Kombina is one of the most salient features of Israeli society. In order to survive in this country, one needs to fend for oneself, using all possible means: Contacts, resourcefulness and creative ideas. Some Israelis say we are even 'Medinat Kombina', a 'kombina' state. So how do you use this word, and how can you even turn it into a verb?
Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon
New Words and Expressions:
Kombina, kombinot – Connections, shady business – קומבינה
Kombinator – A person with a shady business; Someone who knows how to 'get by' – קומבינטור
Tizaharu she-lo tekablu shi'ur be-kombina – Make sure you don't get a lesson in kombina – תיזהרו שלא תקבלו שיעור בקומבינה
Ta'ase kombina – Use your contacts; Be resourceful – תעשה קומבינה
Kimbanti alcohol – I got the alcohol 'somehow' – קימבנתי אלכוהול
Lekamben – To get something using tricks and connections – לקמבן
Lehitkamben – To sort yourself out; to sit pretty – להתקמבן
"Eich hitkambanta al ha-mechonit ha-zot" – What did you have to do in order to get this car? – איך התקמבנת על המכונית הזאת
Playlist and Clips:
Axum – Kombina (lyrics)
Tamir Kimchi & Eyal Mazig – Medinat Kombina (lyrics)
