The main language in Israel is Hebrew along with English and Arabic, while Russian and French is also widely spoken.
However, knowing a few key phrases in Hebrew can go a long way in terms of experiencing life like a native.
Below your find the Hebrew Alphabet along with our “Basic Hebrew Phrases”. Do you have any Hebrew phrases you want to share?
Tell us in the comments on Facebook or send us a pm.
The Hebrew Alphabet (read from right to left)
Basic Hebrew Phrases
Atah medaber anglit? (male) / At medaberet anglit? (female)
Do you speak English?
Shalom
Literally means “peace” – Used for hellos and goodbyes, and plenty of other uses in between.
Sababa
Your basic “cool”, “great”, “alright”. Similar to ‘Awesome’ in USA.
Beseder
A more neautral word than ‘Sababa’:”Let’s do this”
Chen & Lo
Yes & no. Chen is pronounced [ken].
Ma nishmá
How are you doing/What’s up?
Related: Ma koreh (what’s happening?)
Ech holech
How’s it going?
Toda (Toda Raba)
Thanks and Thanks a lot!
Be te’avon
Bon Apetit!
L’chaim
Toast/cheers. Translates “to life!”
Bevakasha
Please.
Slicha
Excuse me or sorry
Tov
“Good” – When something goes well, say tov!
- Boker tov — Good morning
- Laila tov — Good evening
- Mazel tov — Good fortune (literally). A congratulatory phrase.
Lehitra’ot
See you / bye. As in adios, amigo!
Nachon
“Right” or “correct”
Shabbat (also Shabbos)
The Jewish holy day
Shabbat Shalom (also Good Shabbos)
The Jewish greeting on Shabbat.
Shekel
Currency (NIS = New Israeli shekel)
Sherut
Sheruts are essentially shared taxis. You’ll find them as public transport between most major cities in Israel, but also as an alternative to Tel Aviv’s public transportation. They’re often easier and more convenient than the actual government public transportation—and worth the few extra shekels (source: TravelsofAdams.com)
Ma-yim:
“Ma-yim” means Water. Israel is very hot, especially in the summer so it is always good to stay hydrated!
Ayfo Ha Shirootim?
Where is the bathroom?
Mana ahat bevakasha
I’ll take one please. “One serving”
Kama Ze Oleh?
How much does this cost?
Ma tov can? / ma taim can baezor?
What’s good here? / What’s good to eat here in the area?
Hetzi Goldstar ve chaser bevakasha
Half a liter of Goldstar and a chaser, please.
“Chaser” is a Hebrewized word denoting a small shot of hard liquor, anything from whiskey to local arak, that “chases” your beer.
