Basic Hebrew Phrases For Travel

Hebrew, with its biblical roots and modern revival, is more than just a language – it’s a living piece of history. Speaking Hebrew, even at a basic level, can significantly enhance your experience in Israel.

It allows for a deeper connection with the locals and a richer understanding of the country’s heritage. So it’s definitely worth making the effort to speak even a few simple words and phrases before you go.

Israel, a land steeped in history and spirituality, is a place like no other. From the sacred walls of Jerusalem to the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, each corner of this small country tells an ancient story.

Basic Words in Hebrew

Kick off your Hebrew learning journey with these basic words. Ideal for everyday interactions, they’re a great foundation for building connections in Israel.

Remember: Hebrew (like Arabic) is written from right to left!

• שלום – Shalom – Hello / Peace
• להתראות – Lehitraot – Goodbye
• תודה – Todah – Thank you
• אין בעד מה – Ein be’ad ma – You’re welcome
• בבקשה – Bevakasha – Please
• כן – Ken – Yes
• לא – Lo – No
• בוקר טוב – Boker tov – Good morning
• ערב טוב – Erev tov – Good evening
• צהריים טובים – Tzohorayim tovim – Good afternoon
• אוכל – Ochel – Food
• מים – Mayim – Water
• שירותים – Sherutim – Bathroom

Common Hebrew Phrases

With a diverse mix of ancient and modern elements, Hebrew is a fascinating language. Mastering a few common phrases can make local interactions much easier and more rewarding.

These everyday Hebrew phrases are essential for navigating daily life. Perfect for casual chats, they’ll bring you closer to the heart of Israeli culture.

• מה שלומך? – Ma shlomcha? / Ma shlomech? (for male/female) – How are you?
• אני בסדר, תודה – Ani beseder, todah – I’m good thanks
• נעים להכיר – Naim lehakir – Nice to meet you
• שמי… – Shmi… – My name is…
• סליחה – Slicha – I’m sorry / Excuse me
• אתה יכול לעזור לי? – Ata yakhol la’azor li? / At yakholah la’azor li? (for male/female) – Can you help me?
• איזה יופי! – Eize yofi! – How beautiful!
• נתראה – Nitra’eh – See you
• נתראה מאוחר יותר – Nitra’eh meuchar yoter – See you later
• בהצלחה! – Behatzlacha! – Good luck!
• לחיים – Lekhayem – To life (as a toast, like “cheers”)

Basic Hebrew Phrases for Travellers

Israel is known for its warm and welcoming people who appreciate the efforts of travellers attempting to speak their language. Try some of the following phrases to level up your travel experience.

From historic Jerusalem to the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, these simple phrases can be your companions in discovery.

• יש לי הזמנה – Yesh li hazmanah – I have a reservation
• איפה השירותים, בבקשה? – Eifo ha’sherutim, bevakasha? – Where are the bathrooms, please?
• איך מגיעים ל…? – Eich magi’im le…? – How do I get to ___?
• כמה זה עולה? – Kama ze oleh? – How much is this?
• אתה מדבר אנגלית? – Ata medaber Anglit? / At medaberet Anglit? (for male/female) – Do you speak English?
• איפה המלון הקרוב ביותר? – Eifo ha’malon ha’karov beyoter? – Where is the nearest hotel?
• אני אבוד/ה. אתה יכול לעזור לי? – Ani avud/a. Ata yakhol la’azor li? / At yakholah la’azor li? (for male/female) – I’m lost. Can you help me?
• האם האזור הזה בטוח? – Ha’im ha’ezor hazeh batuach? – Is this area safe?
• האם האזור הזה בטוח בלילה? – Ha’im ha’ezor hazeh batuach b’lailah? – Is this area safe at night?
• תודה על האירוח – Todah al ha’iruch – Thank you for your hospitality

Useful Hebrew Phrases for Information

Need to know something in Israel? These Hebrew phrases should come in handy. Simple yet effective, they make asking questions and getting answers easy.

However, it’s also essential to remember that politeness is just as important as correctness, so including a “please” (בבקשה – bevakasha) or “thank you” (תודה – toda) will carry you a long way.

• יש לי שאלה – Yesh li she’elah – I have a question
• איך קוראים לזה בעברית? – Eich kor’im lezeh be’Ivrit? – What is this called in Hebrew?
• אתה יכול לדבר לאט יותר, בבקשה? – Ata yakhol ledaber le’at yoter, bevakasha? – Can you speak slower, please?
• אני לא מדבר/ת עברית טוב מאוד – Ani lo medaber/et Ivrit tov meod – I do not speak Hebrew very well
• אני לא מבין/ה – Ani lo mevin/a – I do not understand
• אתה יכול לחזור על זה בבקשה? – Ata yakhol lahzor al zeh bevakasha? – Can you repeat that please?
• אני צריך/ה מידע – Ani tzarich/a meida – I need information
• איפה משרד המידע? – Eifo misrad hameida? – Where is the information office?
• מה זה אומר? – Ma zeh omer? – What does this mean?
• מה השעה? – Ma hasha’ah? – What time is it?
• מה כתובת האימייל שלך? – Ma ktovet ha’email shelcha? – What’s your email address?
• איך אומרים ____ בעברית? – Eich omrim ____ be’Ivrit? – How do you say ____ in Hebrew?
• מה זה/זו? – Ma zeh/zo? – What is this/that?
• אפשר להשתמש בטלפון שלך? – Efshar lehishtamesh be’telefon shelcha? – Can I use your phone?

Useful Phrases for Directions in Hebrew

Navigate Israel’s diverse landscapes with these direction-specific phrases. Whether exploring ancient sites or modern cities, you’ll always find your way.

• איפה…? – Eifo…? – Where is the…?
• איך אני מגיע/ה ל…? – Eich ani magi’a/ah le…? – How do I get to…?
• אתה יכול להראות לי על המפה? – Ata yakhol lehar’ot li al hamepah? – Can you show me on the map?
• לך ישר – Lech yashar – Go straight ahead
• פנה ימינה/שמאלה – Pneh yaminah/smola – Turn right/left
• זה קרוב/רחוק – Zeh karov/rachok – It’s near/far
• זה מעבר לפינה – Zeh me’ever lapina – It’s around the corner
• זו הפינה – Zo hapina – This is the corner
• באיזה כיוון זה ל…? – Be’eize kivun zeh le…? – Which way is it to…?
• האם אני יכול/ה ללכת שם או שאני צריך/ה מונית? – Ha’im ani yakhol/a lalechet sham o she’ani tzarich/a monit? – Can I walk there or do I need a taxi?

Basic Hebrew Phrases for Transportation

When it comes to navigating public transport or simply getting around in Israel, a basic understanding of some common Hebrew phrases about transportation can be helpful.

Travel around Israel smoothly with these transportation phrases. They can also help break the ice with locals, enhancing your overall experience.

• איפה אפשר למצוא מונית? – Eifo efshar limtzo monit? – Where can I get a taxi?
• כמה זה עולה ללכת ל…? – Kama zeh oleh lal’chet le…? – How much does it cost to go to…?
• אני רוצה ללכת ל… – Ani rotzeh/rotzah lalechet le… – I want to go to…
• איפה תחנת האוטובוס? – Eifo tachanat ha’otobus? – Where is the bus stop?
• איפה התחנה המרכזית? – Eifo hatachana hamerkazit? – Where is the bus station?
• מתי יוצא הרכבת הבאה? – Matai yotze harakevet haba’ah? – What time does the next train leave?
• כמה זמן לוקח להגיע ל…? – Kama zman loke’ach lehagi’a le…? – How long does it take to get to…?
• איך מגיעים לשדה התעופה? – Eich magi’im lesade hate’ufah? – How do I get to the airport?
• האם האוטובוס הזה הולך ל…? – Ha’im ha’otobus hazeh holech le…? – Does this bus go to…?
• אני צריך/ה כרטיס טיול יום – Ani tzarich/a kartis tiyul yom – I need a round trip ticket
• איפה קונים כרטיסים? – Eifo konim kartisim? – Where do I buy tickets?

Basic Hebrew Phrases About Accommodation

Likewise, knowing a few essential Hebrew accommodation phrases can be helpful for any traveller. These phrases will allow you to communicate your accommodation needs, and help you have a comfortable and pleasant stay.

• יש לכם חדרים פנויים? – Yesh lachem chadarim pnuim? – Do you have any rooms available?
• כמה עולה ללילה? – Kama oleh lelaila? – How much does it cost per night?
• האם הארוחת בוקר כלולה במחיר? – Ha’im ha’aruchat boker kulah bamechir? – Is breakfast included in the price?
• אני צריך/ה חדר זוגי – Ani tzarich/a cheder zugi – I need a double room
• יש לכם חדר עם שתי מיטות? – Yesh lachem cheder im shtei mitot? – Is there a room with two beds?
• יש כאן ווי-פי חינם? – Yesh kan Wi-Fi chinam? – Is there free Wi-Fi?
• יש מזגן בחדר? – Yesh mazgan bacheder? – Is there air conditioning?
• איפה המעלית? – Eifo hama’alit? – Where is the elevator?
• איפה החדר כושר? – Eifo hachadar kosher? – Where is the gym?
• אני רוצה להזמין חדר – Ani rotzeh lehazmin cheder – I would like to book a room
• יש שירות חדרים? – Yesh sherut chadarim? – Is there room service?
• החדר מלוכלך – Hachader meluchlach – The room is dirty
• אני מרגיש/ה בטוח/ה במלון הזה – Ani margish/a batuach/a bamalon hazeh – I feel safe in this hotel
• יש לכם מתאם לשקע? – Yesh lachem mate’am lesake’a? – Do you have a plug adaptor?
• אני רוצה חדר עם נוף יפה – Ani rotzeh cheder im nof yafe – I want a room with a nice view
• יש כספת בחדר? – Yesh kaspafet bacheder? – Is there a safe in the room?
• אפשר להעיר אותי בשעה (שבע) בבוקר? – Efshar leha’ir oti besha’a (sheva) baboker? – Can you wake me up at (Seven) a.m.?
• אני צריך/ה עריסת תינוק – Ani tzarich/a arisat tinok – I need a crib for the baby
• מתי זמן הצ’ק-אאוט? – Matai zman hacheck-out? – What’s the check-out time?

Helpful Hebrew Phrases for Shopping

As in other Middle Eastern countries, shopping in Israel can be quite an experience. You’ll encounter everything from bustling markets and bazaars (shuks, in Hebrew) to chic boutiques and high-end fashion outlets.

The following shopping-related phrases will help you find what you’re looking for, agree on a price, and close the deal.

• אני מחפש/ת… – Ani mechapes/et… – I am looking for…
• כמה זה עולה? – Kama zeh oleh? – How much does it cost?
• יש הנחה? – Yesh hana’cha? – Is there any discount?
• כמה ההנחה? – Kama hahana’cha? – How much is the discount?
• זה יקר מדי – Zeh yaker midai – That’s too expensive
• אתה יכול להוריד במחיר? – Ata yakhol lehorid bamechir? – Can you lower the price?
• אפשר לשלם בכרטיס אשראי? – Efshar leshalem be’kartis ashrai? – Can I pay with a credit card?
• רק מזומן – Rak mezuman – Cash only
• יש לכם את זה במידה גדולה יותר? – Yesh lachem et zeh b’midah gdolah yoter? – Do you have this in a larger size?
• יש לכם את זה בצבע אחר? – Yesh lachem et zeh betzeva acher? – Do you have this in another colour?
• אני רוצה להחזיר את זה – Ani rotzeh lehachzir et zeh – I want to return this
• איפה חדרי המדידה? – Eifo chadrei hamedida? – Where are the fitting rooms?
• סליחה, איפה הסופרמרקט? – Slicha, eifo hasupermarket? – Excuse me, where’s the supermarket?
• איפה חנות הבגדים? – Eifo chanut habgadim? – Where’s the clothing store?
• אני צריך/ה שקית – Ani tzarich/a saki – I need a bag
• איפה אפשר למצוא מוצרים מקומיים? – Eifo efshar limtzo muzarim mekomiyim? – Where can I find local products?

Helpful Phrases for Dining Out in Israel

It’s hard to find bad food in Israel. The locals have high culinary standards and I’ve enjoyed some of my favourite meals there, both from informal street stalls and high-end restaurants.

These essential dining phrases will help you navigate menus, order dishes, and enjoy the fresh, rich flavours of Israeli cuisine.

• אפשר שולחן לשניים? – Efshar shulchan leshnayim? – Can I get a table for two?
• אפשר לראות את התפריט בבקשה? – Efshar lirot et hataprit bevakasha? – Can you please show me the menu?
• מה המנה היומית? – Ma hamanah hayomit? – What is the dish of the day?
• אני רוצה… – Ani rotzeh/rotzah… – I would like…
• אתה יכול להמליץ לי משהו? – Ata yakhol lehamlitz li mashehu? – Could you suggest something for me?
• מה אתה ממליץ לאכול? – Ma ata memalitz le’echol? – What do you recommend to eat?
• אני אלרגי ל… – Ani alergi le… – I’m allergic to…
• האם במנה יש…? – Ha’im bamanah yesh…? – Does this dish contain…?
• יש לכם אפשרויות צמחוניות/טבעוניות? – Yesh lachem efsharuyot tzimchoniyot/tevaoniyot? – Do you have vegetarian/vegan options?
• אני לא אוכל/ת בשר/דגים/חלב – Ani lo ochel/et basar/dagim/chalav – I don’t eat meat/fish/dairy
• האם זה מתאים לצמחונים? – Ha’im zeh mat’im letzimchonim? – Is this suitable for vegetarians?
• מה זה? – Ma zeh? – What is this?
• זה מוצא חן בעיני – Zeh motze chen be’einay – I like it
• אפשר את החשבון, בבקשה? – Efshar et hacheshbon, bevakasha? – Can I have the bill, please?
• היה טעים מאוד! תודה – Haya ta’im meod! Todah – It was delicious! Thank you

Hebrew Question Words

Deepen your understanding and conversations with these Hebrew question words. Ideal for engaging with locals and exploring the depths of Israeli culture.

• מה? – Ma? – What?
• איפה? – Eifo? – Where?
• מתי? – Matai? – When?
• מי? – Mi? – Who?
• למה? – Lamah? – Why?
• איך? – Eich? – How?
• איזה? – Eize? – Which?
• כמה עולה? – Kama oleh? – How much?
• כמה? – Kamah? – How many?
• של מי? – Shel mi? – Whose?
• כמה עולה/כמה יש? – Kama oleh/Kamah yesh? – How much/How many?
• זה…? – Zeh…? – Is it…?
• האם אפשר? – Ha’im efshar? – Can
• האם יהיה? – Ha’im yihyeh? – Will
• מה זה? – Ma zeh? – What is this?
• מי זה? – Mi zeh? – Who is that?
• איך זה? – Eich zeh? – How is it?
• למה זה? – Lamah zeh? – Why is it?
• מה יש ב…? – Ma yesh be…? – What is in …?
• איפה…? – Eifo…? – Where is …?
• האם יש…? – Ha’im yesh…? – Is there a …?

Numbers in Hebrew

Understanding the Hebrew numbering system is useful in a wide range of scenarios, especially when it comes to transactions, discussing times, and navigating transportation.

Below is a list of simple numbers along with some larger ones:

• אפס – Efes – 0
• אחת – Achat – 1 (feminine) / אחד – Echad – 1 (masculine)
• שתיים – Shtayim – 2 (feminine) / שניים – Shnayim – 2 (masculine)
• שלוש – Shalosh – 3
• ארבע – Arba’ – 4
• חמש – Chamesh – 5
• שש – Shesh – 6
• שבע – Sheva’ – 7
• שמונה – Shmonah – 8
• תשע – Tishah – 9
• עשר – Eser – 10
• אחת עשרה – Achat-Esreh – 11
• שתים עשרה – Shtayim-Esreh – 12
• שלוש עשרה – Shlosh-Esreh – 13
• ארבע עשרה – Arba’-Esreh – 14
• חמש עשרה – Chamesh-Esreh – 15
• שש עשרה – Shesh-Esreh – 16
• שבע עשרה – Sheva’-Esreh – 17
• שמונה עשרה – Shmonah-Esreh – 18
• תשע עשרה – Tishah-Esreh – 19
• עשרים – Esrim – 20
• שלושים – Shloshim – 30
• ארבעים – Arba’im – 40
• חמישים – Chamishim – 50
• שישים – Shishim – 60
• שבעים – Shiv’im – 70
• שמונים – Shmonim – 80
• תשעים – Tish’im – 90
• מאה – Me’ah – 100
• אלף – Elef – 1,000
• עשרת אלפים – Asarat Alafim – 10,000
• מאה אלף – Me’ah Elef – 100,000
• מיליון – Milyon – 1,000,000

To create numbers in between these, combine the tens and units. For example:

• “Twenty-one” is Esrim Ve’achat (עשרים ואחת) for feminine and Esrim Ve’echad (עשרים ואחד) for masculine
• “Thirty-two” is Shloshim Ushetayim (שלושים ושתיים) for feminine and Shloshim Ushnayim (שלושים ושניים) for masculine

For numbers in the hundreds, thousands, and beyond, combine the larger number with the smaller. For instance:

• “One hundred and twenty-three” is Me’ah Esrim Ushlosh (מאה עשרים ושלוש)
• “Two thousand and nineteen” is Alpayim Tish’ah-Asar (אלפיים תשעה עשר)

See Also

Check out some of my other posts on learning Semitic languages for travel:

• Basic Arabic Phrases For Travel
• Basic Amharic Phrases For Travel

Final Thoughts

With these Hebrew words and phrases, you’re well-prepared to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of Israel.

Learning to speak Hebrew is not easy. But with perseverance, it can open the doors to rich, unique, and fulfilling cultural experiences.

While you may not yet be ready for eloquent speeches or in-depth debates in Hebrew, these basic words will certainly help you get by. So why not give it a try? Start with these basic phrases and see where it takes you!

Finally, if you want to take your Hebrew learning to the next level, this is a great Hebrew course from Udemy.