Essential Hebrew Phrases To Learn for Hanukkah

With Hanukkah just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to brush up on your Hebrew skills—and LanguageBird can help you do it quickly and confidently. Even if your current Hebrew only covers asking where the latkes are, you can learn key phrases that will allow you to participate fully in this joyful celebration. From greetings and blessings to words used during rituals and games, these phrases will make your interactions at Hanukkah gatherings more meaningful.

Why Learning Hebrew for Hanukkah Matters

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for eight days each winter. It honors the perseverance of the Jewish people, the rededication of the Second Temple, and the miracles they experienced. Learning Hebrew phrases lets you connect more deeply with these traditions and impress friends and family with your knowledge.

With LanguageBird’s one-on-one conversational lessons, you can learn not just the words, but also the proper pronunciation, cultural context, and when to use each phrase naturally. This ensures you’re not just memorizing words—you’re able to speak confidently and authentically at every Hanukkah celebration.

Essential Hanukkah Greetings in Hebrew

Hanukkah — חנוכה

Pronunciation: Kha-nu-KAH
Hanukkah means “dedication” or “rededication.” With LanguageBird, you can practice saying Hanukkah in context, combining it with greetings like Chag Sameach (“Happy Holiday”) to make your greetings sound natural and festive.

Chag Sameach — חג שמח

Pronunciation: Khag sa-MAY-akh
This versatile greeting works for Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays. LanguageBird lessons help you say it confidently, so when you arrive at a celebration, you can greet everyone with warmth and accuracy: “Chag Sameach Hanukkah!”

Hag Orim Sameah — חג אורים שמח

Pronunciation: Khag O-reem sa-MAY-akh
Meaning “Happy Festival of Lights,” this phrase is perfect for welcoming friends and family to Hanukkah events. In LanguageBird lessons, you’ll learn the pronunciation and cultural nuances so your greeting feels authentic.

Shalom — שלום

Pronunciation: Sha-LOM
Simple, meaningful, and versatile, Shalom means hello, goodbye, or peace. LanguageBird instructors can show you how to naturally pair Shalom with other phrases, like: “Shalom! Hag Orim Sameah!”

Phrases for Hanukkah Rituals

Lehadlik et hanerot — להדליק את הנרות

Pronunciation: Leh-had-LEEK et ha-ne-ROT
Meaning “light the candles,” this phrase is central to the nightly Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. LanguageBird lessons guide you step-by-step, teaching not only the words but also how and when to say them in the ritual context.

Nes gadol hayah sham — נס גדול היה שם

Pronunciation: Nes ga-DOL ha-YAH sham
“A great miracle happened there.” LanguageBird lessons help you understand its historical and cultural significance, so you can explain the phrase while playing dreidel or discussing the holiday.

Al hanisim — עַל הַנִּסִּים

Pronunciation: Al ha-NEE-seem
This phrase, meaning “on the miracles,” is part of the blessing recited after meals. Practicing with a LanguageBird instructor ensures you can pronounce it correctly and use it confidently in prayer or conversation.

Mi y’malel — מי ימלל

Pronunciation: Mee yuh-mah-LEL
Used in storytelling or singing, it means “Who will recite?” Your LanguageBird instructor can role-play holiday traditions with you, giving you hands-on practice to feel comfortable joining in.

Fun Hanukkah Vocabulary

Dreidel — סביבון

Pronunciation: S’vi-VON
LanguageBird lessons can teach you how to explain the dreidel game in Hebrew, say the letters (Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin), and describe the rules so you can join in confidently.

Hanukkiyah — חנוכיה

Pronunciation: Kha-noo-KEE-yah
Learn how to describe the menorah and its nine candles naturally in conversation. LanguageBird instructors help you practice phrases like: “Tonight we light the second candle on the Hanukkiyah.”

Gelt — געלט

Pronunciation: Gelt
Chocolate coins used in dreidel games. With LanguageBird, you can learn to explain this tradition to children or friends: “Here’s some gelt for your winnings!”

Latkes — לביבות

Pronunciation: LAHV-ee-vot
Potato pancakes traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Practice phrases like: “These latkes are delicious!” or “May I have another latke?” in your lessons.

Sufganiyot — סופגניות

Pronunciation: Soof-ga-nee-YOT
Jelly-filled donuts enjoyed during the festival. LanguageBird instructors help you practice ordering, describing, or complimenting these treats in Hebrew.

Extra Tips for Learning Hebrew Quickly with LanguageBird

Even a few days of preparation can help you use these phrases confidently at your Hanukkah celebration:

• Practice pronunciation with your LanguageBird instructor.

• Learn phrases in context with interactive role-play exercises.

• Create a cheat sheet with LanguageBird guidance for quick reference at parties.

• Pair words with actions: say “Lehadlik et hanerot” while lighting candles to reinforce memory.

• Receive immediate feedback on your pronunciation and usage so your greetings and blessings sound natural.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanukkah Phrases

Q: How do I pronounce Hanukkah in Hebrew?
A: Kha-nu-KAH, and LanguageBird can help you perfect it.

Q: What do the letters on a dreidel mean?
A: Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin stand for Nes Gadol Haya Sham — “A great miracle happened there.” LanguageBird instructors can guide you in saying these letters confidently.

Q: Can I learn Hebrew in time for Hanukkah?
A: Yes! With LanguageBird’s conversational lessons, you can learn essential greetings, blessings, and vocabulary in just a few sessions.

Q: What’s the difference between a Hanukkiyah and a menorah?
A: Hanukkiyah is the nine-candle menorah used specifically during Hanukkah. LanguageBird instructors provide context so you can explain traditions accurately.

Learn Hebrew in Time for Hanukkah with LanguageBird

You don’t need to be fluent to impress your family this Hanukkah. With LanguageBird’s interactive one-to-one lessons, you’ll learn essential phrases, proper pronunciation, and cultural insights so you can speak confidently and naturally. Start today and make your Hanukkah celebration unforgettable.