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
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
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.
