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, and they appreciate the effort.
