Mikhail Poda

Topic: Joy, Pleasure

Joy & Pleasure

Hebrew Transcription Meaning Example
שִׂמְחָה simchà joy, gladness (the feeling) יש שמחה בבית. (yesh simcha ba-bayit) – There is joy in the house.
אֹשֶׁר osher happiness, well-being (a more lasting state) היא מאחלת לו אושר. (hi me’achelet lo osher) – She wishes him happiness.
הֲנָאָה hana’à enjoyment, pleasure (from doing/experiencing something) אני מקבל הנאה מהקריאה. (ani mekabel hana’a me-ha-kri’a) – I get enjoyment from reading.
תַּעֲנוּג ta’anúg delight, a treat, great pleasure (often “what a treat”) הקינוח היה תענוג. (ha-kinuach haya ta’anug) – The dessert was a delight.
כֵּיף kef fun (informal, everyday) היה כיף אתמול. (haya kef etmol) – It was fun yesterday.
עֹנֶג oneg pleasure, bliss (more elevated; also “a pleasure to…”) זה היה עונג לפגוש אותך. (ze haya oneg lifgosh otcha) – It was a pleasure to meet you.
גִּיל gil joy, exultation (poetic/elevated) הוא קפץ מגיל. (hu kaftz mi-gil) – He jumped for joy.
שָׂשׂוֹן sason gladness, rejoicing (biblical/poetic; often in set phrases) קול ששון ושמחה. (kol sason ve-simcha) – A sound/voice of rejoicing and joy.

Entertainment & Leisure

Hebrew Transcription Meaning Example
בִּידוּר bidúr entertainment (shows, media) אני מחפש בידור קליל לערב. (ani mechapes bidur kalil la-erev) – I’m looking for light entertainment for the evening.
שַׁעֲשׁוּעַ sha’ashu’à amusement, playful enjoyment זה היה שעשוע נחמד. (ze haya sha’ashu’a nechmad) – It was a nice bit of amusement.
בִּילּוּי bilúy recreation, entertaintment (the event itself) יצאנו לבילוי בעיר. (yatzanu le-biluy ba-ir) – We went out in the city for an outing.
פְּנַאי pnai leisure time (free time as a concept) אין לי הרבה פנאי השבוע. (ein li harbe pnai ha-shavua) – I don’t have much free time this week.