Essential phrases for starting conversations and interacting socially with confidence in Israel.

Hebrew for Social Situations: Breaking the Ice

How's it going?

Ex: היי, מה נשמע? איך עבר עליך היום?
(Hey, ma nishma? Eikh avar alecha ha-yom?)
[Hey, how's it going? How was your day?]

What's up?

Ex: היי, מה קורה איתך?
(Hey, ma koreh itcha?)
[Hey, what's up with you?]

Ex: תודה רבה, שיהיה יום טוב.
(Toda raba, sheyihye yom tov.)

Literal: May there be a good day / Let there be a good day
Idiomatic: Have a good day

Note: This is a very common and friendly way to say goodbye

שיהיה יום טוב (Sheyihye yom tov)

Any chance? / Is it possible?

Ex: יש מצב לקפה?
(Yesh matzav le-kafe?)
[Any chance for a coffee?]

I've got this / It's on me

Ex: כמה אני חייב לך על הקפה? – עזוב, עלי.
(Kama ani chayav lecha al ha-kafe? – Azov, alai.)
[Literal: On me / Idiomatic: How much do I owe you for the coffee? – Forget it, it's on me.]

Talk to me / Let me know

Ex: תחשוב על זה ודבר איתי.
(Tachshov al ze ve-daber iti.)
[Literal: Speak with me / Idiomatic: Think about it and let me know.]

Good luck

Ex: יש לך מבחן היום? בהצלחה!
(Yesh lekha mivchan hayom? Be'hatzlacha)
[Literal: In success / Idiomatic: Good luck.]

Can I have a moment?

Ex: סליחה, אפשר רגע? אני צריך עזרה.
(Slicha, efshar rega? Ani tsarich ezra.)
[Literal: Possible a moment? / Idiomatic: Excuse me, can I have a moment? I need help.]

Nice to meet you
Ex: שלום, אני דני. – נעים מאוד, אני מזל.
(Shalom, ani Dani. – Na'im me'od, ani Mazal.)
[Literal: Pleasant very / Idiomatic: Hi, I'm Dani. – Nice to meet you, I'm Mazal.]

No problem / Sure

1. Requesting Help
Ex: אפשר עזרה? – בכיף
(Efshar ezra? – Be-kef)
[Can I have some help? – Sure]

2. Receiving Thanks (Hosting / Compliments)
[With pleasure / My pleasure]