Language/Hebrew/Vocabulary/Greetings

Hebrew Vocabulary → Everyday Hebrew Vocabulary → Greetings

As a Hebrew language teacher for 20 years, I know that learning basic greetings and responses is an essential part of any language course. In this lesson, you'll learn the most commonly used Hebrew greetings and responses that you can use in everyday conversation. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to say "hello" and "goodbye" in Hebrew and make basic introductions.

Basic Greetings

Let's start with the basics! These are the most common Hebrew greetings that you'll hear:

Hebrew	Pronunciation	English
שָׁלוֹם	shalom	hello / peace
הַי	hai	hi
עֵרֶב טוֹב	erev tov	good evening
בּוֹקֶר טוֹב	boker tov	good morning

• To say "hello" in Hebrew, you can use either "shalom" or "hai".
• "Erev tov" is used in the evening hours, while "boker tov" is used in the morning hours.

Basic Responses

Once someone has greeted you, you'll want to know how to respond! Below are the most basic responses to common Hebrew greetings:

Hebrew	Pronunciation	English
שָׁלוֹם	shalom	hello / peace
הַי	hai	hi
עֶרֶב טוֹב	erev tov	good evening
בּוֹקֶר טוֹב	boker tov	good morning
תוֹדָה	toda	thank you
תְּפִילָה	tefilah	prayer
סְלִיחָה	slicha	excuse me / sorry

• Saying "shalom" or "hai" is the appropriate response to either of these basic greetings.
• If someone greets you with "erev tov" or "boker tov", simply respond with the same greeting back.
• "Toda" means "thank you" and can be used in response to someone thanking you or giving you something.
• If you need to apologize or ask for forgiveness, use "slicha". It can also be used to excuse yourself or get someone's attention.

Introductions

Once you've greeted someone, it's time for introductions! Here are some phrases to help you introduce yourself and get to know someone else:

• "Shmi" means "my name is". Just replace "name" with your own name! For example: "Shmi Maggie" (My name is Maggie).
• "Mi at/ata" means "Who are you?" (to a female/male).
• "Ani ..." means "I am ...". For example: "Ani melechet bekinus" (I am a nurse).
• "Ma sh'lomcha/sh'lomech?" means "How are you?" (to a male/female).
• "Tov/itov" means "good". For example: "Tov, toda" (Good, thank you).

Conclusion

Learning these basic Hebrew greetings, responses, and introductions will help you start a conversation with native Hebrew speakers and make their day! Don't forget to practice these phrases and use them in context.

Sources

• Common Hebrew Words and Phrases - Jewish Federation of ...
• How to Say Hello in Hebrew: Guide to Hebrew Greetings
• 100 Basic Hebrew Phrases - Teach Me Hebrew

Table of Contents - Hebrew Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Hebrew Alphabet

• Consonants
• Vowels
• Nikkud
• Reading Practice

  ---

Everyday Hebrew Vocabulary

• Greetings
• Numbers
• Family Members
• Colors, Shapes, and Sizes
• Food and Drink
• Clothing
• Transportation and Travel
• Weather
• Time and Calendar

  ---

Hebrew Grammar

• Nouns
• Pronouns
• Adjectives
• Verbs
• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Israeli Culture

• Jewish Holidays
• Israeli Society
• Famous Israelis
• Israeli Cuisine

  ---

Hebrew Expressions

• Common Phrases
• Slang
• Idioms

  ---

Hebrew Numbers

• Ordinal Numbers
• Fractions and Decimals

  ---

Hebrew Geography and Landmarks

• Cities and Regions
• Landmarks

  ---

Hebrew Literature and Language

• Hebrew Poetry
• Hebrew Proverbs

  ---

Grammar Review

• Review of Nouns and Pronouns
• Review of Adjectives
• Review of Verbs

Related Lessons

• Count to 10
• Days eymeym ימים
• At the Post Office
• Geography
• Idiomatic Expressions
• City
• Cities and Regions
• Directions
• Numbers
• Weather