Hebrew phrasebook
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Modern Hebrew (עִבְרִית) is spoken as a daily language in Israel and in parts of the Palestinian Territories. Biblical Hebrew is used as a religious language in Judaism. It is written using its own script which is written from right to left.
Pronunciation guide
The Hebrew alphabet consists entirely of consonants, though some can function as vowels. Vowels are indicated with a system of dots and dashes next to the letters, but these are normally omitted except in Bibles and children's books. It is common for words, especially foreign words, to be spelled in more than one way; the Abu-l`afia Synagogue has five different spellings of its name on its signs.
The stress is usually on the last syllable; most of the exceptions are segol-ates (words in which segol, the /e/-sound), such as elef "thousand". Some words have a diphthong "ua" or "ia" which is one syllable but sounds like two, like English "oil". This is called patah gnuva "stolen /a/-sound" and occurs in שבוע shavua "week", which is stressed on the -u-.
In conversational Hebrew, only three letters (בכפ) are pronounced differently when they contain a dot in the center called a dagesh.
Five letters (מנצפכ) have a different form at the end of a word (םןץףך, respectively). These are named by adding סופית (sofit - so-FEET) "final" to the name of the letter, e.g. נון סופית (nun sofit - noon so-feet)
; א alef (', a): glottal-stop or silent (sometimes used as the letter a when rendering English in Hebrew)
; ב בּ bet, vet (b, v): with a dot like big; without a dot like move ; ג gimel (g) : like go ; ד dalet (d) : like dark ; ה he (h) : like he or silent at the end of a word with a preceding -a or -e ; ו vav (v, o, u) : like violin; some dialects pronounce as week; also or or moon when used as a vowel
; ז zayin (z) : like zoo ; ח het (h) : Normally as Scottish ch in loch and as German Bach . Some people pronounce it as the Arabic ح
; ט tet (t) : as t in stick ; י yud (y, e, i) : like yet; also say or honey when used as a vowel
; כ כּ ך kaf, khaf (k, kh) : with a dot like skip; without a dot like the Scottish ch in loch and as German Bach
; ל lamed (l) : like leave, pronounced more forward in the mouth.
; מ ם mem (m) : like mother ; נ ן nun (n) : like never ; ס samekh (s) : like some ; ע `ayin (`) : similar to Cockney pronunciation of water and sometimes silent. Some people pronounce it as a constriction of the throat as in the Arabic ع
; פ פּ ף peh, feh (p, f) : with a dot like spoon; without a dot off ; צ ץ tsadi (ts) : as boots ; ק kof (k) : As in skip ; ר resh (r) : pronounced as the French r . Some pronounce it rolled as in Spanish burro
; שׁ שׂ sin, shin (sh, s) : with a right-hand dot like shoot , or with a left-hand dot like see ; ת tav (t) : as t in stick
Adding an apostrophe (geresh) to some letters may change their sounds.
; ג' : as j in jam
; ז' : as s in pleasure
; צ' ץ' (tsh) : as ch in chat
Phrase list
Hebrew verbs conjugate according to the gender of the sentence's subject: different verb forms must thus be used when referring to men and women. These have been noted below when appropriate.
CLOSED - סגור (sagur - sah-GUR)
ENTRANCE - כניסה (knisah - k-nee-SAH)
EXIT - יציאה (yetsi'ah - yet-see-AH)
PUSH - דחוף (dhof - d-KHOF)
PULL - משוך (mshoh - m-SHOKH)
TOILET - שרותים (sherutim - sher-oo-TEEM)
MEN - גברים (gvarim - g-va-REEM)
WOMEN - נשים (nashim - nah-SHEEM)
FORBIDDEN - אסור (asur - ah-SOOR)
; Hello (Peace) : .שלום (shalom - shah-LOHM) The Hebrew greeting, literally "peace." The English "Hi" is also used.
; Bye (Peace) : .שלום (shalom - shah-LOHM) Yes, the greeting is the same for the start and end of conversation. See also "See you later".
; See you later : .להתראות (lehitra'ot - leh-hit-rah-'OHT) The most common farewell greeting, besides the English "Bye". Again, the English "Bye" is also used.
; Good morning : .בוקר טוב (boker tov - BOH-ker TOHV)
; Good afternoon : .צהריים טובים (tsohorayim tovim - tsoh-hoh-RAH-yeem toh-VEEM) (literally: "good noon", afternoon isאחר-צהריים ahar tsohorayim tovim - aKHAR tsoh-hoh-RAH-yeem toh-VEEM)
; Good evening : .ערב טוב (`erev tov - EH-rev TOHV)
; Good night : .לילה טוב (laylah tov - LIGH-lah TOHV)
; How are you? (What's your wellbeing/peace?)- addressing to a man. : מה שלומך? (mah shlomkha? - mah shlom-KHAH)
; How are you? (What's your wellbeing/peace?)- addressing to a woman. : מה שלומך? (mah shlomekh? - mah shloh-MEKH)
; How are you? (What's being heard?). : מה נשמע? (mah nishma? - mah nish-MAH)
; What's up? (What's happening?). : ?מה קורה (mah koreh? - mah kor-EH)
; What's up #2? (What's the business?). : ?מה העיניינים (mah ha-`inyanim? - mah ha-`in-ya-NIM?)
; Thank you : .תודה (todah - toh-DAH)
; Please/ You're welcome : .בבקשה (bevakashah - be-vah-kuh-SHAH)
; Excuse me : .סליחה (slihah - slee-KHAH)
; I don't understand (said by a man). : .אני לא מבין (ani lo mevin - ahni loh meh-VEEN)
; I don't understand (said by a woman). : .אני לא מבינה (ani lo mevinah - ahni loh meh-VEENA)
; What is your name? (said to a man, more formal). : ?מה שמך (ma shimkha)
; What is your name? (said to a woman, more formal). : ?מה שמך (ma shmekh)
; What is your name? #2 (said to a man) (lit. "How are you called?").: ?איך קוראים לך (ekh kor'im lekha)
; What is your name? #2 (said to a woman) (literally:"How are you called?"). : ?איך קוראים לך (eck kor'im lakh)
; My name is... : שמי (shmi)
; My name is #2 (literally: I am called...) : קוראים לי (kor'im li - kor-'EEM lee ...)
; How much is it?: כמה זה? (kamah zeh? - KA-mah zeh)
; Cash : מזומן ("me-zu-MAN")
; Cash only : מזומן בלבד (mezuman bi-lvad - me-zu-MAN beel-VAD);
; Credit : אשראי (ashrai - ash-RYE);
; I: אני (ani - ah-NEE)
; You (singular, masc.): אתה (atah - ah-TAH)
; You (singular, fem.): את (at - aht)
; He: הוא (hu - hoo)
; She: היא (hi - hee)
; We: אנחנו (anahnu - ah-NAKH-noo)
; You (plural, masc.): אתם (atem - ah-TEM)
; You (plural, fem.): אתן (aten - ah-TEN)
; They (plural, masc.): הם (hem - hem)
; They (plural, fem.): הן (hen - hen)
; Yes or No? (Do ...? Were...?, Are...?, etc.) : האם (haim? - ha-EEM) converts a sentence into a yes/no question, usually omitted in colloquial speech.
; Who? : מי? (mi? - mee)
; What? : מה? (mah? - mah)
; Where is ...? : איפה? (eyfoh? - EY-foh)
; Where to? : לאן? (le'an? - leh-AH-n)
; Where from? : מאיפה\מאין? (me'eifoh?/me'ayn? - meh-EY-foh/meh-Ah-een)
; When? : מתי? (matai? - mah-TIGH)
; Why? : למה? (lamah? - LAH-mah), מדוע? (madua? - mah-DOOah)
; How much? (also "how many") : כמה? (kamah? - KAH-mah)
; Where are you from?
; Police! : משטרה! (mishtara - mish-ta-rah)
; Stop! Thief! : עצור! גנב! (atzor! ganav! - ah-tzor! gah-nav)
; I need your help. : אני זקוק לעזרתך (...)
; It's an emergency. : זה מקרה חירום. (...)
; I'm lost. : איבדתי את דרכי. (...)
; My bag is missing. : איבדתי את התיק שלי (...)
; My wallet is missing. : איבדתי את הארנק שלי (...)
; I'm sick. : אני חולה (...)
; I've been injured. : נפצעתי (...)
; I need a doctor. : אני זקוק/ה לרופא (...)
; Can I use your phone? : האם אני יכול/ה בבקשה להשתמש בטלפון שלך? (...)
; 0: אפס (efes - EH-fess)
; 1: אחת (ahat - ah-KHAT)
; 2: שתיים (shtayim - SHTAH-yeem)
; 3: שלוש (shalosh - shah-LOSH)
; 4: ארבע (arba - AHR-bah)
; 5: חמש (hamesh - khah-MESH)
; 6: שש (shesh - shesh)
; 7: שבע (sheva - SHEH-vah)
; 8: שמונה (shmoneh - shmo-NEH)
; 9: תשע (tesha - TEY-shah)
; 10: עשר ('eser - EH-sehr)
; 11: אחת עשרה (ahat-`esreh - ah-khat es-REH)
; 12: שתים עשרה (shtem-`esreh - shtem es-REH)
; 13: שלוש עשרה (shlosh-`esreh - shlosh es-REH)
; 14: ארבע עשרה (arba'-`esreh - ar-bah es-REH)
; 15: חמש עשרה (hamesh-`esreh - kha-mesh es-REH)
; 16: שש עשרה (shesh-`esreh - shesh es-REH)
; 17: שבע עשרה (shva-`esreh - shva es-REH)
; 18: שמונה עשרה (shmoneh-`esreh - shmo-neh es-REH)
; 19: תשע עשרה (tshah-'esreh - tshah es-REH)
; 20: עשרים (`esrim - es-REEM)
; 25: עשרים וחמש (`esrim ve-hamesh - es-REEM ve-khah-MESH)
; 30: שלושים (shloshim - shlo-SHEEM)
; 40: ארבעים (arba`im - ar-bah-EEM)
; 50: חמישים (hamishim - khah-mee-SHEEM)
; 60: ששים (shishim - shee-SHEEM)
; 70: שבעים (shiv`im - shiv-EEM)
; 80: שמונים (shmonim - shmo-NEEM)
; 90: תשעים (tish`im - tish-EEM)
; 100: מאה (me'ah - MEH-'ah)
; 200: מאתיים (matayim - m'ah-TAH-yeem)
; 300: שלוש מאות (shlosh-me'ot - sh-LOSH meh-'OHT)
; 1000: אלף (elef - EH-lef)
; 1%: אחוז (ahuz - ah-KHOOZ ah-KHAD)
; 5%: חמישה אחוזים (hamishah ahuzim - kha-misha ah-KHOOZIM)
; 100%: מאה אחוז (me'ah ahuz - MEH-'ah ah-KHOOZ)
; Half: חצי (hetsi - KHE-tsee)
; Quarter: רבע (reva - REH-vah)
; More: יותר (yoter - yoh-TEHR)
; Less: פחות (pahot - pah-KHOHT)
; Today: היום (hayom - hah-YOHM)
; Yesterday: אתמול (etmol - et-MOHL)
; Tomorrow: מחר (mahar - mah-KHAHR)
; The day before yesterday: שלשום (shilshom - shil-SHOHM)
; The day after tomorrow: מחרתיים (mahratayim - makh-rah-TAH-yeem)
; two o'clock AM : שתיים לפנות בוקר (shtayim...boker)
; noon : צהרי היום (tsohori hayom)
; one o'clock PM : אחת בצהריים (ahat...)
; two o'clock PM : שתיים בצהריים (shtayim...)
; midnight : חצות (katsot)
; _____ hour(s) : _____ שעה/ות (sha'ah/ot - sha-AH/OHT)
; _____ day(s) : _____ יום/ימים (yom/yamim - yohm/ya-MEEM)
; _____ week(s) : _____ שבוע/ות (shavuah/ot - sha-VOO-ah/shavoo-OHT)
; _____ month(s) : _____ חודש/ים (chodesh/im - KHO-desh/khodesh-EEM)
; _____ year(s) : _____ שנה/ים (shanah/im - sha-NAH/sha-NEEM)
Except for Shabbat, these are ordinal numbers. But both these and the names of the first 6 letters in the Hebrew Alfa-Beit are used.
Sunday: יום ראשון (yom rishon - yohm ree-SHOHN)
; Monday: יום שני (yom sheni - yohm shey-NEE)
; Tuesday: יום שלישי (yom shlishi - yohm shlee-SHEE)
; Wednesday: יום רביעי (yom revi`i - yohm rvee-EE)
; Thursday: יום חמישי (yom hamishi - yohm khah-mee-SHEE)
; Friday: יום ששי (yom shishi - yohm shee-SHEE)
; Saturday: שבת (shabat - shah-BAHT)
In everyday life, most Israelis use the Gregorian Calendar. The month names pronunciation resembles Central-European (e.g. German) pronunciation.
; January: ינואר ("Yanuar")
; February: פברואר ("Februar")
; March: מרץ ("Merts")
; April: אפריל ("April")
; May: מאי ("May - My)
; June: יוני ("Yuni - You-nee")
; July: יולי ("Yuli - You-lee")
; August: אוגוסט ("Ogust - O-guh-st")
; September: ספטמבר ("September")
; October: אוקטובר ("October")
; November: נובמבר ("November")
; December: דצמבר ("Detsember")
For holidays and events, Israeli Jews and Jews worldwide use a lunisolar calendar, in which the month begins at the new moon and a thirteenth month is added every few years. The months start with Tishrei (Sept.-Oct.) and run through Elul (August-September); thus Elul 5760 is followed by Tishrei 5761. "Aviv," the word for "spring," is sometimes substituted for "Nisan" and is also the name of a stage that the growth of barley reaches at that time.
; Tishrei: תשרי (tishrey - tish-REY)
; Heshvan: חשון (heshvan - ḥesh-VAN)
; Kislev: כסלו (kislev - kis-LEV)
; Tevet: טבת (tevet - tey-VET)
; Shevat: שבט (shevat - shuh-VAT)
; Adar: אדר (adar - ah-DAR)
; First Adar (the leap month): אדר ראשון (adar sheni - ah-DAR ree-shone) or אדר א (adar beth - ah-DAR alef)
; Second Adar: אדר שני (adar sheni - ah-DAR shey-NEE) or אדר ב (adar beth - ah-DAR bet)
; Nisan: ניסן (nisan - nee-SAHN)
; Iyar: אייר (iyar - ee-YAHR)
; Sivan: סיון (sivan - see-VAHN)
; Tammuz: תמוז (tamuz - tah-MOOZ)
; Av: אב (av - ahv)
; Elul: אלול (elul - eh-LOOL)
; Day: יום (yom - yom)
; Week: שבוע (shavua - shah-VOOah)
; Month: חודש (hodesh - KHO-desh)
; Year: שנה (shanah - shah-NAH)
; Hour: שעה (sha`ah - shah-AH)
; Minute: דקה (daqah - dah-KAH)
; Second: שניה (shniyah - shnee-YAH)
; Time: זמן (zman - zmahn)
; Spring: אביב (aviv - ah-VEEV)
; Summer: קיץ (kayits - KAH-yits)
; Autumn: סתיו (stav - stahv)
; Winter: חורף (horef - KHO-ref)
; What time is it?: מה השעה? (mah hasha`ah? - mah hah-shah-AH?)
; white: לבן (lavan - la-VAN)
; gray: אפור (afor - a-FOR)
; red: אדום (adom - a-DOM)
; blue: כחול (kahol - ka-KHOL)
; yellow: צהוב (tsahov - tsa-HOV)
; green: ירוק (yaroq - ya-ROK)
; orange: כתום (katom - ka-TOM)
; purple: סגול (sagol - sa-GOL)
; brown: חום (hum - khum)
; pink: ורוד (varod - va-ROD)
; One ticket to _____, please. : כרטיס אחד ל___, בבקשה (kartis ehad le___, bevakashah - karTIS eKHAD le___, bevakaSHA)
; Where does this train/bus go? : ?לאן הרכבת הזאת נוסעת?/לאן האוטובוס הזה נוסע (le'an harakevet hazot nosa`at?/le'an ha'otobus haze nosea? - le'anleAN haraKEvet haZOT noSA`at?/leAN haOtobus haZE noSEa?)
; Where is the train/bus to _____? : ?___איפה הרכבת ל___?/איפה האוטובוס ל (eifoh harakevet le___?/eifoh ha'otobus le___? - EIfo haraKEvet le___?/EIfo haOtobus le___?)
; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : הרכבת הזאת עוצרת ב___?/האוטובוס הזה עוצר ב (harakevet hazot `otseret be___?/ha'otobus haze `otser be___? - haraKEvet haZOT oTSEret be___?/haOtobus haZE oTSER be___?)
; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : מתי יוצאת הרכבת ל___?/מתי יוצא האוטובוס ל (matai yotset harakevet le___?/matai yotse ha'otobus le___? - maTAI yoTSET haraKEvet le___?/maTAI yoTSE haOtobus le___?)
; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : מתי הרכבת הזאת מגיעה ל___?/מתי האוטובוס הזה מגיע ל (matai harakevet hazot magi`ah le___? matai ha'otobus haze magia le___? - maTAI haraKEvet haZOT magi`A le___?/maTAI haOtobus haZE magi`A le___?)
; ...the train station? : תחנת הרכבת (...tahanat harakevet? - takhaNAT haraKEvet)
; ...the bus station? : תחנת האוטובוס (...tahanat ha'otobus? - takhaNAT haOtobus)
; ...the airport? : שדה התעופה (...sde hate`ufah? - sde hateuFA)
; ...downtown? : מרכז העיר (...merkaz ha`ir? - merKAZ ha`IR)
; ...the youth hostel? : אכסניית נוער (...akhsaniyat no`ar? - akhsaniYAT NO`ar)
; ...the _____ hotel? : מלון (...malon ___? - maLON ___?)
; ...the American/British/French/Chinese/Indian/Russian/Polish consulate? : הקונסוליה ה אמריקאית/בריטית/צרפתית/סינית/הודית/רוסית/פולנית (konsuliyah ha'amerikait/habritit/hatsarfatit/hasinit/hahodit/harusit/hapolanit? - HaKonSULia ha ahmehriKAHit/BRItit/tsorfaTIT/SInit/HOdit/ruSIT/polaNIT?)
; Where are there a lot of... : איפה יש הרבה (eifoh yesh harbeh... - EIfo yesh harBE...)
; ...hotels? : מלונות (...melonot? - meloNOT)
; ...restaurants? : מסעדות (...mis`adot? - mis`aDOT)
; ...bars? : ברים (...barim? - BArim)
; ...things to see? : דברים לראות (...dvarim lir'ot? - dvaRIM lirOT)
; Can you show me on the map? : אפשר להראות לי במפה (efshar lehar'ot li bamapah? - efSHAR leharOT li bamaPA)
; street : רחוב (rehov - reKHOV)
; Go left. : לך שמאלה (lekh smolah - lekh SMOla)
; GO right. : לך ימינה (lekh yeminah - lekh yaMIna)
; left : שמאל (smol - smol)
; right : ימין (yamin - yaMIN)
; straight ahead : ישר (yashar - yaSHAR)
; towards the _____ : לכיוון (lekivun ___ - lekiVUN)
; past the _____ : אחרי ה (ahrey ha___ - akhaREY)
; before the _____ : לפני ה (lifney ha___ - lifNEY)
; Watch for the _____. : חפש את ה (hapes et ha___ - khaPES et ha___)
; intersection : צומת (tsomet - TSOmet)
; north : צפון (tsafon - tsaFON)
; south : דרום (darom - daROM)
; east : מזרח (mizrah - mizRAKH)
; west : מערב (ma`arav - ma`aRAV)
; uphill : במעלה ההר (b-ma`aleh ha-har - b`ma`aLEH ha`HAR)
; downhill : במורד ההר (b`morad ha`har - b`moRAD ha`HAR)
; Take me to _____, please. : קח אותי ל____, בבקשה (qah oti le___, bevakashah - kakh oTI le___, bevakaSHA)
; How much does it cost to get to _____? : כמה זה עולה עד ל (kamah ze `oleh li `ad le___? - KAma ze `oLE `ad le___)
; Take me there, please. : קח אותי לשם בבקשה (qah oti lesham, bevakashah - kakh oTI leSHAM, bevakaSHA)
; Could you use a counter/taximeter, please? : תוכל להשתמש במונה בבקשה? (tukhal lehishtamesh bemoneh bevakasha? - tuKHAL le-hish-ta-MESH be-moNEH be-va-ka-SHA?). A counter/taximeter (מונה - moneh) gives the price based on certain factors such as travel time and distance (plus initial price), rather than a fixed overprice. Luggage costs extra in either case.
; How much is a room for one person/two people? : כמה יעלה חדר לאדם אחד/שני בני אדם ? (...)
; Does the room come with... : האם יש בחדר ___... (...)
; ...bedsheets? : ...סדינים ? (...)
; ...a bathroom? : ...חדר אמבטיה ? (...)
; ...a telephone? : ...טלפון ? (...)
; ...a TV? : ...טלוויזיה ? (...)
; May I see the room first? : האם אוכל לראות את החדר ? (Haim uchal lirot et hacheder? - Ha-EEM oo-KHAHL lee-ROHT et ha-KHEH-der?)
; Do you have anything quieter? : האם יש לכם חדר שקט יותר ? (Haim yesh lachem cheder shaket yoter? - Ha-EEM yehsh lah-KHEHM KHEH-dehr shah-KEHT yoh-TEHR?)
; ...bigger? : ...גדול יותר ? (gadol yoter? - ga-DOHL yoh-TEHR?)
; ...cleaner? : ...נקי יותר ? (naki yoter - nah-KEE yoh-TEHR)
; ...cheaper? : ...זול יותר? (zol yoter - zohl yoh-TEHR)
; OK, I'll take it. : טוב, אני אקח אותו (...)
; I will stay for _____ night(s). : בכוונתי להישאר _____ לילות (...)
; Can you suggest another hotel? : תוכל/י להציע מלון אחר? (...)
; Is there a safe? : האם יש לכם כספת ? (...)
; Is breakfast/supper included? : האם ארוחת בוקר/ערב כלולה במחיר ? (...)
; What time is breakfast/supper? : באיזה שעה מתקיימת ארוחת הבוקר/צהריים ? (...) ; Please clean my room. : אנא נקו את החדר שלי (...)
; Can you wake me at _____? : האם אתה יכול להעיר אותי בשעה _____ בבקשה ? (...)
; I want to check out. : אני מעוניין לבצע צֶ'ק אָאוּט. (...)
; Are British pounds accepted? : האם אוכל לשלם בלירות שטרלינג? (...)
; Are credit cards accepted? : האם אתם מקבלים כרטיסי אשראי ? (...)
; Can you change money for me? : האם אתם מבצעים החלפות מטבע ? (...)
; Where can I get money changed? : היכן אוכל לבצע החלפות מטבע ? (...)
; What is the exchange rate? : מהו שער החליפין ? (...)
; Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : היכן אוכל למצוא כספומט ? (...)
In many places in Israel such as Tel Aviv, there are non-kosher restaurants that will open on Shabbat and will serve non-kosher food (e.g. the restaurant serves both meat and milk dishes). Comparatively few places serve non-kosher food items like pork.
In some religious villages and small towns there are very few if any places that open on Shabbat.
; A table for one person/two people, please. : בבקשה, שולחן לאחד /לשניים (b-vakasha shulhan l'ehad/ lishnayim b'vakaSHA, shulKHAN l'ekhAD/ lishnAIYM)
; Can I look at the menu, please? : אפשר תפריט בבקשה (Efshar tafrit, b'vakasha?)
; I'm a vegetarian. : אני צמחוני /אני צמחונית (Ani tsimhoni (masc)/ Ani tsimhonit (fem))
; I don't eat beef. : אני לא אוכל/ אני לא אוכלת בקר (Ani lo okhel bakar (masc)/ Ani lo okhelet bakar(fem))
; I only eat kosher food. : אני אוכל /אוכלת רק אוכל כשר (Ani okhel (masc)/okhelet (fem) raq okhel kasher)
; Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard) : אפשר עם פחות שמן בבקשה (Efshar `im pa
Basics
Common signs
OPEN - פתוח (patuah - pah-TU-akh)CLOSED - סגור (sagur - sah-GUR)
ENTRANCE - כניסה (knisah - k-nee-SAH)
EXIT - יציאה (yetsi'ah - yet-see-AH)
PUSH - דחוף (dhof - d-KHOF)
PULL - משוך (mshoh - m-SHOKH)
TOILET - שרותים (sherutim - sher-oo-TEEM)
MEN - גברים (gvarim - g-va-REEM)
WOMEN - נשים (nashim - nah-SHEEM)
FORBIDDEN - אסור (asur - ah-SOOR)
; Hello (Peace) : .שלום (shalom - shah-LOHM) The Hebrew greeting, literally "peace." The English "Hi" is also used.
; Bye (Peace) : .שלום (shalom - shah-LOHM) Yes, the greeting is the same for the start and end of conversation. See also "See you later".
; See you later : .להתראות (lehitra'ot - leh-hit-rah-'OHT) The most common farewell greeting, besides the English "Bye". Again, the English "Bye" is also used.
; Good morning : .בוקר טוב (boker tov - BOH-ker TOHV)
; Good afternoon : .צהריים טובים (tsohorayim tovim - tsoh-hoh-RAH-yeem toh-VEEM) (literally: "good noon", afternoon isאחר-צהריים ahar tsohorayim tovim - aKHAR tsoh-hoh-RAH-yeem toh-VEEM)
; Good evening : .ערב טוב (`erev tov - EH-rev TOHV)
; Good night : .לילה טוב (laylah tov - LIGH-lah TOHV)
; How are you? (What's your wellbeing/peace?)- addressing to a man. : מה שלומך? (mah shlomkha? - mah shlom-KHAH)
; How are you? (What's your wellbeing/peace?)- addressing to a woman. : מה שלומך? (mah shlomekh? - mah shloh-MEKH)
; How are you? (What's being heard?). : מה נשמע? (mah nishma? - mah nish-MAH)
; What's up? (What's happening?). : ?מה קורה (mah koreh? - mah kor-EH)
; What's up #2? (What's the business?). : ?מה העיניינים (mah ha-`inyanim? - mah ha-`in-ya-NIM?)
; Thank you : .תודה (todah - toh-DAH)
; Please/ You're welcome : .בבקשה (bevakashah - be-vah-kuh-SHAH)
; Excuse me : .סליחה (slihah - slee-KHAH)
; I don't understand (said by a man). : .אני לא מבין (ani lo mevin - ahni loh meh-VEEN)
; I don't understand (said by a woman). : .אני לא מבינה (ani lo mevinah - ahni loh meh-VEENA)
; What is your name? (said to a man, more formal). : ?מה שמך (ma shimkha)
; What is your name? (said to a woman, more formal). : ?מה שמך (ma shmekh)
; What is your name? #2 (said to a man) (lit. "How are you called?").: ?איך קוראים לך (ekh kor'im lekha)
; What is your name? #2 (said to a woman) (literally:"How are you called?"). : ?איך קוראים לך (eck kor'im lakh)
; My name is... : שמי (shmi)
; My name is #2 (literally: I am called...) : קוראים לי (kor'im li - kor-'EEM lee ...)
; How much is it?: כמה זה? (kamah zeh? - KA-mah zeh)
; Cash : מזומן ("me-zu-MAN")
; Cash only : מזומן בלבד (mezuman bi-lvad - me-zu-MAN beel-VAD);
; Credit : אשראי (ashrai - ash-RYE);
Pronouns
; I: אני (ani - ah-NEE)
; You (singular, masc.): אתה (atah - ah-TAH)
; You (singular, fem.): את (at - aht)
; He: הוא (hu - hoo)
; She: היא (hi - hee)
; We: אנחנו (anahnu - ah-NAKH-noo)
; You (plural, masc.): אתם (atem - ah-TEM)
; You (plural, fem.): אתן (aten - ah-TEN)
; They (plural, masc.): הם (hem - hem)
; They (plural, fem.): הן (hen - hen)
Asking Questions
; Yes or No? (Do ...? Were...?, Are...?, etc.) : האם (haim? - ha-EEM) converts a sentence into a yes/no question, usually omitted in colloquial speech.
; Who? : מי? (mi? - mee)
; What? : מה? (mah? - mah)
; Where is ...? : איפה? (eyfoh? - EY-foh)
; Where to? : לאן? (le'an? - leh-AH-n)
; Where from? : מאיפה\מאין? (me'eifoh?/me'ayn? - meh-EY-foh/meh-Ah-een)
; When? : מתי? (matai? - mah-TIGH)
; Why? : למה? (lamah? - LAH-mah), מדוע? (madua? - mah-DOOah)
; How much? (also "how many") : כמה? (kamah? - KAH-mah)
; Where are you from?
When speaking to a male: מאיפה אתה? (me'eifoh atah? - meh-EY-foh ah-TAH)
When speaking to a female: מאיפה את? (me'eifoh at? - meh-EY-foh aht)
; Do you speak English? When speaking to a male: אתה מדבר אנגלית? (atah medaber anglit? - ah-TAH meh-dah-BEHR ahn-GLEET?)
When speaking to a female: את מדברת אנגלית? (at medaberet anglit? - aht meh-dah-BEH-ret ahn-GLEET?)
Problems
; Leave me alone. :When speaking to a male: עזוב אותי לנפשי (azov oti lenafshi - ah-zov oh-ti le-na-fshi):When speaking to a female: עזבי אותי לנפשי (izvi oti lenafshi - ee-zvi oh-ti le-na-fshi)
; Don't touch me! :When speaking to a male: אל תיגע בי! (al tiga bee - al ti-gah bee):When speaking to a female: אל תיגעי בי! (al tigeeh bee - al tig-eeh bee)
; I'll call the police. : אני הולך/ת להתקשר למשטרה (...); Police! : משטרה! (mishtara - mish-ta-rah)
; Stop! Thief! : עצור! גנב! (atzor! ganav! - ah-tzor! gah-nav)
; I need your help. : אני זקוק לעזרתך (...)
; It's an emergency. : זה מקרה חירום. (...)
; I'm lost. : איבדתי את דרכי. (...)
; My bag is missing. : איבדתי את התיק שלי (...)
; My wallet is missing. : איבדתי את הארנק שלי (...)
; I'm sick. : אני חולה (...)
; I've been injured. : נפצעתי (...)
; I need a doctor. : אני זקוק/ה לרופא (...)
; Can I use your phone? : האם אני יכול/ה בבקשה להשתמש בטלפון שלך? (...)
Numbers
; 0: אפס (efes - EH-fess)
; 1: אחת (ahat - ah-KHAT)
; 2: שתיים (shtayim - SHTAH-yeem)
; 3: שלוש (shalosh - shah-LOSH)
; 4: ארבע (arba - AHR-bah)
; 5: חמש (hamesh - khah-MESH)
; 6: שש (shesh - shesh)
; 7: שבע (sheva - SHEH-vah)
; 8: שמונה (shmoneh - shmo-NEH)
; 9: תשע (tesha - TEY-shah)
; 10: עשר ('eser - EH-sehr)
; 11: אחת עשרה (ahat-`esreh - ah-khat es-REH)
; 12: שתים עשרה (shtem-`esreh - shtem es-REH)
; 13: שלוש עשרה (shlosh-`esreh - shlosh es-REH)
; 14: ארבע עשרה (arba'-`esreh - ar-bah es-REH)
; 15: חמש עשרה (hamesh-`esreh - kha-mesh es-REH)
; 16: שש עשרה (shesh-`esreh - shesh es-REH)
; 17: שבע עשרה (shva-`esreh - shva es-REH)
; 18: שמונה עשרה (shmoneh-`esreh - shmo-neh es-REH)
; 19: תשע עשרה (tshah-'esreh - tshah es-REH)
; 20: עשרים (`esrim - es-REEM)
; 25: עשרים וחמש (`esrim ve-hamesh - es-REEM ve-khah-MESH)
; 30: שלושים (shloshim - shlo-SHEEM)
; 40: ארבעים (arba`im - ar-bah-EEM)
; 50: חמישים (hamishim - khah-mee-SHEEM)
; 60: ששים (shishim - shee-SHEEM)
; 70: שבעים (shiv`im - shiv-EEM)
; 80: שמונים (shmonim - shmo-NEEM)
; 90: תשעים (tish`im - tish-EEM)
; 100: מאה (me'ah - MEH-'ah)
; 200: מאתיים (matayim - m'ah-TAH-yeem)
; 300: שלוש מאות (shlosh-me'ot - sh-LOSH meh-'OHT)
; 1000: אלף (elef - EH-lef)
; 1%: אחוז (ahuz - ah-KHOOZ ah-KHAD)
; 5%: חמישה אחוזים (hamishah ahuzim - kha-misha ah-KHOOZIM)
; 100%: מאה אחוז (me'ah ahuz - MEH-'ah ah-KHOOZ)
; Half: חצי (hetsi - KHE-tsee)
; Quarter: רבע (reva - REH-vah)
; More: יותר (yoter - yoh-TEHR)
; Less: פחות (pahot - pah-KHOHT)
Time
; Today: היום (hayom - hah-YOHM)
; Yesterday: אתמול (etmol - et-MOHL)
; Tomorrow: מחר (mahar - mah-KHAHR)
; The day before yesterday: שלשום (shilshom - shil-SHOHM)
; The day after tomorrow: מחרתיים (mahratayim - makh-rah-TAH-yeem)
Clock time
; one o'clock AM : אחת לפנות בבוקר (ahat...baboker); two o'clock AM : שתיים לפנות בוקר (shtayim...boker)
; noon : צהרי היום (tsohori hayom)
; one o'clock PM : אחת בצהריים (ahat...)
; two o'clock PM : שתיים בצהריים (shtayim...)
; midnight : חצות (katsot)
Duration
; _____ minute(s) : _____ דקה/ות (daka/dakot); _____ hour(s) : _____ שעה/ות (sha'ah/ot - sha-AH/OHT)
; _____ day(s) : _____ יום/ימים (yom/yamim - yohm/ya-MEEM)
; _____ week(s) : _____ שבוע/ות (shavuah/ot - sha-VOO-ah/shavoo-OHT)
; _____ month(s) : _____ חודש/ים (chodesh/im - KHO-desh/khodesh-EEM)
; _____ year(s) : _____ שנה/ים (shanah/im - sha-NAH/sha-NEEM)
Days of the week
Except for Shabbat, these are ordinal numbers. But both these and the names of the first 6 letters in the Hebrew Alfa-Beit are used.
Sunday: יום ראשון (yom rishon - yohm ree-SHOHN)
; Monday: יום שני (yom sheni - yohm shey-NEE)
; Tuesday: יום שלישי (yom shlishi - yohm shlee-SHEE)
; Wednesday: יום רביעי (yom revi`i - yohm rvee-EE)
; Thursday: יום חמישי (yom hamishi - yohm khah-mee-SHEE)
; Friday: יום ששי (yom shishi - yohm shee-SHEE)
; Saturday: שבת (shabat - shah-BAHT)
Months
In everyday life, most Israelis use the Gregorian Calendar. The month names pronunciation resembles Central-European (e.g. German) pronunciation.
; January: ינואר ("Yanuar")
; February: פברואר ("Februar")
; March: מרץ ("Merts")
; April: אפריל ("April")
; May: מאי ("May - My)
; June: יוני ("Yuni - You-nee")
; July: יולי ("Yuli - You-lee")
; August: אוגוסט ("Ogust - O-guh-st")
; September: ספטמבר ("September")
; October: אוקטובר ("October")
; November: נובמבר ("November")
; December: דצמבר ("Detsember")
For holidays and events, Israeli Jews and Jews worldwide use a lunisolar calendar, in which the month begins at the new moon and a thirteenth month is added every few years. The months start with Tishrei (Sept.-Oct.) and run through Elul (August-September); thus Elul 5760 is followed by Tishrei 5761. "Aviv," the word for "spring," is sometimes substituted for "Nisan" and is also the name of a stage that the growth of barley reaches at that time.
; Tishrei: תשרי (tishrey - tish-REY)
; Heshvan: חשון (heshvan - ḥesh-VAN)
; Kislev: כסלו (kislev - kis-LEV)
; Tevet: טבת (tevet - tey-VET)
; Shevat: שבט (shevat - shuh-VAT)
; Adar: אדר (adar - ah-DAR)
; First Adar (the leap month): אדר ראשון (adar sheni - ah-DAR ree-shone) or אדר א (adar beth - ah-DAR alef)
; Second Adar: אדר שני (adar sheni - ah-DAR shey-NEE) or אדר ב (adar beth - ah-DAR bet)
; Nisan: ניסן (nisan - nee-SAHN)
; Iyar: אייר (iyar - ee-YAHR)
; Sivan: סיון (sivan - see-VAHN)
; Tammuz: תמוז (tamuz - tah-MOOZ)
; Av: אב (av - ahv)
; Elul: אלול (elul - eh-LOOL)
Duration
; Day: יום (yom - yom)
; Week: שבוע (shavua - shah-VOOah)
; Month: חודש (hodesh - KHO-desh)
; Year: שנה (shanah - shah-NAH)
; Hour: שעה (sha`ah - shah-AH)
; Minute: דקה (daqah - dah-KAH)
; Second: שניה (shniyah - shnee-YAH)
; Time: זמן (zman - zmahn)
Seasons
; Spring: אביב (aviv - ah-VEEV)
; Summer: קיץ (kayits - KAH-yits)
; Autumn: סתיו (stav - stahv)
; Winter: חורף (horef - KHO-ref)
; What time is it?: מה השעה? (mah hasha`ah? - mah hah-shah-AH?)
Colors
; black: שחור (shahor - sha-KHOR); white: לבן (lavan - la-VAN)
; gray: אפור (afor - a-FOR)
; red: אדום (adom - a-DOM)
; blue: כחול (kahol - ka-KHOL)
; yellow: צהוב (tsahov - tsa-HOV)
; green: ירוק (yaroq - ya-ROK)
; orange: כתום (katom - ka-TOM)
; purple: סגול (sagol - sa-GOL)
; brown: חום (hum - khum)
; pink: ורוד (varod - va-ROD)
Transport
Bus and train
; How much is a ticket to _____? : כמה עולה כרטיס ל (kamah `ole kartis le___? - KA-ma `oLE karTIS le___?); One ticket to _____, please. : כרטיס אחד ל___, בבקשה (kartis ehad le___, bevakashah - karTIS eKHAD le___, bevakaSHA)
; Where does this train/bus go? : ?לאן הרכבת הזאת נוסעת?/לאן האוטובוס הזה נוסע (le'an harakevet hazot nosa`at?/le'an ha'otobus haze nosea? - le'anleAN haraKEvet haZOT noSA`at?/leAN haOtobus haZE noSEa?)
; Where is the train/bus to _____? : ?___איפה הרכבת ל___?/איפה האוטובוס ל (eifoh harakevet le___?/eifoh ha'otobus le___? - EIfo haraKEvet le___?/EIfo haOtobus le___?)
; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : הרכבת הזאת עוצרת ב___?/האוטובוס הזה עוצר ב (harakevet hazot `otseret be___?/ha'otobus haze `otser be___? - haraKEvet haZOT oTSEret be___?/haOtobus haZE oTSER be___?)
; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : מתי יוצאת הרכבת ל___?/מתי יוצא האוטובוס ל (matai yotset harakevet le___?/matai yotse ha'otobus le___? - maTAI yoTSET haraKEvet le___?/maTAI yoTSE haOtobus le___?)
; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : מתי הרכבת הזאת מגיעה ל___?/מתי האוטובוס הזה מגיע ל (matai harakevet hazot magi`ah le___? matai ha'otobus haze magia le___? - maTAI haraKEvet haZOT magi`A le___?/maTAI haOtobus haZE magi`A le___?)
Directions
; How do I get to _____ ? : איך אני מגיע/ה ל (eikh ani magia/magi`ah le___? - eikh aNI maGI`a/magi`A(f) le___?); ...the train station? : תחנת הרכבת (...tahanat harakevet? - takhaNAT haraKEvet)
; ...the bus station? : תחנת האוטובוס (...tahanat ha'otobus? - takhaNAT haOtobus)
; ...the airport? : שדה התעופה (...sde hate`ufah? - sde hateuFA)
; ...downtown? : מרכז העיר (...merkaz ha`ir? - merKAZ ha`IR)
; ...the youth hostel? : אכסניית נוער (...akhsaniyat no`ar? - akhsaniYAT NO`ar)
; ...the _____ hotel? : מלון (...malon ___? - maLON ___?)
; ...the American/British/French/Chinese/Indian/Russian/Polish consulate? : הקונסוליה ה אמריקאית/בריטית/צרפתית/סינית/הודית/רוסית/פולנית (konsuliyah ha'amerikait/habritit/hatsarfatit/hasinit/hahodit/harusit/hapolanit? - HaKonSULia ha ahmehriKAHit/BRItit/tsorfaTIT/SInit/HOdit/ruSIT/polaNIT?)
; Where are there a lot of... : איפה יש הרבה (eifoh yesh harbeh... - EIfo yesh harBE...)
; ...hotels? : מלונות (...melonot? - meloNOT)
; ...restaurants? : מסעדות (...mis`adot? - mis`aDOT)
; ...bars? : ברים (...barim? - BArim)
; ...things to see? : דברים לראות (...dvarim lir'ot? - dvaRIM lirOT)
; Can you show me on the map? : אפשר להראות לי במפה (efshar lehar'ot li bamapah? - efSHAR leharOT li bamaPA)
; street : רחוב (rehov - reKHOV)
; Go left. : לך שמאלה (lekh smolah - lekh SMOla)
; GO right. : לך ימינה (lekh yeminah - lekh yaMIna)
; left : שמאל (smol - smol)
; right : ימין (yamin - yaMIN)
; straight ahead : ישר (yashar - yaSHAR)
; towards the _____ : לכיוון (lekivun ___ - lekiVUN)
; past the _____ : אחרי ה (ahrey ha___ - akhaREY)
; before the _____ : לפני ה (lifney ha___ - lifNEY)
; Watch for the _____. : חפש את ה (hapes et ha___ - khaPES et ha___)
; intersection : צומת (tsomet - TSOmet)
; north : צפון (tsafon - tsaFON)
; south : דרום (darom - daROM)
; east : מזרח (mizrah - mizRAKH)
; west : מערב (ma`arav - ma`aRAV)
; uphill : במעלה ההר (b-ma`aleh ha-har - b`ma`aLEH ha`HAR)
; downhill : במורד ההר (b`morad ha`har - b`moRAD ha`HAR)
Taxi
; Taxi! : !מונית (monit! - moNIT!); Take me to _____, please. : קח אותי ל____, בבקשה (qah oti le___, bevakashah - kakh oTI le___, bevakaSHA)
; How much does it cost to get to _____? : כמה זה עולה עד ל (kamah ze `oleh li `ad le___? - KAma ze `oLE `ad le___)
; Take me there, please. : קח אותי לשם בבקשה (qah oti lesham, bevakashah - kakh oTI leSHAM, bevakaSHA)
; Could you use a counter/taximeter, please? : תוכל להשתמש במונה בבקשה? (tukhal lehishtamesh bemoneh bevakasha? - tuKHAL le-hish-ta-MESH be-moNEH be-va-ka-SHA?). A counter/taximeter (מונה - moneh) gives the price based on certain factors such as travel time and distance (plus initial price), rather than a fixed overprice. Luggage costs extra in either case.
Lodging
; Are there any rooms available? : האם יש חדרים זמינים ? (...); How much is a room for one person/two people? : כמה יעלה חדר לאדם אחד/שני בני אדם ? (...)
; Does the room come with... : האם יש בחדר ___... (...)
; ...bedsheets? : ...סדינים ? (...)
; ...a bathroom? : ...חדר אמבטיה ? (...)
; ...a telephone? : ...טלפון ? (...)
; ...a TV? : ...טלוויזיה ? (...)
; May I see the room first? : האם אוכל לראות את החדר ? (Haim uchal lirot et hacheder? - Ha-EEM oo-KHAHL lee-ROHT et ha-KHEH-der?)
; Do you have anything quieter? : האם יש לכם חדר שקט יותר ? (Haim yesh lachem cheder shaket yoter? - Ha-EEM yehsh lah-KHEHM KHEH-dehr shah-KEHT yoh-TEHR?)
; ...bigger? : ...גדול יותר ? (gadol yoter? - ga-DOHL yoh-TEHR?)
; ...cleaner? : ...נקי יותר ? (naki yoter - nah-KEE yoh-TEHR)
; ...cheaper? : ...זול יותר? (zol yoter - zohl yoh-TEHR)
; OK, I'll take it. : טוב, אני אקח אותו (...)
; I will stay for _____ night(s). : בכוונתי להישאר _____ לילות (...)
; Can you suggest another hotel? : תוכל/י להציע מלון אחר? (...)
; Is there a safe? : האם יש לכם כספת ? (...)
; Is breakfast/supper included? : האם ארוחת בוקר/ערב כלולה במחיר ? (...)
; What time is breakfast/supper? : באיזה שעה מתקיימת ארוחת הבוקר/צהריים ? (...) ; Please clean my room. : אנא נקו את החדר שלי (...)
; Can you wake me at _____? : האם אתה יכול להעיר אותי בשעה _____ בבקשה ? (...)
; I want to check out. : אני מעוניין לבצע צֶ'ק אָאוּט. (...)
Money
; Are American/Australian/Canadian dollars accepted here? : האם אוכל לשלם בדולרים אמריקנים / אוסטרלים / קנדים? (...); Are British pounds accepted? : האם אוכל לשלם בלירות שטרלינג? (...)
; Are credit cards accepted? : האם אתם מקבלים כרטיסי אשראי ? (...)
; Can you change money for me? : האם אתם מבצעים החלפות מטבע ? (...)
; Where can I get money changed? : היכן אוכל לבצע החלפות מטבע ? (...)
; What is the exchange rate? : מהו שער החליפין ? (...)
; Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : היכן אוכל למצוא כספומט ? (...)
Eating
In Israel, many restaurants and eating places are kosher meaning that they observe the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut. For a restaurant to be officially kosher and have a Kosher Certificate, in addition to serving only correctly prepared kosher food, it must also not open on the Shabbat - from sundown on Friday through sundown on Saturday.In many places in Israel such as Tel Aviv, there are non-kosher restaurants that will open on Shabbat and will serve non-kosher food (e.g. the restaurant serves both meat and milk dishes). Comparatively few places serve non-kosher food items like pork.
In some religious villages and small towns there are very few if any places that open on Shabbat.
; A table for one person/two people, please. : בבקשה, שולחן לאחד /לשניים (b-vakasha shulhan l'ehad/ lishnayim b'vakaSHA, shulKHAN l'ekhAD/ lishnAIYM)
; Can I look at the menu, please? : אפשר תפריט בבקשה (Efshar tafrit, b'vakasha?)
; I'm a vegetarian. : אני צמחוני /אני צמחונית (Ani tsimhoni (masc)/ Ani tsimhonit (fem))
; I don't eat beef. : אני לא אוכל/ אני לא אוכלת בקר (Ani lo okhel bakar (masc)/ Ani lo okhelet bakar(fem))
; I only eat kosher food. : אני אוכל /אוכלת רק אוכל כשר (Ani okhel (masc)/okhelet (fem) raq okhel kasher)
; Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard) : אפשר עם פחות שמן בבקשה (Efshar `im pa