Any foreign country you visit and by foreign I mean where the local language ain’t English, it could get a bit awkward to start with. You must agree, that it’s always a plus point to atleast be able to make an effort, to speak a few words in the local language. It is always highly recommended and appreciated as well. So, Bruchim HaBaim le Yeesrael (Broocheem Ha-baeem Le Israel)!! It means “Welcome to Israel”. Yalla Yalla (kind of “lets go” or “lets start” in Arabic actually but widely used in Hebrew as well).
Before I begin, let me start by telling you this. There are many words that have its roots in the Arabic language and vice versa. And believe me, from where I come from that happens a LOT. So don’t be surprised when that happens, coz Israel is like that. Uniquely inter-twined in everything. That means, there are a LOT of anglicised words used as well. Also, genders are pronounced, written differently, so I am going to mention the easy, gender neutral phrases or words used instead. It will be fun, nevertheless… yalla yalla…
Common words & phrases:
Hello : Shalom (Shaa-lohm)
Yes : Ken
No : Lo
OK : OK/Beh-seh-dehr
Good : Tov
Bad : Lo Tov
Good morning : Boh-kehr Tov
Good evening : Eh-rev Tov
Good night : Laila Tov
How are you : Muh-neesh-maah
How much : Kaa-maah
Where : Eh-foh
Why : Lah-mah
When : Muh-taay
What : Maah
Money : Keh-sef
Petrol : Petrol / Gaaz
Toilet : Shey-roo-teem
What is your name : Maah shem
My name is : Shem shey-lee (‘sheli’ means mine, ‘shem’ is name )
Where are you from : Mee Eh-foh Atah/Aht (Atah : male, Aht: Female)
I am from : Anee Mee ….. (country)
Hotel : Muh-lohn
Taxi : Taxi / Mooh-neet
Bus : Boos / Auto-boos
Train : Ruh-keh-veht
Restaurant : Mees-aah-daah
Water : Maa-eem
Coffee : Kuh-fey
Tea : Tey
Hot : Khaam
Cold : Kaar
Sugar : Soo-kahr
Milk : Kha-laav
Fish : Daag
Meat : Buh-saahr
Bottle : Buhk-book
Pitcher (water, lemonade) : Kuhn-kahn
Lemonade : Lee-moh-naa-dah
With these many words added to your vocab you are more than ready to go. You will surely do great and in case you get stuck, smile and speak in English. Always works. Ha ha ha.
Also, you will find some useful information on this site “Israel-Land of Creation“. Give it a glance before you come visit. And yes absolutely, you can always write or call us for the REAL info. See you soon.
Vagabond Rootz 