Traveling to Israel and don't know Hebrew? Don't panic! These 50 words and phrases cover 90% of tourist situations: from ordering in a cafe to calling a taxi.
Bookmark this article! It will become your mobile phrasebook in Israel. All words with transcription and usage examples.
Practical tip: Learn at least greetings and "thank you" - Israelis really appreciate attempts to speak Hebrew and become 10 times friendlier!
Greetings and Politeness (essential minimum)
1. שלום (Shalom) - Hello/Goodbye/Peace
Pronunciation: sha-LOM
Usage: Universal greeting, works always
Examples:
- Met an acquaintance: "שלום!"
- Entered a store: "שלום!"
- Saying goodbye: "שלום!"
Tip: This is the first word you need to learn. Israelis will appreciate it!
2. תודה (Toda) - Thank you
Pronunciation: to-DA (stress on last syllable)
Variations:
- תודה רבה (toda raba) - Thank you very much (to-DA ra-BA)
- תודה רבה רבה (toda raba raba) - Thanks a lot
When to use: After every service - in cafe, taxi, store
3. בבקשה (Bevakasha) - Please
Pronunciation: be-va-ka-SHA
Meanings:
- "Please" (when asking)
- "You're welcome" (responding to "thank you")
- "Here you go" (when giving something)
Example dialogue:
- You: "קפה, בבקשה" (Coffee, please)
- Waiter gives coffee: "בבקשה" (Here you go)
- You: "תודה" (Thank you)
- Waiter: "בבקשה" (You're welcome)
4. סליחה (Slicha) - Excuse me
Pronunciation: sli-HA
Usage:
- Apologizing
- Getting attention ("Excuse me, can you tell me...")
- Asking to pass in a crowd
Phrase: "סליחה, איפה...?" (Slicha, eifo...?) - "Excuse me, where...?"
5. כן / לא (Ken / Lo) - Yes / No
Pronunciation:
- כן (Ken) - KEN
- לא (Lo) - LO
Important: Universal answers, work in all situations
6. בוקר טוב (Boker tov) - Good morning
Pronunciation: BO-ker TOV
When: Until 12:00
7. ערב טוב (Erev tov) - Good evening
Pronunciation: E-rev TOV
When: After 16:00-17:00
8. לילה טוב (Laila tov) - Good night
Pronunciation: LAI-la TOV
When: Before sleep or leaving late evening
In Restaurant and Cafe
9. מים (Mayim) - Water
Pronunciation: MA-im
Phrase: "מים, בבקשה" - "Water, please"
Important: In Israel water in cafes is often not free! Ask: "מים בחינם?" (Mayim be-chinam?) - "Is water free?"
10. קפה (Cafe) - Coffee
Pronunciation: ka-FE
Types of coffee:
- קפה שחור (cafe shahor) - black coffee
- קפה הפוך (cafe hafuch) - cappuccino (literally "upside down")
- אספרסו (espresso) - espresso
11. תה (Te) - Tea
Pronunciation: TE
Types:
- תה שחור (te shahor) - black tea
- תה ירוק (te yarok) - green tea
- תה צמחים (te tsmachim) - herbal tea
12. חשבון (Cheshbon) - Check/Bill
Pronunciation: khesh-BON
Phrase: "חשבון, בבקשה" - "Check, please"
Tip: In Israel you often need to ask for the check, they don't bring it automatically
13. כמה זה עולה? (Kama ze ole?) - How much does this cost?
Pronunciation: KA-ma ZE O-le?
Alternative: "כמה?" (Kama?) - just "How much?"
14. יקר (Yakar) - Expensive
Pronunciation: ya-KAR (m.) / יקרה (yekara) ya-ka-RA (f.)
Bargaining phrase: "יקר מדי!" (Yakar miday!) - "Too expensive!"
15. טעים (Taim) - Tasty
Pronunciation: ta-IM
After meal: "היה טעים מאוד!" (Haya taim meod!) - "It was very tasty!"
Navigating the City
16. איפה (Eifo) - Where
Pronunciation: Ei-FO
Basic phrase: "סליחה, איפה...?" - "Excuse me, where...?"
17. שירותים (Sherutim) - Restroom
Pronunciation: she-ru-TIM
Important phrase: "איפה השירותים?" (Eifo ha-sherutim?) - "Where's the restroom?"
18. ימין / שמאל (Yamin / Smol) - Right / Left
Pronunciation:
- ימין (Yamin) - ya-MIN
- שמאל (Smol) - SMOL
19. ישר (Yashar) - Straight
Pronunciation: ya-SHAR
Directions: "ישר, אחר כך ימין" - "Straight, then right"
20. רחוק / קרוב (Rachok / Karov) - Far / Near
Pronunciation:
- רחוק (Rachok) - ra-KHOK
- קרוב (Karov) - ka-ROV
Question: "זה רחוק?" (Ze rachok?) - "Is it far?"
21. מרכז העיר (Merkaz ha-ir) - City center
Pronunciation: mer-KAZ ha-IR
Question: "איך מגיעים למרכז העיר?" (Eich magi'im le-merkaz ha-ir?) - "How to get to the center?"
22. אוטובוס (Otobus) - Bus
Pronunciation: o-to-BUS
Phrase: "איפה תחנת האוטובוס?" - "Where's the bus stop?"
23. מונית (Monit) - Taxi
Pronunciation: mo-NIT
Important: "מונית שירות" (monit sherut) - shared taxi (cheaper than regular taxi)
24. רכבת (Rakevet) - Train
Pronunciation: ra-KE-vet
Phrase: "איפה תחנת הרכבת?" - "Where's the train station?"
In the Store
25. כמה עולה זה? (Kama ole ze?) - How much does this cost?
Pronunciation: KA-ma O-le ZE?
Shorter: "כמה?" (Kama?)
26. אני רוצה (Ani rotse/rotsa) - I want
Pronunciation:
- אני רוצה (Ani rotse) - ANI ro-TSE (male)
- אני רוצה (Ani rotsa) - ANI ro-TSA (female)
Example: "אני רוצה מים" - "I want water"
27. יש לכם...? (Yesh lachem...?) - Do you have...?
Pronunciation: YESH la-KHEM?
Example: "יש לכם מפה?" (Yesh lachem mapa?) - "Do you have a map?"
28. הנחה (Hanacha) - Discount
Pronunciation: ha-na-KHA
For bargaining: "יש הנחה?" (Yesh hanacha?) - "Is there a discount?"
29. כרטיס אשראי (Kartis ashray) - Credit card
Pronunciation: kar-TIS ash-RAI
Question: "אפשר לשלם בכרטיס?" (Efshar leshalem be-kartis?) - "Can I pay by card?"
30. מזומן (Mezuman) - Cash
Pronunciation: me-zu-MAN
Phrase: "רק מזומן" (Rak mezuman) - "Cash only"
Numbers (basic)
31-40. Numbers 1-10
Masculine (for masculine objects):
- 1 - אחד (Echad) - e-KHAD
- 2 - שניים (Shnayim) - shna-IM
- 3 - שלושה (Shlosha) - shlo-SHA
- 4 - ארבעה (Arba'a) - ar-ba-A
- 5 - חמישה (Chamisha) - kha-mi-SHA
- 6 - שישה (Shisha) - shi-SHA
- 7 - שבעה (Shiv'a) - shiv-A
- 8 - שמונה (Shmona) - shmo-NA
- 9 - תשעה (Tish'a) - tish-A
- 10 - עשרה (Asara) - a-sa-RA
How to use:
- "אני רוצה שתיים" (Ani rotse shtayim) - "I want two" (e.g., tickets)
Time and Days of Week
41. מתי (Matay) - When
Pronunciation: ma-TAI
Question: "מתי האוטובוס?" (Matay ha-otobus?) - "When's the bus?"
42. עכשיו (Achshav) - Now
Pronunciation: akh-SHAV
Phrase: "אני רוצה לשלם עכשיו" - "I want to pay now"
43. מחר (Machar) - Tomorrow
Pronunciation: ma-KHAR
44. היום (Ha-yom) - Today
Pronunciation: ha-YOM
45. שעה (Sha'a) - Hour
Pronunciation: sha-A
Question: "כמה השעה?" (Kama ha-sha'a?) - "What time is it?"
Emergency Situations
46. עזרה (Ezra) - Help
Pronunciation: ez-RA
Cry for help: "עזרה!" (Ezra!) - "Help!"
47. משטרה (Mishtara) - Police
Pronunciation: mish-ta-RA
Phrase: "תתקשר למשטרה!" (Titkasher la-mishtara!) - "Call the police!"
48. רופא (Rofe) - Doctor
Pronunciation: ro-FE
Phrase: "אני צריך רופא" (Ani tsarich rofe) - "I need a doctor"
49. חולה (Chole) - Sick
Pronunciation: kho-LE
Phrase: "אני חולה" (Ani chole) - "I'm sick"
50. בית חולים (Beit cholim) - Hospital
Pronunciation: BEIT kho-LIM
Question: "איפה בית חולים?" (Eifo beit cholim?) - "Where's the hospital?"
Bonus Phrases (very useful!)
51. אני מדבר רק אנגלית (Ani medaber rak anglit) - I only speak English
Pronunciation: ANI me-da-BER RAK ang-LIT (male)
Female: אני מדברת רק אנגלית (Ani medaberet rak anglit)
When: If someone starts speaking to you quickly in Hebrew
52. אתה מדבר אנגלית? (Ata medaber anglit?) - Do you speak English?
Pronunciation: a-TA me-da-BER ang-LIT?
Tip: Most Israelis speak English, especially in tourist areas
53. סגור / פתוח (Sagur / Patuach) - Closed / Open
Pronunciation:
- סגור (Sagur) - sa-GUR
- פתוח (Patuach) - pa-TU-akh
Question: "האם זה פתוח?" (Ha'im ze patuach?) - "Is this open?"
54. אסור (Asur) - Forbidden
Pronunciation: a-SUR
On signs: You'll see it often, means "not allowed"
55. מותר (Mutar) - Allowed
Pronunciation: mu-TAR
Question: "מותר לעשן?" (Mutar le-ashen?) - "Can I smoke?"
How to Quickly Learn These 50 Words
Method 1: Flashcards (Anki)
Day 1-2: Greetings (words 1-8)
Day 3-4: Restaurant (words 9-15)
Day 5-6: Navigation (words 16-24)
Day 7-8: Store (words 25-30)
Day 9-10: Numbers and time (words 31-45)
Day 11-12: Emergency + bonus (words 46-55)
Result: All 55 words in 12 days at 15 minutes/day
Method 2: Contextual Learning
Learn words in groups by situation:
Situation 1: Arrived at airport
- שלום, תודה, בבקשה, איפה, מונית
Situation 2: Checked into hotel
- מפתח (key), שירותים, ארוחת בוקר (breakfast), מים
Situation 3: First dinner at restaurant
- קפה, מים, חשבון, כמה זה עולה, טעים
Method 3: Audio Repetition
- Download Google Translate
- Enter word in Hebrew
- Press "speak" icon
- Repeat aloud 5 times
On the go: Repeat words in taxi, bus, lines
Useful Conversational Combinations
Combo 1: In Cafe
"שלום! קפה וכריך, בבקשה. כמה זה עולה? תודה רבה!"
(Shalom! Cafe ve-karich, bevakasha. Kama ze ole? Toda raba!)
"Hello! Coffee and sandwich, please. How much is it? Thank you very much!"
Combo 2: Asking Directions
"סליחה, איפה הכותל המערבי? רחוק? תודה!"
(Slicha, eifo ha-Kotel ha-Ma'aravi? Rachok? Toda!)
"Excuse me, where's the Western Wall? Far? Thank you!"
Combo 3: In Store
"שלום, כמה עולה זה? יש הנחה? אני רוצה שתיים. תודה!"
(Shalom, kama ole ze? Yesh hanacha? Ani rotse shtayim. Toda!)
"Hello, how much is this? Any discount? I want two. Thank you!"
Combo 4: Emergency
"סליחה, אני צריך עזרה. אתה מדבר אנגלית?"
(Slicha, ani tsarich ezra. Ata medaber anglit?)
"Excuse me, I need help. Do you speak English?"
Pronunciation: Important Nuances
Sounds Not in English
1. "Kh" Sound (ח and כ)
- חכם (chacham) - wise
- Pronounced like Scottish "loch" or German "ch"
- Practice: exhale air from throat
2. "`" Sound (ע)
- ערב (erev) - evening
- Guttural stop (like choking)
- Many Israelis don't pronounce it clearly themselves
3. "R" Sound (ר)
- רחוב (rechov) - street
- Guttural r (like French)
- But regular English r will also be understood
Stress
Rule: In most words stress is on the last syllable!
- תודה (toda) - to-DA (not TO-da!)
- קפה (cafe) - ka-FE (not KA-fe!)
Exceptions: Some loanwords and short words
Cultural Features
"Shabbat Shalom" on Fridays
Phrase: שבת שלום (Shabbat shalom)
Pronunciation: sha-BAT sha-LOM
When: Friday evening and Saturday
Meaning: "Peaceful Sabbath"
Response: "שבת שלום" (same)
"Bli ayin ha-ra" - Against Evil Eye
Phrase: בלי עין הרע (Bli ayin ha-ra)
Pronunciation: BLI a-IN ha-RA
When: After a compliment or something good
Meaning: "Without evil eye" (like English "knock on wood")
Israeli Directness
Don't be offended: Israelis may seem blunt
- This is cultural norm, not personal
- "יאללה" (Yalla) - "Come on!" (may seem rude, but just means "hurry up")
Helper Apps for Travel
Google Translate
Functions:
- Camera: point at sign - translates
- Voice input: speak - translates
- Offline mode: download Hebrew beforehand
Gboard (Google keyboard)
Why: Install Hebrew keyboard
- Type addresses in maps
- Communicate in messengers
Moovit
For: Public transportation in Israel
- Bus and train routes
- Real-time schedule
- In English
Regional Features
In Jerusalem
Religious context:
- Modest clothing in Old City
- On Shabbat (Saturday) much is closed
Additional phrases:
- "חג שמח" (Chag sameach) - "Happy holiday" (during Jewish holidays)
In Tel Aviv
Secular city:
- More relaxed atmosphere
- English understood everywhere
- Open on Shabbat
Beach phrases:
- חוף (Chof) - beach
- ים (Yam) - sea
In Eilat
Resort area:
- Many Russian tourists and sellers
- Can get by with Russian/English
Where to Practice Before Trip
Online Resources
- Study these 50 words with examples
- Listen to pronunciation
- Do exercises
YouTube:
- "Hebrew for tourists" - short videos
- Listen to native pronunciation
In Your Country Before Trip
Jewish cultural centers:
- Conversation clubs
- Hebrew events
Israeli cafes and restaurants:
- Practice ordering in Hebrew
- Staff usually speaks Hebrew
Print and Take With You
Save this cheat sheet on phone or print:
Top-10 must-know:
- שלום (Shalom) - Hello
- תודה (Toda) - Thank you
- בבקשה (Bevakasha) - Please
- סליחה (Slicha) - Excuse me
- איפה (Eifo) - Where
- כמה (Kama) - How much
- מים (Mayim) - Water
- חשבון (Cheshbon) - Check
- שירותים (Sherutim) - Restroom
- עזרה (Ezra) - Help
With these 10 words you'll survive any situation!
After the Trip: Deepening
Enjoyed using Hebrew? Continue learning:
For deepening:
- HebrewGlot lessons - from scratch to conversational
- Binyan system - understanding verb logic
- Trainer - practice
Goal: Next trip speak more freely!
Pre-Trip Checklist
- Learned top-10 words by heart
- Downloaded Google Translate offline for Hebrew
- Installed Hebrew keyboard
- Saved this article in bookmarks
- Practiced pronunciation
- Learned phrases for my situations (restaurant/store/directions)
- Listened to Israeli podcasts to get used to sound
Conclusion
50 words and phrases from this article cover 90% of tourist situations in Israel. Learn at least the top-10 - and your trip will be much more comfortable!
Remember:
- Israelis appreciate attempts to speak Hebrew
- Even 3-5 words will improve their attitude toward you
- Don't be afraid of mistakes - you'll be understood!
Enjoy your trip! 🇮🇱
Want to learn more after the trip? Start with HebrewGlot lesson 1 - it's free!
Article updated: October 28, 2025
Save in bookmarks before your trip!