Hebrew for Survival

The words that will actually help you in Israel

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Hebrew for Survival

The words that will actually help you in Israel

Let’s be honest - Hebrew is not an easy language. The letters look different, the sounds are unfamiliar, and it’s written right to left. Nobody expects you to become fluent.

But here’s the thing: even knowing 20-30 words makes a real difference. People treat you differently. You feel less lost. And small interactions - at the shop, at work, with a neighbor - become a lot less stressful.

Say Hello (and Not Offend Anyone)

שלום
Sha-LOM
Hello / Goodbye

בוקר טוב
BO-ker TOV
Good morning

ערב טוב
EH-rev TOV
Good evening

תודה
to-DA
Thank you

בבקשה
be-va-ka-SHA
Please / You’re welcome

סליחה
sli-HA
Sorry / Excuse me

כן / לא
ken / lo
Yes / No

💡 Slicha is your best friend. Use it before asking anything - it immediately makes Israelis more helpful.

At Work

אני לא מבין
ani lo me-VIN
I don’t understand (male)

אני לא מבינה
ani lo me-vi-NA
I don’t understand (female)

אפשר לחזור?
ef-SHAR la-kha-ZOR
Can you repeat that?

רגע
RE-ga
One moment / Wait

סיימתי
si-YAM-ti
I’m done / I finished

Shopping & Getting Around

כמה זה עולה?
KA-ma ze o-le?
How much does this cost?

יקר מדי
ya-KAR mi-DAI
Too expensive

איפה...?
EI-fo...?
Where is...?

שמאל / ימין
sma-OL / ya-MIN
Left / Right

קבלה
ka-ba-LA
Receipt

Numbers - Just the Basics

אחת
a-KHAT
1

שתיים
SHTA-yim
2

חמש
KHA-mesh
5

עשר
E-ser
10

עשרים
es-RIM
20

מאה
ME-a
100

If Something Goes Wrong

עזרה!
ez-RA!
Help!

כואב לי
ko-EV li
I’m in pain

אני לא מרגיש טוב
ani lo mar-GISH tov
I don’t feel well

תקראו לאמבולנס
tik-RE-u le-am-bu-LANS
Call an ambulance

משטרה
mish-ta-RA
Police

💡 Download Google Translate and set it to Hebrew. The camera feature lets you point your phone at any sign and see the translation instantly.

When you try to speak even a little Hebrew - even just “shalom” and “toda” - most Israelis respond warmly. They know it’s hard. They appreciate the effort.