להירגע
lehira'ga
The English word 'chill' can be expressed in Hebrew using the verb להירגע (lehira'ga).
In Hebrew, the most direct equivalent to the action of chilling out is the verb להירגע, which means to calm down or to relax. If you wish to use 'chill' as an adjective to describe a person as being relaxed or easygoing, it is more common to use the adjective נינוח.
Meaning: calm, relaxed, easygoing (adj)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use 'chill' as an adjective to describe a person's temperament (e.g., 'he is chill'), the Hebrew form להירגע is primarily a verb describing the action of calming down.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form להירגע is an infinitive verb meaning 'to calm down' or 'to relax'.
How do you pronounce it?
lehira'ga
Did you know?
- Hebrew uses the word רוגע for the noun 'calmness', which is linguistically tied to the idea of a shaking or trembling motion finally coming to a stop.
- While להירגע is the formal way to say 'calm down', Israelis often use the English loanword 'chill' written in Hebrew characters as צ'יל to describe a person's vibe.
- The root of להירגע is the letters ר-ג-ע, which relates to the concept of 'quiet' or 'stillness' in ancient Semitic languages.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking after a stressful day.
- עגור Adiהיום היה כל כך לחוץ.hayom haya kol kakh lakhuts.Today was so stressful.
- נועם Noamאת צריכה להירגע עכשיו, עגור.at tsrikha lehirga akhshav, Agur.You need to chill now, Agur.
- עגור Adiאתה צודק, נועם. אני אנסה.ata tsodek, Noam. ani anase.You're right, Noam. I'll try.
- נועם Noamבואי נשתה משהו ונסתכל על השקיעה.bo'i nishte mashehu venistakel al hashkiya.Let's drink something and look at the sunset.
