Hebrew Shopping Guide: Master Bargaining & Market Talk
Shopping in Israel is an adventure—from bustling markets (שוקים) to modern malls, from street vendors to boutique stores. But to truly experience Israeli shopping culture and get the best deals, you need to speak Hebrew. This is especially true in markets, where bargaining isn't just expected—it's part of the fun!
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything from basic shopping vocabulary to advanced bargaining tactics, transforming you from a tourist who pays full price to a savvy local who gets deals.
🛍️ Why Shopping Hebrew Matters
Beyond just buying things:
- Save 20-40% through bargaining at markets
- Avoid tourist traps - Vendors treat Hebrew speakers better
- Build relationships with shop owners
- Navigate any shopping situation confidently
- Understand pricing culture in Israel
- Experience authentic Israeli culture
Market fact: Hebrew speakers pay an average of 30% less than English-only tourists at Israeli markets!
🏪 Types of Shopping in Israel
Shopping Venues
שוק (Shuk) - Traditional market
- Best for: Fresh produce, spices, clothes, bargaining
- Examples: Carmel Market (Tel Aviv), Mahane Yehuda (Jerusalem)
- Hebrew level needed: Intermediate (bargaining required)
קניון (Kanyon) - Mall
- Best for: Fixed prices, AC, brands, one-stop shopping
- Examples: Dizengoff Center, Malha Mall, Azrieli
- Hebrew level needed: Basic (prices displayed)
מכולת (Makolet) - Corner store
- Best for: Quick essentials, neighborhood vibe
- Hebrew level needed: Basic (simple transactions)
סופרמרקט (Supermarket) - Supermarket
- Best for: Groceries, household items, self-checkout
- Examples: Shufersal, Rami Levy, Victory
- Hebrew level needed: Minimal (mostly self-service)
חנות (Khanut) - Store/shop
- Best for: Specialty items, service
- Hebrew level needed: Intermediate
🗣️ Essential Shopping Vocabulary
Basic Shopping Terms
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| לקנות | liknot | to buy |
| למכור | limkor | to sell |
| מחיר | mekhir | price |
| כסף | kesef | money |
| כמה זה עולה? | kama ze ole? | How much does it cost? |
| יקר | yakar | expensive |
| זול | zol | cheap |
| הנחה | hanakha | discount |
| מבצע | mivtsa | sale/special offer |
| לשלם | leshalem | to pay |
| קניות | kniyot | shopping |
| קונה | kone | buyer/customer |
| מוכר | mokher | seller/salesperson |
| רוצה | rotse/rotsa | want (m/f) |
| צריך | tsarikh/tsrikha | need (m/f) |
Money & Payment
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| שקל | shekel | shekel (₪) |
| אגורה | agora | agora (cent) |
| מזומן | mezuman | cash |
| כרטיס | kartis | card |
| אשראי | ashrai | credit |
| העברה | ha'avara | transfer |
| ביט | bit | Bit (payment app) |
| קבלה | kabala | receipt |
| עודף | odef | change (money back) |
| חשבונית | kheshbonit | invoice |
| מעמ | ma'am | VAT |
Sizes & Measurements
Clothing sizes:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| מידה | mida | size |
| קטן | katan | small |
| בינוני | beynoni | medium |
| גדול | gadol | large |
| אקסטרה לרג' | extra large | extra large |
| S, M, L, XL | es, em, el, eks el | S, M, L, XL |
Weight & quantity:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| קילו | kilo | kilogram |
| חצי קילו | khatsi kilo | half kilo |
| רבע | reva | quarter |
| גרם | gram | gram |
| ליטר | liter | liter |
| חתיכה | khatikhа | piece |
| אחד | ekhad | one |
| שניים | shnayim | two |
| עשר | eser | ten |
🏪 Shopping Scenarios
At the Market (בשוק)
Complete market conversation:
You: שלום, כמה עולה הקילו עגבניות? (Shalom, kama ole ha'kilo agvaniyot?) Hello, how much per kilo for tomatoes?
Vendor: 12 שקל לקילו (Shteim esre shekel la'kilo) 12 shekels per kilo
You: וואו, יקר! בדוכן הבא ראיתי 8 שקל (Wow, yakar! Ba'dukhan haba ra'iti shmoneh shekel) Wow, expensive! At the next stall I saw 8 shekels
Vendor: אבל התוצרת שלי הכי טרייה. בסדר, עשר שקל בשבילך (Aval ha'totseret sheli ha'khi triya. Beseder, eser shekel bishvilekha) But my produce is the freshest. OK, ten shekels for you
You: תן לי קילו וחצי. וגם קילו מלפפונים (Ten li kilo va'khetsi. Ve'gam kilo melafefonim) Give me kilo and a half. And also a kilo of cucumbers
Vendor: מצוין! 25 שקל בסך הכל (Metsutyan! Esrim ve'khamesh shekel besakh ha'kol) Excellent! 25 shekels total
At a Clothing Store
Shopping for clothes:
Salesperson: שלום, במה אוכל לעזור? (Shalom, bama ukhal la'azor?) Hello, how can I help?
You: מחפש/ת ג'ינס. יש לכם במידה 32? (Mekhapes/Mekhapeset jeans. Yesh lakhem be'mida shloshim u'shtayim?) Looking for jeans. Do you have in size 32?
Salesperson: כן, יש לנו כמה דגמים. מה הסגנון שאתה/את מחפש/ת? (Ken, yesh lanu kama dgamim. Ma ha'signion she'ata/at mekhapes/mekhapeset?) Yes, we have several models. What style are you looking for?
You: משהו כחול כהה, לא צמוד מדי (Mashehu kakhol kehe, lo tsamud miday) Something dark blue, not too tight
Salesperson: מושלם, יש לי בדיוק משהו. חדר המדידה שם (Mushlam, yesh li bediyuk mashehu. Khadar ha'mdida sham) Perfect, I have exactly something. Fitting room is there
[After trying on]
You: זה יושב יפה. כמה זה עולה? (Ze yoshev yafe. Kama ze ole?) This fits well. How much is it?
Salesperson: 299 שקל. אבל יש מבצע - קנה שניים קבל הנחה של 20% (Matayim tish'im ve'tesha shekel. Aval yesh mivtsa - kne shnayim kabel hanakha shel esrim akhuz) 299 shekels. But there's a sale - buy two get 20% discount
You: רק אחד בינתיים. אפשר לשלם בכרטיס? (Rak ekhad beyntayim. Efshar leshalem be'kartis?) Just one for now. Can I pay by card?
Salesperson: בטח! בבקשה, לכאן (Betakh! Bevakasha, le'khan) Of course! Please, this way
At the Supermarket
Navigating a supermarket:
Common questions:
- איפה המחלבה? (Eifo ha'makhláva?) - Where is the dairy section?
- יש לכם אורגני? (Yesh lakhem organi?) - Do you have organic?
- זה בהנחה? (Ze be'hanakha?) - Is this on sale?
- איפה הקופות? (Eifo ha'kupot?) - Where are the registers?
- יש קופה מהירה? (Yesh kupa mehira?) - Is there an express checkout?
At the checkout:
- יש לך כרטיס מועדון? (Yesh lekha kartis mo'adon?) - Do you have a club card?
- שקית? (Sakita?) - Bag? (costs ₪0.10)
- קבלה? (Kabala?) - Receipt?
💰 The Art of Bargaining (להתמקח)
When to Bargain
✅ Expected to bargain:
- Markets (שוקים) - Always!
- Street vendors - Absolutely
- Flea markets (שוק פשפשים) - Essential
- Antique stores - Usually
- Car purchases - Mandatory
- Apartment rentals - Common
❌ Don't bargain:
- Malls - Fixed prices
- Supermarkets - Fixed prices
- Chain stores - Fixed prices
- Restaurants - Never (except for large groups)
Bargaining Phrases
Essential bargaining vocabulary:
Opening gambits:
"כמה זה עולה?" (Kama ze ole?)
"How much is it?"
"יקר מדי!" (Yakar miday!)
"Too expensive!"
"יש הנחה?" (Yesh hanakha?)
"Is there a discount?"
"מה המחיר האחרון?" (Ma ha'mekhir ha'akharon?)
"What's the final price?"
"תן לי מחיר טוב" (Ten li mekhir tov)
"Give me a good price"
Counter-offers:
"אני יכול/ה לתת [X] שקל" (Ani yakhol/yekhola latet [X] shekel)
"I can give [X] shekels"
"באמת? בדוכן הבא ראיתי [מחיר נמוך יותר]"
(Be'emet? Ba'dukhan haba ra'iti [mekhir namukh yoter])
"Really? At the next stall I saw [lower price]"
"זה לא שווה את זה" (Ze lo shave et ze)
"It's not worth it"
"בוא נתפשר על [X]" (Bo nitpasher al [X])
"Let's compromise on [X]"
Walking away (powerful tactic!):
"יקר מדי בשבילי, תודה" (Yakar miday bishvili, toda)
"Too expensive for me, thanks"
"אני הולך/ת לחפש במקום אחר" (Ani holekh/holekhet lekhapes be'makom akher)
"I'm going to look elsewhere"
"תודה, אולי פעם אחרת" (Toda, ulay pa'am akheret)
"Thanks, maybe another time"
Note: 50% of the time, the vendor will call you back with a better price!
Bargaining Strategy
The Israeli bargaining dance (7 steps):
Step 1: Show interest but don't commit
- Touch the item, examine it
- Don't show too much excitement
- Ask basic questions
Step 2: Ask the price
- "כמה?" (Kama?) or "כמה עולה?" (Kama ole?)
- Listen to their opening price
Step 3: Express shock
- "יקר!" (Yakar!) - Expensive!
- Make a face
- Shake your head
Step 4: Counter with 50-60% of asking price
- "אני יכול/ה לתת [X]" (Ani yakhol/yekhola latet [X])
- Be confident
Step 5: Negotiate back and forth
- They come down slightly
- You go up slightly
- Meet somewhere in the middle
Step 6: Threaten to walk away
- "תודה, אבל זה יותר מדי" (Toda, aval ze yoter miday)
- Actually start walking
Step 7: Close the deal
- They call you back
- Agree on final price
- Smile and shake hands
Realistic discount: 15-30% off initial asking price
Advanced Bargaining Tactics
Buying multiple items:
"אם אקנה שלושה, מה המחיר?"
(Im ekne shlosha, ma ha'mekhir?)
"If I buy three, what's the price?"
"תן לי מבצע על הרבה"
(Ten li mivtsa al harbe)
"Give me a deal on quantity"
"קח [סכום], סגור עסקה"
(Kakh [sukhum], sagor eska)
"Take [amount], close the deal"
Cash advantage:
"יש הנחה למזומן?"
(Yesh hanakha le'mezuman?)
"Is there a discount for cash?"
"אם אשלם במזומן?"
(Im ashalem be'mezuman?)
"If I pay cash?"
Building relationship:
"אני לקוח קבוע פה"
(Ani lako'akh kavu'a po)
"I'm a regular customer here"
"תן לי מחיר של חבר"
(Ten li mekhir shel khaver)
"Give me a friend's price"
"בפעם הבאה אביא חברים"
(Ba'pa'am haba avi khaverim)
"Next time I'll bring friends"
🛒 Department-Specific Vocabulary
Food Market (שוק אוכל)
Produce:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| פירות | peirot | fruits |
| ירקות | yerakot | vegetables |
| עגבניה | agvaniya | tomato |
| מלפפון | melafefon | cucumber |
| תפוח | tapuakh | apple |
| בננה | banana | banana |
| תפוז | tapuz | orange |
| אבוקדו | avocado | avocado |
| חסה | khasa | lettuce |
| בצל | batsal | onion |
| שום | shum | garlic |
| פלפל | pilpel | pepper |
Meat & Fish:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| בשר | basar | meat |
| עוף | of | chicken |
| בקר | bakar | beef |
| כבש | kevesh | lamb |
| דג | dag | fish |
| סלמון | salmon | salmon |
| טונה | tuna | tuna |
| טרי | tari | fresh |
| קפוא | kafu | frozen |
Clothing Store (חנות בגדים)
Clothing items:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| חולצה | khultsa | shirt |
| מכנסיים | mikhnasayim | pants |
| ג'ינס | jeans | jeans |
| שמלה | simla | dress |
| חצאית | khatsait | skirt |
| מעיל | me'il | coat/jacket |
| נעליים | na'alayim | shoes |
| גרביים | garbayim | socks |
| תחתונים | takhtonim | underwear |
| בגד ים | beged yam | swimsuit |
Trying on clothes:
"אפשר למדוד?" (Efshar limdod?)
"Can I try it on?"
"איפה חדר המדידה?" (Eifo khadar ha'mdida?)
"Where's the fitting room?"
"יש במידה אחרת?" (Yesh be'mida akheret?)
"Do you have in another size?"
"זה קטן/גדול מדי" (Ze katan/gadol miday)
"This is too small/big"
"יש בצבע אחר?" (Yesh be'tseva akher?)
"Do you have in another color?"
Electronics (חשמל)
Tech vocabulary:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| מחשב | makhshev | computer |
| טלפון | telefon | phone |
| אוזניות | ozniyot | headphones |
| מטען | mate'en | charger |
| כבל | kavel | cable |
| רמקול | ramkol | speaker |
| מסך | masakh | screen |
| מקלדת | mikledet | keyboard |
| עכבר | akhbar | mouse |
| אחריות | akharayut | warranty |
Questions:
"יש אחריות?" (Yesh akharayut?)
"Is there warranty?"
"כמה זמן האחריות?" (Kama zman ha'akharayut?)
"How long is the warranty?"
"זה תואם ל...?" (Ze to'em le...?)
"Is this compatible with...?"
"אפשר לבדוק?" (Efshar livdok?)
"Can I test it?"
🏪 Shopping Culture Tips
Israeli Shopping Habits
Know the rhythm:
- Sunday-Thursday: Normal hours (9am-7pm)
- Friday: Short day (ends 2-4pm for Shabbat)
- Shabbat (Saturday): Most stores closed (except Arab areas, Tel Aviv)
- Holidays: Everything closes
Best shopping times:
- Markets: Early morning (freshest produce, best selection)
- Malls: Weekday afternoons (less crowded)
- Sales: After holidays, end of season
Israeli Shopping Etiquette
Do's: ✅ Bargain at markets - Expected and fun ✅ Ask to taste - Especially produce ✅ Be direct - "Show me the best price" ✅ Bring your own bags - Plastic bags cost money ✅ Count your change - Mistakes happen ✅ Build relationships - Regular customers get deals
Don'ts: ❌ Don't be shy - Vendors expect haggling ❌ Don't pay first price at markets - You'll overpay ❌ Don't expect English - Especially at neighborhood stores ❌ Don't be offended by directness - It's not rude, it's Israeli ❌ Don't shop on Shabbat - Most places closed
Return Policy (מדיניות החזרה)
Understanding returns:
- By law: 14 days for defective items
- In practice: Varies by store
- Sales items: Often no returns
Return phrases:
"אני רוצה להחזיר את זה" (Ani rotse/rotsa le'hakhzir et ze)
"I want to return this"
"זה פגום" (Ze pagum)
"It's defective"
"יש לי קבלה" (Yesh li kabala)
"I have a receipt"
"מה מדיניות ההחזרה שלכם?" (Ma mediniyut ha'hakhzara shelakhem?)
"What's your return policy?"
💳 Payment Methods
Payment Vocabulary
Common payment types:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| מזומן | mezuman | cash | Still common |
| אשראי | ashrai | credit card | Most common |
| ביט | bit | Bit app | Very popular |
| פייבוקס | Paybox | Paybox | Among groups |
| העברה בנקאית | ha'avara banqa'it | bank transfer | Large purchases |
| אפל פיי | Apple Pay | Apple Pay | Growing |
Payment phrases:
"איך אפשר לשלם?" (Eikh efshar leshalem?)
"How can I pay?"
"מקבלים ביט?" (Mekaблים Bit?)
"Do you accept Bit?"
"אפשר לפצל?" (Efshar lefatsel?)
"Can I split the payment?"
"כמה תשלומים?" (Kama tashlumim?)
"How many installments?" (Israeli credit card feature)
"תן לי קבלה" (Ten li kabala)
"Give me a receipt"
Israeli Credit Card Culture
תשלומים (Tashlumim) - Installments
- Unique Israeli system
- Split ANY purchase into payments
- Common options: 2, 3, 6, 12 months
- Usually no interest (check!)
At checkout:
Cashier: "כמה תשלומים?" (Kama tashlumim?)
"How many installments?"
You: "בתשלום אחד" (Be'tashlum ekhad)
"In one payment"
Or: "שלושה תשלומים" (Shlosha tashlumim)
"Three installments"
🎯 Special Shopping Scenarios
At the Shuk (Market)
Carmel Market / Mahane Yehuda essentials:
Arriving:
Vendor: "בואי מותק, טעמי!" (Bo'i motek, ta'ami!)
"Come sweetie, taste!"
You: "תודה, רק מסתכל/ת" (Toda, rak mistakel/mistakelet)
"Thanks, just looking"
Buying:
You: "כמה הקילו?" (Kama ha'kilo?)
"How much per kilo?"
Vendor: "20 שקל" (Esrim shekel)
"20 shekels"
You: "15 ואני קונה שני קילו" (Khamesh esre va'ani kone shnei kilo)
"15 and I'll buy two kilos"
Vendor: "18 סופי" (Shmoneh esre sofi)
"18 final"
You: "יאללה, עסקה" (Yalla, eska)
"OK, deal"
At Rami Levy (Discount Supermarket)
Navigating the chaos:
- Always crowded
- Best prices in Israel
- Bring your own bags
- Self-checkout available
- Arab and Jewish shoppers (unique!)
Survival phrases:
"סליחה, אפשר לעבור?" (Slikha, efshar la'avor?)
"Excuse me, can I pass?"
"איפה ה[מוצר]?" (Eifo ha-[product]?)
"Where is the [product]?"
"זה מוצר אחרון?" (Ze mutsar akharon?)
"Is this the last one?"
Shopping for Gifts
Gift vocabulary:
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| מתנה | matana | gift |
| לארוז | la'aroz | to wrap |
| אריזת מתנה | arizat matana | gift wrapping |
| כרטיס ברכה | kartis brakha | greeting card |
| תו קניה | tav kniya | gift card |
| הקדשה | hakdasha | dedication |
Gift requests:
"אפשר אריזת מתנה?" (Efshar arizat matana?)
"Can you gift wrap?"
"זה למתנה" (Ze le'matana)
"It's for a gift"
"יש תו קניה?" (Yesh tav kniya?)
"Do you have gift cards?"
"אפשר ללא קבלה עם מחיר?" (Efshar lelo kabala im mekhir?)
"Can I have a receipt without the price?"
🌟 Success Stories
Emily, USA → Tel Aviv: "Learned bargaining Hebrew at Carmel Market. First time I negotiated from ₪50 to ₪30, the vendor laughed and said 'Now you're Israeli!' Best compliment ever."
James, UK → Jerusalem: "Used to pay tourist prices until I learned market Hebrew. Now I shop at Mahane Yehuda weekly, vendors know me by name, and I pay local prices. Saved thousands!"
Sofia, Spain → Haifa: "The key phrase: 'יקר מדי!' Changed my life. Went from shy tourist to confident bargainer. Shopping became my favorite Hebrew practice!"
📚 Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Market Simulation
Role-play with a partner:
- One person = vendor
- One person = customer
- Negotiate from initial price to 25% discount
- Switch roles
Exercise 2: Shopping List Translation
Create Hebrew shopping list:
- 10 food items
- 5 household items
- Practice pronunciation
- Shop with list in Hebrew
Exercise 3: Bargaining Challenge
At a real market:
- Start conversation in Hebrew
- Get initial price
- Negotiate discount
- Report your savings!
🎯 Quick Reference Card
Essential shopping phrases:
| Situation | Hebrew | English |
|---|---|---|
| How much? | כמה? (Kama?) | How much? |
| Too expensive | יקר מדי (Yakar miday) | Too expensive |
| Give me a deal | תן לי מחיר טוב (Ten li mekhir tov) | Give me a good price |
| I'll take it | אני לוקח/ת (Ani lokekh/lokakhat) | I'll take it |
| Can I pay by card? | אפשר בכרטיס? (Efshar be'kartis?) | Can I pay by card? |
| Do you have...? | יש לכם...? (Yesh lakhem...?) | Do you have...? |
💡 Final Tips
- Start at markets - Best practice for bargaining
- Learn numbers well - Critical for prices
- Don't be shy - Vendors expect haggling
- Walk away - Powerful negotiation tactic
- Build relationships - Regular customers get deals
- Bring cash - Better for bargaining
- Shop Friday morning - Best market time
- Taste everything - Vendors offer samples
Remember: Shopping in Hebrew isn't just about transactions—it's about experiencing Israeli culture, building relationships, and becoming part of the community. Every bargaining session is a conversation, every purchase is a connection!
Ready to practice? Try our interactive shopping scenario trainer: Start Practice
Want more practical Hebrew?
קניות מוצלחות! (Successful shopping!) May you get the best deals and make great connections! 🛍️
Share your best bargaining success story in the comments below! 💰