10 Hebrew Words Every Tourist Should Know
Many travelers arrive in Israel focused on the sites: the Western Wall, Masada, the Dead Sea, the beaches of Tel Aviv. But what truly makes a visit unforgettable isn't just the scenery—it’s the people you meet along the way. Whether it’s a vendor handing you freshly baked pita in a bustling market or a stranger helping you with directions in a winding alley of Jaffa, those small moments of human connection stand out. Knowing even a few Hebrew words transforms you from a passive tourist to an engaged visitor. It’s not about speaking perfectly—it’s about showing that you care enough to try.
Essential Hebrew Words and Phrases for Tourists 🇮🇱
| Hebrew Word | Pronunciation | English Translation | Where to Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| שלום (Shalom) | sha-LOM | Hello / Goodbye / Peace | When entering or leaving places, or as a greeting |
| תודה (Toda) | to-DAH | Thank you | Say this when someone helps or serves you |
| בבקשה (Bevakasha) | be-va-ka-SHA | Please / You're welcome | Use when making a request or responding to “thank you” |
| איפה...? (Eifo...?) | AY-foh | Where is...? | Great for asking for directions |
| כן / לא (Ken / Lo) | Ken / Lo | Yes / No | Very basic but used constantly in all situations |
| מה שלומך? (Ma shlomcha? / shlomech?) | ma SHLOM-kha / SHLOM-ech | How are you? | Casual greeting in cafes, hotels, or with strangers |
| סבבה (Sababa) | sa-BA-ba | Cool / Great | Used like “okay” or “sounds good” – very common slang |
| בוקר טוב (Boker Tov) | BO-ker TOV | Good morning | Friendly greeting in the morning, especially at hotels or cafés |
| איך קוראים לך? (Ech kor’im lecha? / lech?) | ech ko-REEM le-KHA / le-CH | What's your name? | Use to start conversations while meeting people |
| שירות / מונית (Sheirut / Monit) | she-RUT / mo-NEET | Shared taxi / Taxi | Common travel terms, especially helpful on Shabbat |
A Language Rooted in History and Modern Life
Hebrew isn’t just a modern language—it’s a living link to thousands of years of culture, scripture, and national identity. Spoken daily in cafes, buses, classrooms, and news broadcasts, Hebrew weaves ancient tradition into the fabric of modern Israeli life. For travelers, it offers a window into the soul of the country. When you say “Shalom,” you’re not just saying “hello”—you’re touching a word that carries the weight of peace, harmony, and centuries of history. Even if your vocabulary is limited, using Hebrew allows you to participate in a shared cultural experience that goes far deeper than sightseeing.
Language as a Bridge, Not a Barrier
The beauty of travel lies in its surprises—and some of the best ones come when you step just a little outside your comfort zone. Many tourists worry about mispronouncing words or sounding silly, but Israelis are famously direct, warm, and appreciative when foreigners make the effort. Most locals will happily help you out or switch to English if needed, but using a few Hebrew words can change the tone of an interaction completely. A cheerful “Boker Tov” in the morning, or a heartfelt “Toda” after a meal, may earn you a smile, a joke, or even a personal tip you wouldn’t have received otherwise. Language doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be sincere.
Bonus: Quick Hebrew Vocabulary for Tourists
| English | Hebrew (Letters) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Water | מים | Ma-yim |
| Bathroom | שירותים | She-ru-tim |
| Food | אוכל | O-chel |
| Bus | אוטובוס | O-to-bus |
| Train | רכבת | Ra-ke-vet |
| Help | עזרה | Ez-ra |
| Excuse me | סליחה | Sli-cha |
