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Feb 1, 2011

how to say "mental retardation" in Hebrew...


At the end of today's dose, you'll find an opportunity to help people in Israel with mental disabilities.



Mental retardation is a condition that affects individuals and families in every ethnic group and every nation on the planet, including Israel.

The Hebrew word for retardation is פִּגּוּר (pee-GOOR), derived from the verb לְפַגֵּר (le-fah-GHER), meaning to lag or to slow down. It is sometimes used in everyday Hebrew to mean to be late or slow. For example, one might say, הַשָּׁעוֹן שֶׁלִּי מְפַגֵּר (hah-shah-OHN sheh-LEE meh-fah-GHER) - My watch is slow

לפגר is an intensive "פיעל" (pee-EL) verb. You can learn how to use it here.

The word for mental in Hebrew is שִׂכְלִי (seekh-LEE), derived from the word for intellect, שֵׂכֶל (SEH-khel). You may know the word from Yiddish.


To help individuals with פיגור שכלי
a word from our sponsor


This March, AKIM-Jerusalem is raising funds for people in Israel with פיגור שכלי, by inviting you to join a three-day trek in the gorgeous Israeli desert.