Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging journey. For many, Hebrew is a language that holds cultural, historical, and religious significance. If you’re starting out on your Hebrew learning adventure, getting a strong grasp of essential vocabulary is crucial. At the A1 level, you’ll focus on foundational words that will help you navigate everyday conversations, understand basic texts, and build your language skills. This article will introduce you to 50 essential words you need to know for Hebrew at the A1 level, providing you with a solid base to grow your proficiency.

Basic Greetings and Introductions

1. **שלום** (Shalom) – Hello/Peace
– “Shalom” is the most common way to greet someone in Hebrew and can be used at any time of the day. It also means peace.

2. **בוקר טוב** (Boker Tov) – Good Morning
– Use “Boker Tov” to greet someone in the morning.

3. **ערב טוב** (Erev Tov) – Good Evening
– “Erev Tov” is used to greet someone in the evening.

4. **לילה טוב** (Laila Tov) – Good Night
– When saying goodbye at night, “Laila Tov” is the appropriate phrase.

5. **מה שלומך?** (Ma Shlomcha/Shlomech?) – How are you? (male/female)
– This is a common way to ask someone how they are doing.

6. **אני בסדר** (Ani Beseder) – I’m fine
– Use this phrase to respond when someone asks how you are.

Essential Pronouns

7. **אני** (Ani) – I
– “Ani” is the first-person singular pronoun.

8. **אתה** (Ata) – You (male)
– “Ata” is used when addressing a male.

9. **את** (At) – You (female)
– Use “At” when addressing a female.

10. **הוא** (Hu) – He
– “Hu” is the third-person singular male pronoun.

11. **היא** (Hi) – She
– “Hi” is the third-person singular female pronoun.

12. **אנחנו** (Anachnu) – We
– “Anachnu” is the first-person plural pronoun.

13. **הם** (Hem) – They (male or mixed group)
– “Hem” refers to a group of males or a mixed-gender group.

14. **הן** (Hen) – They (female)
– “Hen” refers specifically to a group of females.

Everyday Vocabulary

15. **כן** (Ken) – Yes
– A simple affirmative response.

16. **לא** (Lo) – No
– Use “Lo” to negate or disagree.

17. **תודה** (Toda) – Thank you
– “Toda” is a polite way to express gratitude.

18. **בבקשה** (Bevakasha) – Please/You’re welcome
– “Bevakasha” can mean both please and you’re welcome, depending on the context.

19. **סליחה** (Slicha) – Sorry/Excuse me
– Use “Slicha” to apologize or to get someone’s attention.

20. **כן בבקשה** (Ken Bevakasha) – Yes, please
– A polite way to accept something.

21. **לא תודה** (Lo Toda) – No, thank you
– A polite way to decline something.

Numbers

22. **אחד** (Echad) – One
23. **שתיים** (Shtayim) – Two
24. **שלוש** (Shalosh) – Three
25. **ארבע** (Arba) – Four
26. **חמש** (Chamesh) – Five
27. **שש** (Shesh) – Six
28. **שבע** (Sheva) – Seven
29. **שמונה** (Shmoneh) – Eight
30. **תשע** (Tesha) – Nine
31. **עשר** (Eser) – Ten

Common Nouns

32. **בית** (Bayit) – House/Home
– “Bayit” refers to a house or home, a central place in daily life.

33. **אוכל** (Ochel) – Food
– An essential word for anything related to meals and eating.

34. **מים** (Mayim) – Water
– “Mayim” is crucial, especially in conversations about drinks and staying hydrated.

35. **שולחן** (Shulchan) – Table
– Used in contexts like dining or studying.

36. **כסא** (Kise) – Chair
– A basic piece of furniture, “Kise” is essential in many settings.

37. **ספר** (Sefer) – Book
– “Sefer” is useful for discussing reading materials or studies.

38. **מיטה** (Mitah) – Bed
– “Mitah” comes in handy when talking about sleeping arrangements.

39. **חדר** (Cheder) – Room
– “Cheder” can refer to any room within a house or building.

40. **חנות** (Chanoot) – Store
– “Chanoot” is key when shopping or talking about commerce.

Common Verbs

41. **לאכול** (Le’echol) – To eat
– An essential verb for discussing meals and food preferences.

42. **לשתות** (Lishtot) – To drink
– Use “Lishtot” when talking about beverages.

43. **לישון** (Lishon) – To sleep
– “Lishon” is important for discussing sleep and rest.

44. **לעבוד** (La’avod) – To work
– “La’avod” is used in contexts related to employment and tasks.

45. **ללכת** (Lalechet) – To go/walk
– Useful for giving or understanding directions.

46. **לראות** (Lir’ot) – To see
– “Lir’ot” is used in contexts involving sight and observation.

47. **לדבר** (Ledaber) – To speak
– “Ledaber” is crucial for communicating verbally.

48. **לקרוא** (Likro) – To read
– Use “Likro” in contexts related to reading books or other materials.

49. **לכתוב** (Lichtov) – To write
– “Lichtov” is important for discussing writing activities.

50. **לאהוב** (Le’ehov) – To love
– “Le’ehov” is used to express affection and preference.

Putting It All Together

Mastering these 50 essential Hebrew words will give you a solid foundation as you begin your language learning journey. Knowing these words will help you handle basic conversations, understand simple texts, and navigate everyday situations. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and consistency is key. Practice these words regularly, use them in sentences, and try to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Whether you’re learning Hebrew for travel, cultural connection, or personal interest, these foundational words will set you on the path to success. Happy learning!