Shiur Lexicon Companion

A Hebrew / Yiddish / Yeshivish listening guide

A glossary of common words and phrases used in shiurim.

A‍ ‍B‍‍ ‍C‍‍‍‍ ‍D‍‍‍E‍‍ ‍F‍ ‍ ‍G‍‍ ‍H‍‍ ‍IJ‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍K‍‍‍ ‍L‍‍ ‍ ‍M‍‍ ‍N‍‍‍O‍‍‍ ‍P‍‍Q‍‍. ‍R‍S‍‍‍ ‍T‍‍‍U‍‍‍ ‍V‍‍‍ ‍W‍‍‍ ‍X‍‍‍ ‍Y‍‍ ‍Z

Browse by letter:

davka / דווקא

Pronunciation: DAHV-kah
Definition: Specifically; precisely.
Example: “Davka here, the Torah says…”
Origin: Aramaic/Hebrew
Also spelled: dafka

derech / דרך

Pronunciation: DEH-rekh
Definition: Path; way; approach.
Example: “This is the derech of Chassidus.”
Origin: Hebrew
Also spelled: derekh

dibbur / דיבור

Pronunciation: dee-BOOR
Definition: Speech.
Example: “Dibbur reveals the inside.”
Origin: Hebrew
Also spelled: dibur

din / דין

Pronunciation: DEEN
Definition: Law; judgment; status.
Example: “The din is different.”
Origin: Hebrew

diyuk / דיוק

Pronunciation: dee-YOOK
Definition: Precise inference.
Example: “There’s a diyuk in the word.”
Origin: Hebrew
Also spelled: diyyuk

dor / דור

Pronunciation: DOR
Definition: Generation.
Example: “Every dor has its avodah.”
Origin: Hebrew

drash / דרש

Pronunciation: DRAHSH
Definition: Interpretive teaching.
Example: “The Midrash gives a drash.”
Origin: Hebrew
Also spelled: derash

dveikus / דביקות

Pronunciation: dvay-KUS
Definition: Attachment; clinging to Hashem.
Example: “The goal is dveikus.”
Origin: Hebrew/Yiddish
Also spelled: devekut