Streetwise Hebrew

The word סתם can mean many things in Hebrew: ‘for no particular reason,’ ‘just kidding,’ and it also has many more linguistic uses. Today we’ll learn the most common uses of סתם by ‘enlightened’ Israelis, and hear an advert where Rivka from Jerusalem calls China to ask how long she should boil her rice. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon   New Words and Expressions: Stam – Just like that, for no particular reason – סתם “Stam, hiyuch le-lo siba” – Just like that, a smile for no obvious reason – סתם, חיוך ללא סיבה “Stam ki ba li ledaber” – Just cause I feel like talking – סתם כי בא לי לדבר “Ani kan, ata sham, stam shney anashim” – I am here, you’re there, just two strangers – אני כאן, אתה שם, סתם שני אנשים “Chodesh me-hayom nihye kmo chadashim” – A month from today we’ll be as good as new – חודש מהיום נהיה כמו חדשים  “Ani kan, ata sham, stam shney anashim” – I am here, you’re there, just two strangers – אני כאן, אתה שם, סתם שני אנשים “Stam, ratsiti lomar lach shoov” – For no reason, I wanted to tell you aga