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. [1] 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.” [2]
  • Depending on the context and speaker’s tone, yalla can be a positive or negative term. [3]
  • 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. [4] [5] The term can be used positively or negatively depending on the context. [6] [7] 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.” [8]
  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.” [9]
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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. [10] 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: [11]
    • 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. ↑ Roi Bracha. Hebrew Teacher. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Roi Bracha. Hebrew Teacher. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Roi Bracha. Hebrew Teacher. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ http://www.lisaanmasry.org/online/word.php?id=5711
      5. ↑ Roi Bracha. Hebrew Teacher. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.jpost.com/blogs/bubble-perspectives/words-you-cannot-live-without-after-some-time-in-israel-400531
      7. ↑ Roi Bracha. Hebrew Teacher. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/aznfXLvlwIw?t=16
      9. ↑ https://aardvarkisrael.com/israeli-slang/
      1. ↑ Roi Bracha. Hebrew Teacher. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/israel/articles/the-top-10-hebrew-slang-words

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