Hebrew for Tourists: The Complete Phrase Guide for Visiting Israel
First trip to Israel. I was standing at the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem, and in front of me a halvah vendor was bellowing: "בּוֹא, בּוֹא! תִּטְעַם! אֵיכוּתִי! זוֹל!"
I understood only בּוֹא (bo — come). I nodded, smiled, pointed at a piece of halvah. He scooped out a massive bag, announced a price... which I also didn't understand. I paid what he seemed to want and got whatever change he gave me. Later I found out I'd paid three times the going rate. 😅
In restaurants, I pointed at the menu. In shops, I silently held out money. On the beach, I couldn't even ask where the bathroom was. I felt like a mute tourist, wandering around just spending money.
The second trip, I learned basic Hebrew. And it was a completely different country. I bargained at the shuk, chatted with waiters, read the menu (and understood what I was ordering), asked directions from locals. Israelis smiled, helped, and sometimes even gave discounts just because I was making an effort to speak their language. 🇮🇱
This guide contains everything you need to navigate Israel confidently: from the airport to the shuk, from a restaurant to an emergency. Learn these phrases, and your trip will be unforgettable.
Key takeaway: Learn 50–100 basic phrases before your trip. It won't take long, but it will fundamentally change your experience.
Why Bother Learning Hebrew Before Your Trip?
It Opens Doors (Literally and Figuratively)
Israelis genuinely appreciate any effort to speak their language. Even broken Hebrew with a heavy accent will be met with warmth and patience. The cultural dynamic shifts instantly — from "tourist" to "traveler who respects us."
Real benefits:
✅ Connection — You can have actual conversations, not just transactions
✅ Money saved — You understand prices, can spot overcharging, and can bargain at markets
✅ Safety — You can read warning signs, understand announcements, ask for help
✅ Better service — Hotels, restaurants, and shops treat Hebrew-speaking visitors differently
✅ Richer experience — You catch the jokes, the cultural references, the texture of daily life
At the Airport (נְמַל הַתְּעוּפָה)
Ben Gurion Airport (נְמַל בֶּן-גּוּרְיוֹן) is modern, efficient, and clearly signposted — but the signs are in Hebrew first, then English. Here's what you need:
Passport Control
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| שָׁלוֹם | shalom | Hello |
| אֲנִי תַּיָּר / תַּיֶּרֶת | ani tayar / tayeret | I'm a tourist (m/f) |
| אֲנִי כָּאן לְחוּפְשָׁה | ani kan lechufsha | I'm here on vacation |
| שָׁבוּעַ | shavua | A week |
| שְׁבוּעַיִם | shvu'ayim | Two weeks |
| יֵשׁ לִי הַזְמָנָה בְּמָלוֹן | yesh li hazmana bemalon | I have a hotel booking |
| אֵיפֹה הַמִּזְוָדוֹת? | eifo hamizvadot? | Where is baggage claim? |
Inside the Terminal
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| אֵיפֹה הַיְּצִיאָה? | eifo hayetzia? | Where is the exit? |
| אֵיפֹה מוֹנִית? | eifo monit? | Where are the taxis? |
| אֵיפֹה הָאוֹטוֹבּוּס? | eifo ha'otobus? | Where is the bus? |
| כַּמָּה זֶה עוֹלֶה? | kama ze oleh? | How much does it cost? |
| אֵיפֹה לְהַחְלִיף כֶּסֶף? | eifo lehachlif kesef? | Where can I exchange money? |
| כַּמָּה שְׁקֵל לְדוֹלָר? | kama shekel ledolar? | What's the exchange rate? |
💡 Tip: The train from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv Central Station (תחנה מרכזית) runs every 30 minutes, costs about 20 NIS, and takes about 30 minutes. Much cheaper than a taxi. Look for signs: רַכֶּבֶת (rakevet — train).
Greetings and Basics (בְּסִיסִי)
Before anything else, master these:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| שָׁלוֹם | shalom | Hello / Goodbye | Any time, everywhere |
| בּוֹקֶר טוֹב | boker tov | Good morning | Until ~11am |
| צָהֳרַיִם טוֹבִים | tzohorayim tovim | Good afternoon | Midday |
| עֶרֶב טוֹב | erev tov | Good evening | After 6pm |
| לַיְלָה טוֹב | layla tov | Good night | Before sleeping |
| מַה נִּשְׁמָע? | ma nishma? | What's up? | Casual hello |
| בְּסֵדֶר | beseder | Okay / Fine / It's fine | Universal reply |
| סַבָּבָה | sababa | Cool / Great | Casual approval |
| תּוֹדָה | toda | Thank you | Always |
| תּוֹדָה רַבָּה | toda raba | Thank you very much | For bigger thanks |
| בְּבַקָּשָׁה | bevakasha | Please / You're welcome | When asking or receiving |
| סְלִיחָה | slicha | Excuse me / Sorry | Getting attention |
| לֹא מֵבִין | lo mevin | I don't understand | When lost |
| אַתָּה מְדַבֵּר אַנְגְּלִית? | ata medaber anglit? | Do you speak English? | Emergency backup |
Hotel and Accommodation (מָלוֹן)
Checking In
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| יֵשׁ לִי הַזְמָנָה | yesh li hazmana | I have a reservation |
| הַשֵּׁם שֶׁלִּי... | hashem sheli... | My name is... |
| מָתַי הַצֶ'ק-אִין? | matai hachek-in? | What time is check-in? |
| מָתַי הַצֶ'ק-אַאוּט? | matai hachek-aut? | What time is check-out? |
| אֶפְשָׁר צֶ'ק-אִין מוּקְדָּם? | efshar chek-in mukdam? | Can I check in early? |
| מַה קּוֹד הַ-WiFi? | ma kod haWiFi? | What's the WiFi code? |
| אֵיפֹה חֲדַר הָאֹכֶל? | eifo chadar ha'ochel? | Where is the dining room? |
| עַד אֵיזוֹ שָׁעָה אֲרוּחַת בֹּקֶר? | ad eizo sha'a aruchat boker? | Until what time is breakfast? |
Room Requests
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| אֶפְשָׁר עוֹד מַגֶּבֶת? | efshar od magevet? | Can I have another towel? |
| הַחֶדֶר צָרִיךְ נִקָּיוֹן | hacheder tzarich nikayon | The room needs cleaning |
| הַמִּזְגָּן לֹא עוֹבֵד | hamazgan lo oved | The air conditioning isn't working |
| אֵין מַיִם חַמִּים | ein mayim chamim | There's no hot water |
| אֶפְשָׁר לְהַחְלִיף חֶדֶר? | efshar lehachlif cheder? | Can I change rooms? |
| יֵשׁ רַעַשׁ מִחוּץ | yesh ra'ash michuts | There's noise from outside |
Restaurant and Food (מִסְעָדָה)
Israeli food is extraordinary — but you'll enjoy it even more when you can communicate with the staff.
Getting a Table
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| שֻׁלְחָן לִשְׁנַיִם, בְּבַקָּשָׁה | shulchan lishnayim, bevakasha | Table for two, please |
| יֵשׁ לָכֶם מָקוֹם? | yesh lachem makom? | Do you have space? |
| יֵשׁ לִי הַזְמָנָה | yesh li hazmana | I have a reservation |
| עַל שֵׁם... | al shem... | Under the name... |
| מַחְכִּים הַרְבֵּה? | machkim harbe? | Long wait? |
Ordering
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| תַּפְרִיט, בְּבַקָּשָׁה | tafrit, bevakasha | Menu, please |
| מַה אַתֶּם מַמְלִיצִים? | ma atem mamliitzim? | What do you recommend? |
| מַה זֶּה? | ma ze? | What is this? |
| אֲנִי רוֹצֶה... | ani rotze... (m) / ani rotza... (f) | I want... |
| אֶפְשָׁר... | efshar... | Can I have... |
| בְּלִי... | bli... | Without... |
| יֵשׁ אֹפְצִיָּה צִמְחוֹנִית? | yesh optzia tzimchonit? | Is there a vegetarian option? |
| יֵשׁ גְּלוּטֶן? | yesh gluten? | Does this have gluten? |
| זֶה כָּשֵׁר? | ze kasher? | Is this kosher? |
| טָעִים מְאֹד! | ta'im me'od! | Very delicious! |
| אֲנִי אָלֶרְגִּי לְ... | ani alergi le... | I'm allergic to... |
Paying
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| הַחֶשְׁבּוֹן, בְּבַקָּשָׁה | hacheshbon, bevakasha | The bill, please |
| אֶפְשָׁר לְשַׁלֵּם בְּכַרְטִיס? | efshar leshalem bekartis? | Can I pay by card? |
| כַּמָּה זֶה? | kama ze? | How much is it? |
| זֶה כּוֹלֵל טִיפּ? | ze kolel tip? | Is tip included? |
| לְחַלֵּק בְּנִפְרָד | lechalek benifrad | Split the bill |
💡 Tip: In Israel, tipping 10–15% is customary in sit-down restaurants. You'll often be asked "טיפ?" when paying by card — just say the amount or percentage you want added. A simple "כן, עשרה אחוז" (ken, asara achuz — "yes, ten percent") works perfectly.
Shopping and the Shuk (קניות ושוק)
At Any Shop
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| כַּמָּה זֶה עוֹלֶה? | kama ze oleh? | How much does this cost? |
| אֶפְשָׁר לִרְאוֹת? | efshar lirot? | Can I see it? |
| יֵשׁ לָכֶם...? | yesh lachem...? | Do you have...? |
| אֶפְשָׁר מַשֶּׁהוּ אַחֵר? | efshar mashehu acher? | Can I see something else? |
| מַה הַמִּידָה? | ma hamida? | What size? |
| יֵשׁ מִידָה קְטַנָּה יוֹתֵר? | yesh mida ktana yoter? | Do you have a smaller size? |
| אֲנִי רַק מִסְתַּכֵּל | ani rak mistachel | I'm just looking |
Bargaining at the Shuk
Bargaining (מִקַּח וּמֶמְכָּר — mikach u'memkar) is expected at open markets. Not in malls or supermarkets, but at Mahane Yehuda, the Carmel Market, or souvenir stands — absolutely go for it.
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| זֶה יָקָר מִדַּי | ze yakar midai | This is too expensive |
| אֶפְשָׁר הֲנָחָה? | efshar hanacha? | Can I get a discount? |
| מַה הַמְּחִיר הַסּוֹפִי? | ma hamechir hasofi? | What's the final price? |
| אֲנִי אֶתֵּן לְךָ... | ani eten lecha... | I'll give you... (+ amount) |
| אֶפְשָׁר שְׁנַיִם בְּמְחִיר אֶחָד? | efshar shnayim bemechir echad? | Two for the price of one? |
| מִסְכִּים | maskimim | We agree / Deal |
| אֲנִי לוֹקֵחַ | ani loke'ach | I'll take it |
A sample bargaining dialogue:
You: כַּמָּה הַמַּגְנֵט הַזֶּה? (kama hamagnèt haze?)
How much is this magnet?Seller: עֶשְׂרִים שְׁקֶל. (esrim shekel)
Twenty shekels.You: יָקָר מִדַּי. אֲנִי נוֹתֵן לְךָ שְׁלוֹשָׁה עָשָׂר. (yakar midai. ani noten lecha shlosha asar)
Too expensive. I'll give you thirteen.Seller: שִׁבְעָה עָשָׂר. (shiva asar)
Seventeen.You: טוֹב, חֲמִישָּׁה עָשָׂר — מִסְכִּים? (tov, chamisha asar — maskimim?)
Fine, fifteen — agreed?Seller: בְּסֵדֶר. (beseder)
Okay.
Transport (תַּחְבּוּרָה)
Buses and Getting Around
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| אֵיפֹה הַתַּחֲנָה? | eifo hatahana? | Where is the stop? |
| אֵיזֶה אוֹטוֹבּוּס לְ...? | eize otobus le...? | Which bus goes to...? |
| כַּמָּה זֶה? | kama ze? | How much is it? |
| אֵיפֹה אֲנִי צָרִיךְ לָרֶדֶת? | eifo ani tzarich laredet? | Where do I need to get off? |
| תַּגִּיד לִי כְּשֶׁמַּגִּיעִים לְ...? | tagid li kshe'magi'im le...? | Tell me when we get to...? |
Taxis
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| לְ... בְּבַקָּשָׁה | le... bevakasha | To... please |
| כַּמָּה זֶה יַעֲלֶה? | kama ze ya'ale? | How much will it cost? |
| אֶפְשָׁר מֶטֶר? | efshar meter? | Can you use the meter? |
| מָהֵר, בְּבַקָּשָׁה | maher, bevakasha | Quickly, please |
| כָּאן, תּוֹדָה | kan, toda | Here, thank you (telling the driver to stop) |
Sightseeing and Culture (תַּיָּרוּת)
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| אֵיפֹה...? | eifo...? | Where is...? |
| מַה זֶּה? | ma ze? | What is this? |
| מָתַי זֶה נִפְתָּח? | matai ze niftach? | When does this open? |
| עַד מָתַי פָּתוּחַ? | ad matai patuach? | Until what time is it open? |
| כַּמָּה עוֹלֶה כְּנִיסָה? | kama oleh knisa? | How much is the entrance? |
| אֶפְשָׁר תְּמוּנָה? | efshar tmuna? | May I take a photo? |
| יֵשׁ מַדְרִיךְ בְּאַנְגְּלִית? | yesh madrich be'anglit? | Is there an English guide? |
| זֶה מְעַנְיֵן מְאֹד! | ze me'anyen me'od! | This is very interesting! |
| אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לָקַחַת סִיּוּר | ani rotze lakachat siyur | I'd like to take a tour |
Reading Signs and Menus
Even basic Hebrew reading saves you countless moments of confusion:
Essential Signs
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| פָּתוּחַ | patuach | Open |
| סָגוּר | sagur | Closed |
| כְּנִיסָה | knisa | Entrance |
| יְצִיאָה | yetzia | Exit |
| שֵׁרוּתִים | sherutim | Restrooms / Toilets |
| גְּבָרִים | gevarim | Men |
| נָשִׁים | nashim | Women |
| סַכָּנָה | sakana | Danger |
| אָסוּר | asur | Forbidden / No |
| חוֹפְשִׁי | chofshi | Free / Available |
| תָּפוּס | tafus | Occupied / Taken |
| מֵעֲלִית | ma'alit | Elevator |
| מַדְרֵגוֹת | madregot | Stairs |
| קוּפָּה | kupa | Cashier |
| מְחִיר | mechir | Price |
Menu Basics
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| מָנָה רִאשׁוֹנָה | mana rishona | Starter / First course |
| מָנָה עִיקָרִית | mana ikarit | Main course |
| קִינּוּחַ | kinuach | Dessert |
| מַשְׁקֶה | mashke | Drink |
| מַיִם | mayim | Water |
| יַיִן | yayin | Wine |
| בִּירָה | bira | Beer |
| קָפֶה | kafe | Coffee |
| צָלוּי | tzalui | Grilled / Roasted |
| מְבֻשָּׁל | mevushal | Cooked / Boiled |
| אָפוּי | afui | Baked |
Cultural Tips for Visiting Israel
1. Directness Is Not Rudeness
Israelis are famously direct. Don't expect much "I'm terribly sorry to bother you, but..." — expect "what do you need?" This is warmth, not aggression. Embrace it.
2. The Magic Word: "Slicha"
סְלִיחָה (slicha) means both "excuse me" and "sorry." It's your universal polite opener for any request, interruption, or minor collision.
3. Shabbat Changes Everything
From Friday evening to Saturday night, Israel shifts gear. Most buses stop, many shops close, and religious neighborhoods become very quiet. Plan transport in advance — שֵׁרוּת (shared taxis) run all weekend.
4. Cash vs. Card
Major cities accept cards almost everywhere. But the shuk, small falafel stands, and some bus routes still prefer cash. Keep 50–100 NIS in cash.
5. Hebrew Compliments Open Doors
Even "אֲנִי לוֹמֵד עִבְרִית" (ani lomed ivrit — "I'm learning Hebrew") will get you warm smiles and usually slower, clearer speech from the person you're talking to.
Emergency Phrases
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| עֶזְרָה! | ezra! | Help! |
| אֲנִי צָרִיךְ עֶזְרָה | ani tzarich ezra | I need help |
| תִּקְרָא לְמַשְׁטָרָה | tikra lemishtara | Call the police |
| תִּקְרָא לְאַמְבּוּלַנְס | tikra le'ambulans | Call an ambulance |
| אֲנִי חוֹלֶה | ani chole | I'm sick |
| אֲנִי צָרִיךְ רוֹפֵא | ani tzarich rofe | I need a doctor |
| אֵיפֹה בֵּית חוֹלִים? | eifo beit cholim? | Where is the hospital? |
| אֲנִי אָלֶרְגִּי לְ... | ani alergi le... | I'm allergic to... |
| גָּנְבוּ לִי אֶת... | ganvu li et... | Someone stole my... |
| אָבַד לִי... | avad li... | I lost my... |
Emergency numbers: Police 100, Ambulance (MDA) 101, Fire 102.
Quick-Reference Vocabulary List
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| כֶּסֶף | kesef | Money |
| שֶׁקֶל | shekel | Shekel (Israeli currency) |
| כַּרְטִיס אַשְׁרַאי | kartis ashrai | Credit card |
| בַּנְק | bank | Bank |
| כַּסְפּוֹמָט | kaspomat | ATM |
| רְחוֹב | rechov | Street |
| כִּכָּר | kikar | Square / Plaza |
| מַפָּה | mapa | Map |
| מֶרְכָּז | merkaz | Center / Downtown |
| יָם | yam | Sea |
| חוֹף | chof | Beach |
| שׁוּק | shuk | Market |
| קָנְיוֹן | kanyon | Shopping mall |
| בֵּית-כְּנֶסֶת | beit-knesset | Synagogue |
| כְּנֵסִיָּה | knesia | Church |
| מִסְגָּד | misgad | Mosque |
What's Next
- Hebrew for Public Transport — buses, trains, and sherut in detail
- Hotel Hebrew — everything for your accommodation
- Hebrew Question Words — ask anything, anywhere
- Trainer — practice tourist phrases
- Lessons — learn Hebrew systematically
#israeltourism #hebrewfortourists #travelisrael #learnhebrew #israeltrip