it is

A tik hagasha is a slim plastic or card folder for handing in an assignment, usually with a strip or fastener rather than rings.

The difference

A tik hagasha is for submitting one piece of work, unlike an elastic storage folder.

Common mistake

Do not buy an elastic folder or sheet protector when the school asks for a tik hagasha.

On the label or sign

תיק תצוגה 10 תאים: display book with 10 pockets

תיק תצוגה / אינדקסDisplay book

tik tatzuga / indeks

US English

Display book or presentation book

UK English

Display book

What it is

A tik tatzuga is a bound plastic cover with a fixed number of built-in clear pockets.

The difference

Unlike a binder with sheet protectors, the pockets of a tik tatzuga are permanently bound in, and the number refers to pockets.

Common mistake

Do not buy a binder with 30 dividers because אינדקס 30 sounds like divider tabs.

A clear cover on an exercise book, atifa

עטיפה לספר / למחברת / לחוברתBook cover

atifa la-sefer / la-makhberet / la-khoveret

US English

Book or notebook cover

UK English

Book or exercise-book cover

What it is

An atifa is a protective plastic cover. Ready-sized atifot differ for A5 notebooks, A4 workbooks, and textbooks.

The difference

An atifa can be clear, שקופה, or colored to mark a subject.

Common mistake

Do not buy one size of atifa for every book or substitute adhesive contact paper.

On the label or sign

יומן תלמיד: student planner
דו־יומי: two days per page

יומן / יומן תלמידStudent planner

yoman / yoman talmid

US English

Student planner or assignment diary

UK English

Homework diary or student planner

What it is

A yoman talmid is a dated school planner, and some primary versions also track home and school communication.

The difference

A yoman is not necessarily a personal journal. Current products show the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

Common mistake

Do not buy an undated blank journal or a yoman for the wrong academic year.

Art Supplies

A drawing pad and art portfolio, blok tziyur

On the label or sign

1/8 גיליון: eighth-sheet size
1/4 גיליון: quarter-sheet size

בלוק ציורDrawing pad

blok tziyur

US English

Drawing pad

UK English

Drawing pad

What it is

A blok tziyur is a pad of blank drawing paper. Lists vary between A4 and fractional sheet sizes such as 1/8 or 1/4 sheet.

The difference

Drawing pad alone does not settle the size of a blok tziyur.

Common mistake

Do not assume every blok tziyur is A4; check the size and sheet count on the list.

On the label or sign

תיק ציור 1/8 גיליון: eighth-sheet art portfolio

תיק ציור / תיקיית אומנותArt portfolio

tik tziyur / tikiyat omanut

US English

Art portfolio

UK English

Art folder or portfolio

What it is

A tik tziyur is a large flat carrier for artwork and the drawing pad, matched to the paper size.

The difference

A tik tziyur is separate from the everyday worksheet folder.

Common mistake

Do not buy an A4 elastic folder for a larger 1/8 sheet blok tziyur.

On the label or sign

פסטל שמן: oil pastel

צבעי פנדה / פסטל שמןOil pastels

tziv'ei panda / pastel shemen

US English

Oil pastels

UK English

Oil pastels

What it is

In Israeli school usage tziv'ei panda means oil pastel sticks, pigment combined with oil and wax. Panda is a product brand whose name became the everyday label for the medium.

The difference

Tziv'ei panda are not all artist pastels and not ordinary wax crayons; the sticks feel softer and oilier than crayons.

Common mistake

Do not buy chalk pastels or crayons for tziv'ei panda.

צבעי גואשGouache paints

tziv'ei guash

US English

Gouache or opaque watercolor paints

UK English

Gouache or poster paint

What it is

Tziv'ei guash are opaque, water-thinnable paints for art class. Lists often pair guash with brushes.

The difference

Guash is different from oil pastels and from ordinary transparent watercolors.

Common mistake

Do not buy oil, acrylic, or a dry watercolor set when the list says guash.

מכחול / מכחוליםPaintbrushes

mikhol / mikholim

US English

Paintbrushes

UK English

Paintbrushes

What it is

A mikhol is an art paintbrush, and the list may give a number, a size, or just ask for two simple brushes.

The difference

The exact size of a mikhol is school-specific.

Common mistake

Do not assume one special mikhol replaces a requested pair.

פלסטלינהModeling clay

plastelina

US English

Modeling clay or plasticine

UK English

Plasticine or modelling clay

What it is

Plastelina is a reusable non-drying modeling material for younger pupils, sold in small multi-color packs of sticks.

The difference

Plastelina is not kiln clay, air-dry clay, or soft play dough.

Common mistake

Do not buy soft dough or air-dry clay when the list says plastelina.

A small whiteboard with marker and eraser

On the label or sign

טוש מחיק דק: thin dry-erase marker
ללוח מחיק: for a whiteboard

לוח מחיק + טוש מחיק + מחק ללוחSmall whiteboard set

luakh makhik + tush makhik + makhak la-luakh

US English

Small dry-erase board, marker, and eraser

UK English

Small whiteboard, pen, and eraser

What it is

A luakh makhik is a pupil-sized whiteboard, used with a tush makhik, a dry-erase marker, and a makhak la-luakh, a board eraser. Lists often ask for an A4 board.

The difference

Each of the three luakh makhik pieces is separate, and the makhak here erases the board, not pencil.

Common mistake

Do not supply only the luakh makhik or use a permanent marker on it.

Geometry And Digital

משולש / סרגל משולשSet square

meshulash / sargel meshulash

US English

Drafting triangle or set square

UK English

Set square

What it is

On a geometry list a meshulash is a clear plastic triangular ruler, often packed in a geometry set.

The difference

Meshulash means triangle, but on a supply list the meshulash is a tool, not a drawn shape.

Common mistake

Do not buy only a straight ruler when the list says meshulash.

On the label or sign

180 מעלות: 180 degrees

מד זוויתProtractor

mad zavit

US English

Protractor

UK English

Protractor

What it is

A mad zavit is a semicircular angle-measuring tool. A current Israeli school model is transparent plastic, 180°, about 15 cm.

The difference

A mad zavit is different from a set square and from a digital angle gauge.

Common mistake

Do not confuse the mad zavit with the meshulash.

On the label or sign

מחוגה לעפרון: compass that takes a pencil

מחוגהDrawing compass

mekhuga

US English

Drawing compass

UK English

Pair of compasses or compass

What it is

A mekhuga is a two-legged instrument for drawing circles, one point anchoring the center and the other holding a pencil or lead.

The difference

A mekhuga is not a direction-finding compass, and the pencil or lead is not always included.

Common mistake

Do not buy a magnetic compass for mekhuga.

A geometry set with compass, protractor and set square

On the label or sign

סט מתמטיקה וגאומטריה: math and geometry set

ערכת הנדסה / סט שרטוטGeometry set

arkat handasa / set sirtut

US English

Geometry set or drafting set

UK English

Geometry set

What it is

An arkat handasa is a packaged set of geometry tools. A current 11-piece example includes a compass, protractor, ruler, set square, pencil, and eraser.

The difference

The contents of an arkat handasa vary between products.

Common mistake

Read the contents list of the arkat handasa and do not assume every set is the same.

On the label or sign

מדעי: scientific

מחשבון / מחשבון מדעיCalculator

makhshevon / makhshevon mada'i

US English

Calculator or scientific calculator

UK English

Calculator or scientific calculator

What it is

A makhshevon is a calculator, and makhshevon mada'i adds scientific functions. The type required depends on the grade.

The difference

Some high school lists require a non-graphing scientific makhshevon, and shops separate pocket, desk, scientific, and financial models.

Common mistake

Do not buy a basic, financial, or graphing makhshevon without checking the exact school or exam rule.

A dictionary and electronic dictionary, milon

מילון / מילונית אלקטרוניתDictionary

milon / milonit elektronit

US English

Dictionary or electronic dictionary

UK English

Dictionary or electronic dictionary

What it is

A milon is a print dictionary, and a milonit elektronit is a handheld electronic dictionary.

The difference

The 2026 general checklist says to buy a milon only if the school requires one, and some high school lists name approved models.

Common mistake

Do not buy a general dictionary or rely on a phone app when the list names a specific milonit or edition.

דיסק און קי / כונן USBUSB flash drive

disk on ki / konan USB

US English

USB flash drive or thumb drive

UK English

USB memory stick

What it is

A disk on ki is a portable USB storage device. Disk on key is the normal Israeli name.

The difference

A disk on ki is not a CD and not a security key, and the checked lists do not set one capacity.

Common mistake

Do not search for a literal disk or buy a hardware security key for disk on ki.

Wired headphones, laptop and mouse, ozniyot

On the label or sign

אוזניות עם חיבור חוטי: wired headphones

אוזניותHeadphones

ozniyot

US English

Headphones or earbuds

UK English

Headphones or earphones

What it is

Ozniyot are personal headphones for digital learning.

The difference

Recent lists may require חיבור חוטי, a wired connection, so wireless earbuds are not automatically the same.

Common mistake

Do not buy Bluetooth-only ozniyot when the list specifies a wired connection.

On the label or sign

עכבר חוטי: wired mouse
עכבר אלחוטי: wireless mouse

עכבר למחשבComputer mouse

akhbar la-makhshev

US English

Computer mouse

UK English

Computer mouse

What it is

An akhbar la-makhshev is a separate mouse for laptop or tablet work.

The difference

One current list recommends a personal wireless akhbar, while another treats computer accessories as needed.

Common mistake

Do not assume a trackpad replaces an akhbar the school asks for, or buy wireless when the list names wired.

מחשב נייד / לפטופ / טאבלטLaptop or tablet

makhshev nayad / laptop / tablet

US English

Laptop or tablet

UK English

Laptop or tablet

What it is

A makhshev nayad is a personal laptop for learning, and some schools accept a tablet.

The difference

A makhshev nayad is school-specific, not universal; one 2025 to 2026 list required it charged because charging was not available during school hours.

Common mistake

Do not buy a makhshev nayad from a generic checklist before you receive the school's technical specification.

Books

A stack of textbook, workbook and reader, sefer limud

On the label or sign

השאלת ספרים: textbook loan

ספר לימוד / רשימת ספריםTextbook

sefer limud / reshimat sfarim

US English

Textbook; book list

UK English

Textbook; book list

What it is

A sefer limud is the main textbook for a subject, listed on the school reshimat sfarim with title, publisher, and sometimes a catalogue number.

The difference

A sefer limud is often handled through a school lending scheme, השאלת ספרים, unlike consumable workbooks.

Common mistake

Do not buy or write in a sefer limud that the school lends, and buy the exact edition listed.

חוברת / חוברת עבודהWorkbook

khoveret / khoveret avoda

US English

Workbook or exercise booklet

UK English

Workbook or activity book

What it is

A khoveret avoda is a thin printed booklet of exercises that pupils write in.

The difference

A khoveret is printed, not a blank makhberet, even though both can loosely be called exercise book.

Common mistake

Do not buy a blank notebook when the list names a khoveret.

מקראהReader

mikra'a

US English

Reader or anthology

UK English

Reader or anthology

What it is

A mikra'a is a school reading anthology, often named by subject, such as מקראה בספרות.

The difference

A mikra'a is not a dictionary or a blank reading notebook, and some lists say the school provides it.

Common mistake

Do not buy an unrelated graded reader for mikra'a.

English list says	Look for in Israel	Keep in mind
Pencil case	קלמרkalmar	Pencils not included.
Sharpener with container	מחדד עם מיכלmekhaded im mekhal	Often required in primary school.
Lined notebook	מחברת שורהmakhberet shura	Check A4 or A5.
Math or graph notebook	מחברת משבצותmakhberet mishbetzot	Also called makhberet kheshbon.
Binder dividers	חוצציםkhotzetzim	Not sheet protectors.
Sheet protectors or punched pockets	שמרדף / ניילוניתshmardaf / naylonit	Not dividers.
Ring binder	קלסרklaser	Usually two rings.
Loose-leaf paper	דפדפתdafdefet	Not a bound notebook.
Highlighter	מדגש / טוש זוהרmadgesh / tush zoher	Marker on a list may mean this.
Oil pastels	צבעי פנדהtziv'ei panda	Not wax crayons.
Glue stick	דבק סטיקdevek stik	Not liquid glue.
USB flash drive	דיסק און קיdisk on ki	Normal Israeli name.

Mix-Ups to Avoid

Bags And Personal Items

תיק / ילקוט / תיק גבSchool backpack

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

כיסוי גשם לתיקBackpack rain cover

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

קלמרPencil case

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

תיק אוכלLunch bag

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

קופסת אוכלLunch box

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

בקבוק מים / בקבוק שתייהWater bottle

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

מדבקת שם / תג שםName labels

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

Writing And Coloring

עיפרון / עפרונותPencil

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

עיפרון מכני / עיפרון חודיםMechanical pencil

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

עט / עטיםPen

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

מחקEraser

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

מחדד / מחדד עם מיכלPencil sharpener

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

סרגלRuler

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

מספרייםScissors

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

דבק / דבק סטיק / דבק שפתוןGlue stick

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

סלוטייפ / סרט דבק / נייר דבקSticky tape

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

אוחזן לעיפרון / אוחזן לראשית הכתיבהPencil grip

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

שדכן / מכלב + סיכותStapler and staples

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

מנקב / מחוררHole punch

What it is

The difference

Common mistake

טוש / טושים; לורד / לורדיםFelt-tip markers