What Does “Yalla” Mean?

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How to use this Hebrew and Arabic word in any context
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Yalla is a popular slang term in Hebrew and Arabic, but what does it mean exactly? You might hear this term used when someone is trying to catch a flight or running late for school. That’s because yalla roughly translates to “hurry up” or “let’s go” in English. In this guide, we’ll teach you everything there is to know about yalla , from its meaning to how to use it.

Things You Should Know

  • Yalla is a Hebrew and Arabic slang term that means “let’s go” or “hurry up.”
  • Depending on the context and speaker’s tone, yalla can be a positive or negative term.
  • Use yalla to tell someone to pick up the pace or move faster, especially if you’re running late or playing a game.
Section 1 of 3:

“Yalla” Definition

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  1. In Hebrew and Arabic, yalla or yallah is typically used to tell someone to hurry up. [1] The term can be used positively or negatively depending on the context. [2] For instance, a friend might say this to another friend with a laugh if they’re racing bikes, or a mother might say this to her daughter with a snappy tone if she’s running late for school.
    • For example, someone might say, “Yalla, yalla! We’re going to miss the bus.” or “Yalla! Eat my dust, friend!”
    • In Hebrew, yalla is written as יאללה and pronounced “Yu-la.”
    • In Arabic, yalla is spelled as يلا and pronounced as “yuh-l-l-aa.” [3]
  2. When paired with a verb, the yalla roughly translates to “let’s.” In this context, yalla instigates a suggestion of an activity or action.
    • For instance, “Yalla balagan” means “Great, let’s go for it! It’ll be fun.” [4]
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Use “Yalla”

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  1. If a friend, family member, or stranger is being slower than you’d like, use yalla to tell them to hurry up. Saying the slang term with a smile and laugh makes it a lighthearted message, whereas saying it with a scowl or harsh tone makes it more demanding or urgent.
    • “Yalla, Sarah! I don’t want to be late.”
    • “You’re such a slow poke! Yalla, yalla!”
    • “Yalla, yalla! The bus leaves in 5 minutes.”
  2. Use yalla to say you want to do or try something with a friend, family member, or stranger. Simply add the term in front of a verb to say “Let’s __.”
    • “Yalla play!”
    • “Yalla go to dinner.”
    • “Yalla stay in tonight.”
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Section 3 of 3:

Other Popular Slang Words

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  1. As with any language, Hebrew is full of quick phrases and slang terms. Take a look at these popular terms: [5]
    • Dai : “Enough” or “you don’t say”
    • Nu : “Get on with it” or “c’mon”
    • Sababa : “Cool” or “awesome”
    • Walla : “Really” or “wow”
    • Yoffi : “Great” or “well done”

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.lisaanmasry.org/online/word.php?id=5711
      2. ↑ https://www.jpost.com/blogs/bubble-perspectives/words-you-cannot-live-without-after-some-time-in-israel-400531
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/aznfXLvlwIw?t=16
      4. ↑ https://aardvarkisrael.com/israeli-slang/
      5. ↑ https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/israel/articles/the-top-10-hebrew-slang-words

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