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Hebrew phrasebook Voyage Tips and guide

You can check the original Wikivoyage article Here

    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

    [edit]

    The Hebrew script is an abjad, not an alphabet, meaning that it consists entirely of consonants, and vowels are usually not written out. Vowels can be indicated by 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 (IPA: /ʔ/) 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 (IPA: /χ/). Some people pronounce it as the Arabic ح (IPA: /ħ/)
    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 (IPA: /χ/)
    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 (IPA: /ʔ/) and sometimes silent. Some people pronounce it as a constriction of the throat as in the Arabic ع (IPA: /ʕ/)
    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 (IPA: [ʁ]). Some pronounce it rolled as in Spanish burro (IPA: [r])
    שׁ שׂ   sin, shin (sh, s)
    with a right-hand dot like shoot (IPA: [ʃ]), 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 (IPA: [dʒ])
    ז'
    as s in pleasure (IPA: [ʒ])
    צ' ץ'    (tsh)
    as ch in chat (IPA: [tʃ])

    Phrase list

    [edit]

    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.

    Basics

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]
    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 (.ani holekh (male) holekhet (female) le-hi-t-ka-sher la-mi-sh-ta-ra
    Police!
    משטרה! (mishtara - mish-ta-rah)
    Stop! Thief!
    עצור! גנב! (atzor! ganav! - ah-tzor! gah-nav)
    I need your help.
    אני זקוק לעזרתך (ani zakuk(male) zkuka (female) lee-zrat-kha (male) ez-rat-ekh(female) (formal) ani tzarikh(male) tzrikha (female) et ezra-t-kha (male) ez-rat-ekh(female)
    It's an emergency.
    זה מקרה חירום. (ze mikreh cherum)
    I'm lost.
    איבדתי את דרכי. (Ibaditi et darkii)(formal) hal-akh-ti le-ibu-d(infornal)
    My bag is missing.
    איבדתי את התיק שלי (Ibaditi et ha-tik)
    My wallet is missing.
    איבדתי את הארנק שלי (Ibaditi et ha-arnak)
    I'm sick.
    אני חולה (Ani choleh (male)/ cholah)(female)
    I've been injured.
    נפצעתי (...)nif-tza-ti
    I need a doctor.
    אני זקוק/ה לרופא (Ani zakuk(male)zku-ka(female) lerofeh(formal) ani tzarikh'
    Can I use your phone?
    האם אני יכול/ה בבקשה להשתמש בטלפון שלך? (Ha-im ani yachol/ yecholah\ efshar(informal) bevakashah lehistamesh batelefon shelcha(male) shelach?)(female)

    Numbers

    [edit]
    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% - one percent
    אחוז (ahuz - ah-KHOOZ ah-KHAD)
    5% - five precent
    חמישה אחוזים (hamishah ahuzim - kha-misha ah-KHOOZIM)
    100% - one hundred precent
    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- zman זמן

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]
    one o'clock AM
    אחת לפנות בוקר (ahat lifnot boker)
    two o'clock AM
    שתיים לפנות בוקר (shtayim lifnot boker)
    noon
    צהרי היום (tzohori hayom)
    one o'clock PM
    אחת בצהריים (ahat batzhorayim)
    two o'clock PM
    שתיים בצהריים (shtayim batzhorayim)
    midnight
    חצות (khatzot)

    Duration

    [edit]
    _____ 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

    [edit]

    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

    [edit]

    In everyday life, most Israelis use the Gregorian Calendar. The month names pronunciation resembles Central-European (e.g. German) pronunciation.

    January
    ינואר (yanuar - YAH-noo-ar)
    February
    פברואר (februar)
    March
    מרץ (merts)
    April
    אפריל (april - ap-REEL)
    May
    מאי (may - my)
    June
    יוני (yuni - YOU-nee)
    July
    יולי (yuli - YOU-lee)
    August
    אוגוסט (ogust - OH-goost)
    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 rishon - ah-DAR ree-shone) or אדר א (adar alef - 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

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]

    Bus and train

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]
    How do I get to _____ ?
    איך אני מגיע/ה ל (eikh ani magia(male)[`]/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\i smolah - lekh SMOla)\
    GO right.
    לך ימינה (lekh\i 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\hapsi 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 (bema`aleh ha-har - b`ma`aLEH ha`HAR)
    downhill
    במורד ההר (b`morad ha`har - b`moRAD ha`HAR)

    Taxi

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]
    Are there any rooms available?
    האם יש חדרים זמינים ? (ha'im yesh hadarim zminim?)
    How much is a room for one person/two people?
    כמה יעלה חדר לאדם אחד/שני בני אדם ? (kamah ya'ale heder l'adam ehad/l'sh'nei b'ne adam?)
    Does the room come with...
    האם יש בחדר ___... (ha'im yesh ba’heder...)
    ...bedsheets?
    ...סדינים ? (...s'dinim?)
    ...a bathroom?
    ...חדר אמבטיה ? (... heder ambatya?)
    ...a telephone?
    ...טלפון ? (...telefon?)
    ...a TV?
    ...טלוויזיה ? (...televizya?)
    May I see the room first?
    האם אוכל לראות את החדר ? (Ha’im uhal lirot et haheder - Ha-EEM oo-KHAHL lee-ROHT et ha-KHEH-der?)
    Do you have anything quieter?
    האם יש לכם חדר שקט יותר ? (Ha’im yesh lahem heder 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 (...tov ani e-ka-kh o-to)
    I will stay for _____ night(s).
    בכוונתי להישאר _____ לילות bekha-va-na-ti(formal) ani rotzeh\rotzah lehishaer ______ leylot
    Can you suggest another hotel?
    תוכל/י להציע מלון אחר? (...)tukhal(male) tukhli(female) le-ha-tz-ia ma-lon ak-her
    Is there a safe?
    האם יש לכם כספת ? (ha-IM yesh le-khem cuh-SEH-phet?)
    Is breakfast/supper included?
    האם ארוחת בוקר/ערב כלולה במחיר ? (...)
    What time is breakfast/supper?
    באיזה שעה ארוחת הבוקר/צהריים ? (...)
    Please clean my room.
    אנא נקו את החדר שלי (...)
    Can you wake me at _____?
    האם אפשר להעיר אותי בשעה _____ בבקשה ? (...)
    I want to check out.
    אני מעוניין\ת לבצע צֶ'ק אָאוּט. (...) אני רוצה לעשות צ'ק אאוט(informal)

    Money

    [edit]
    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

    [edit]

    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 pahot shemen bevakashah)
    breakfast
    ארוחת בוקר (Aruhat boqer)
    lunch
    ארוחת צהריים (Aruhat tsohorayim)
    supper
    ארוחת ערב (Aruhat `erev)
    I want _____.
    אני רוצה _____. (Ani rotseh (masc); Ani rotsah (fem))
    I would like to eat _____.
    אני רוצה לאכול _____. (Ani rotseh/ rotsah le'ekhol)
    chicken
    עוף (`Off)
    beef
    בקר (Baqar)
    fish
    דג (Dag)
    cheese
    גבינה (Gvinah)
    eggs
    ביצה (Beitsah)
    salad
    סלט (Salat)
    (fresh) vegetables
    ירקות (Y-raqot)
    (fresh) fruit
    פירות (Peirot)
    bread
    לחם (Lehem)
    toast
    טוסט (Tost)
    noodles
    נודלז (Nudelz)
    pasta
    פסטה (Pastah)
    rice
    אורז (Orez)
    chickpeas
    חומוס (humus)
    hummus: חומוס (humus)
    May I have a glass of _____?
    אפשר כוס (Efshar qos)
    May I have a cup of _____?
    אפשר כוס (Efshar qos)
    May I have a bottle of _____?
    אפשר בקבוק (Efshar baqbuq)
    ...coffee
    ...קפה (Kafeh)
    ...tea (drink)
    תה (Teh)
    ...juice
    ...מיץ (Mits)
    ...(bubbly) water
    ...סודה (Sodah)
    ...water
    ...מים (Mayim)
    ...beer
    ...בירה (Birah)
    ...red/white wine
    ...יין אדום. יין לבן (Yain adom / Yain lavan)
    May I have some _____?
    אפשר (Efshar)
    salt
    מלח (Melah)
    black pepper
    פלפל שחור (Pilpel shahor)
    Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server)
    סליחה (Slihah)
    I'm finished.
    סיימתי (S ia m ti)
    It was delicious.
    היה מצוין (Hayah metsuyan)
    Please clear the plates.
    אפשר לפנות (Efshar lefanot)
    The check, please.
    אפשר חשבון, בבקשה (Efshar heshbon, b-vakasha)
    Where is the bathroom ?
    איפה השירותים ? (Eifo Hasherutim?)

    Bars

    [edit]
    Do you serve alcohol?
    האם אתם מגישים אלכוהול? (Ha'im atem megishim alkohol? - huh-EEM uh-TEM me-gee-SHEEM al-koh-HOLE)
    A beer/two beers, please.
    בירה / שתי בירות, בבקשה? (Bira / shtei birot, bevakasha? - BEE-ruh / SHTAY BEE-rote beh-vah-kuh-SHAH)
    A glass of red/white wine, please.
    כוס יין אדומה / לבנה, בבקשה? (Kos yayin aduma / levana, bevakasha? - KOHS YIGHN ah-doo-MAH / be-vah-NAH beh-vah-kah-SHAH)
    A pint, please.
    כוס בירה גדולה, בבקשה. (Kos bira gdola, bevakasha? - KOHS BEE-ruh gdoh-LAH be-vah-kah-SHAH)
    A bottle, please.
    בקבוק, בבקשה. (Bakbuk, bevakasha? - bak-BOOKE be-vah-kah-SHAH)
    I'd like a_______?
    אני מעוניין/ת ב-_____. (Ani me'unyan/me'unyenet be-_____. - ah-NEE me-oon-YAHN/me-oon-YEN-net be-____)
    beer
    בירה (bira - BEE-ruh)
    wine
    יין (yayin - YIGHN)
    gin
    ג'ין (jin - JIN)
    whiskey
    ויסקי (viski - VEES-kee)
    vodka
    וודקה (vodka - VOD-kah)
    rum
    רום (rum - ROOM)
    water
    מים (mayim - MIME)
    club soda
    סודה (soda - SOH-dah)
    tonic water
    מי טוניק (mey tonik - MAY TOH-neek)
    orange juice
    מיץ תפוזים (mitz tapuzim - MEETZ tah-poo-ZEEM)
    Coke
    קוקה קולה (koka kola - KOH-kuh KOH-luh)
    One more, please.
    עוד אחד בבקשה. (Od echad bevakasha - ODE aye-KHAHD be-vah-kah-SHAH)
    When is closing time?
    מתי אתם סוגרים ? (Matay atem sogrim? - mah-TYE ah-TEM soh-GREEM)

    Shopping

    [edit]
    How much is this?
    כמה זה עולה ? (Kamah zeh oleh? - KAH-mah zeh oh-LEH?)
    That's too expensive
    זה יקר מדי (Zeh yakar midai. - zeh yah-KAHR mee-DIGH.)
    Would you take _____?
    האם אתה לוקח _____? (...)האם את לוקחת
    expensive
    יקר (yakar - yah-KAHR)
    cheap
    זול (zol -ZOHL)
    I can't afford it.
    אני לא יכול/ה להרשות את זה (Ani lo yachol/a leharshot et zeh. - ah-NEE loh ya-KHOHL/ya-choh-LAH le-har-SHOHT et zeh.)
    I am looking for something cheaper.
    אני מחפש/ת משהו זול יותר (Ani mechapes/et mashehu zol yoter. - ah-NEE mehkha-PEHS/et MAH-shu zohl yoh-TEHR.)
    I don't want it.
    אני לא מעוניין/ת בזה (Ani lo me'unyan/me'unyenet ba-zeh. - an-NEE loh me-oon-YAHN/mee-oon-YEN-net buh-ZEH.)
    You're cheating me.
    אתה מרמה אותי (Ata merame oti - a-TAH meh-ra-MEH oh-TEE to a man) את מרמה אותי (At merama oti - aaht meh-ra-MAH oh-TEE to a woman)
    I'm not interested.
    אני לא מעוניין/ת (Ani lo me'unyan/me'unyenet. - an-NEE loh me-oon-YAHN/mee-oon-YEN-net.)
    OK, I'll take it.
    בסדר, אני אקח את זה (Beseder. Ani ekach et zeh. - beh-SEH-der. ah-NEE ay-KAKH et zeh.)
    Can I have a bag?
    אפשר בבקשה לקבל שקית? (Efshar b'vakasha lekabel sakit? - eff-SHAHR buh-VAH-kah-SHAH leh-kuh-BELL suh-KEET?)
    I need...
    -אני זקוק/ה ל... (Ani zakuk le-... - ah-NEE zuh-KOOK le...)
    ...toothpaste.
    ...משחת שיניים (mishchat shinayim - meesh-KHAHT shee-NIGHM)
    ...toothbrush.
    ...מברשת שיניים (mivreshet shinayim - meev-RESH-ett shee-NIGHM)
    ...tampons.
    ...טמפונים (tamponim - tam-POHN-eem)
    ...soap.
    ...סבון (sabon - suh-BOHN)
    ...shampoo.
    ...שמפו (shampu - sham-POO)
    ...pain reliever.
    ...משכך כאבים (meshakech ke'evim - meh-shuh-KEKH keh-ev-EEM)
    ...cold medicine.
    ...תרופה להצטננות (trufa le-hitstonenut - troo-FAH leh-heets-toh-nen-NOOT)
    ...stomach medicine.
    ...תרופה לכאב בטן (trufa le-ke'ev beten - troo-FAH leh-KEH-ev BET-tin)
    ...a razor.
    ...תער (ta'ar - TAH-ahr)
    ...an umbrella.
    ...מטרייה (mitriya - mee-tree-YAH)
    ...sunblock lotion.
    ...קרם הגנה (krem hagana - krem hah-guh-NAH)
    ...a postcard.
    ...גלויה (gluya - gloo-YAH)
    ...postage stamps.
    ...בולים (bulim - BOO-leem)
    ...batteries.
    ...בטריות (bateriyot - buh-TEHR-ee-yoht)
    ...writing paper.
    ...נייר מכתבים (niyar michtavim - nee-YAHR meekh-tuh-VEEM)
    ...a pen.
    ...עט (et)
    ...a pencil.
    ...עיפרון (iparon - eepah-ROHN)

    Driving

    [edit]
    I want to rent a car.
    אני רוצה לשכור רכב. (...)
    Can I get insurance?
    האם אני יכול/ה לקבל ביטוח ? (...)
    stop
    עצור (...)
    one way
    נתיב חד סטרי (...)
    yield
    תן זכות קדימה (...)
    no entry
    אין כניסה (...)
    no parking
    אין חנייה (...)
    speed limit
    מגבלת מהירות (...)
    gas station
    תחנת דלק (...)
    petrol
    בנזין (...)
    diesel
    דיזל (...)

    Authority

    [edit]
    I haven't done anything wrong
    לא עשיתי שום דבר רע (Lo asiti shum davar ra)
    It was a misunderstanding
    זאת הייתה אי הבנה (Zot hayta i-havanah)
    Where are you taking me?
    לאן אתה לוקח אותי? (L’an atah loke’ah oti?)lean at kokakhat oti
    Am I under arrest?
    האם אני עצור? (Ha’im ani atzur?)
    I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen
    אני אזרח אמריקאי / אוסטרלי / בריטי / קנדי (Ani ezrah America’i / Australa’i / Briti / Canadi )
    I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate
    אני רוצה לדבר עם השגרירות / הקונסוליה האמריקנית / אוסטרליה / בריטניה / קנדה (Ani rotzeh/ rotzah l’daber im ha-shagrirah / ha-consoliyah shel America / Australia / Britania / Canada)
    I want to talk to a lawyer
    אני רוצה לדבר עם עורך דין (Ani rotzeh/ rotzah l’daber im oreh din)
    Can I just pay a fine now?
    אוכל לשלם את הקנס עכשיו? (Oohal l’shalem et ha-k’nas ahshav?)
    This Hebrew phrasebook is a usable article. It explains pronunciation and the bare essentials of travel communication. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.


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