Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. If you’re beginning your journey with Hebrew, mastering some basic phrases can be an excellent way to start. Here is a curated list of Hebrew phrases along with their definitions and examples that will be useful for new learners.
שלום (Shalom) – Hello/Goodbye/Peace
One of the most well-known Hebrew words, “shalom” is a versatile term that can be used to say hello, goodbye, or to wish someone peace.
שלום, איך הולך? (Shalom, eich holech?) – Hello, how is it going?
תודה (Todah) – Thank you
Expressing gratitude is universal, and “todah” is the Hebrew way to say “thank you.”
תודה על העזרה שלך (Todah al ha’ezra shelcha) – Thank you for your help.
בבקשה (Bevakasha) – Please/You’re welcome
The word “bevakasha” can be used both to say “please” when requesting something, and “you’re welcome” in response to “thank you.”
תוכל להביא לי מים, בבקשה? (Tuchal lehavi li mayim, bevakasha?) – Can you bring me water, please?
סליחה (Slicha) – Excuse me/Sorry
Whether you’re trying to get someone’s attention or you’re apologizing, “slicha” is a handy phrase to know.
סליחה, אני מחפש את התחנה. (Slicha, ani mechapes et ha’tachana.) – Excuse me, I am looking for the station.
כן (Ken) – Yes
Affirmation in Hebrew is simple: “ken” means “yes.”
האם אתה רוצה עוד קפה? כן! (Ha’im ata rotze od cafe? Ken!) – Do you want more coffee? Yes!
לא (Lo) – No
On the flip side, “lo” is the Hebrew term for “no.”
האם את מדברת צרפתית? לא. (Ha’im at medaberet tzarfatit? Lo.) – Do you speak French? No.
מה שלומך? (Ma shlomcha?/Ma shlomech?) – How are you?
In Hebrew, the phrase used to ask someone how they are changes depending on the gender of the person you’re speaking to. “Ma shlomcha?” is used for males, and “Ma shlomech?” for females.
מה שלומך הבוקר? (Ma shlomcha haboker?) – How are you this morning? (to a male)
אפשר (Efshar) – Can/Is it possible?
When you want to know if something is possible or when requesting permission, “efshar” is what you’ll use.
אפשר להזמין שולחן לשניים? (Efshar lehazmin shulchan leshnayim?) – Can I reserve a table for two?
אני אוהב/ת (Ani ohev/ohevet) – I love (male/female)
To express love, Hebrew distinguishes between genders. Males use “ani ohev,” and females use “ani ohevet.”
אני אוהב את המוזיקה הזאת. (Ani ohev et ha’musika hazot.) – I love this music. (said by a male)
איפה (Eifo) – Where
When looking for a location or a place, “eifo” is the question word for “where.”
איפה השירותים? (Eifo ha’sherutim?) – Where is the bathroom?
מתי (Matai) – When
Asking about time or scheduling, use “matai” to ask “when.”
מתי תחזור הביתה? (Matai tachzor habayta?) – When will you return home?
מי (Mi) – Who
When you want to know someone’s identity or inquire who someone is, “mi” is used for “who.”
מי זה? (Mi zeh?) – Who is that?
למה (Lama) – Why
To understand the reason behind something, “lama” asks the question “why.”
למה אתה עצוב? (Lama ata atzuv?) – Why are you sad?
With these basic Hebrew phrases, you can begin to navigate simple conversations and interactions in Hebrew. Practice them regularly, and soon you’ll build the confidence to expand your Hebrew vocabulary even further. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, so be patient and persistent. Happy learning!
