When shopping for groceries in Israel, knowing some basic Hebrew phrases can greatly enhance your experience. Here’s a guide to help you navigate a supermarket or local market with ease.

 

Common Phrases and Vocabulary

 

Greetings and Polite Expressions

- Hello: שלום (Shalom)

- Goodbye: להתראות (Lehitraot)

- Please: בבקשה (Bevakasha)

- Thank you: תודה (Toda)

- Excuse me: סליחה (Slicha)

 

Basic Questions

- Where is...?: איפה...? (Eifo...?)

- How much does it cost?: כמה זה עולה? (Kama ze ole?)

- Do you have...?: יש לך...? (Yesh lecha...?) [for male] / יש לך...? (Yesh lach...?) [for female]

- Can I help you?: אפשר לעזור לך? (Efshar la'azor lecha?) [for male] / אפשר לעזור לך? (Efshar la'azor lach?) [for female]

 

Specific Items

- Bread: לחם (Lechem)

- Milk: חלב (Chalav)

- Cheese: גבינה (Gvina)

- Fruit: פירות (Peirot)

- Vegetables: ירקות (Yerakot)

- Meat: בשר (Basar)

- Chicken: עוף (Of)

- Fish: דג (Dag)

- Eggs: ביצים (Beitzim)

- Rice: אורז (Orez)

- Pasta: פסטה (Pasta)

- Water: מים (Mayim)

- Juice: מיץ (Mitz)

 

In the Supermarket

- Shopping Cart: עגלת קניות (Agalat Kniyot)

- Basket: סל (Sal)

- Cash Register: קופה (Kupa)

- Receipt: קבלה (Kabala)

- Bag: שקית (Sakit)

- Sale: מבצע (Mivtza)

- Discount: הנחה (Hanacha)

 

Directions

- Left: שמאלה (Smola)

- Right: ימינה (Yamina)

- Straight: ישר (Yashar)

 

Sample Dialogues

 

Asking for Help

Customer: סליחה, איפה נמצא הלחם?

Slicha, eifo nimtza halechem?

(Excuse me, where is the bread?)

 

Store Employee: הלחם נמצא שם, ליד החלב.

Halechem nimtza sham, leyad hachalav.

(The bread is there, next to the milk.)

 

Checking Prices

Customer: כמה עולה הגבינה הזאת?

Kama ole hagvina hazot?

(How much does this cheese cost?)

 

Store Employee: זה עולה עשרים שקלים.

Ze ole esrim shkalim.

(It costs twenty shekels.)

 

At the Cash Register

Cashier: שלום, יש לך כרטיס מועדון?

Shalom, yesh lecha kartis moadon?

(Hello, do you have a membership card?)

 

Customer: לא, תודה.

Lo, toda.

(No, thank you.)

 

Cashier: זה יהיה חמישים שקלים בבקשה.

Ze yiheye chamishim shkalim bevakasha.

(That will be fifty shekels, please.)

 

Customer: הנה הכסף.

Hine hakesef.

(Here is the money.)

 

Cashier: תודה רבה, להתראות!

Toda raba, lehitraot!

(Thank you very much, goodbye!)

 

Tips for Grocery Shopping in Israel

- Bring Your Own Bags: Many stores charge for plastic bags, so it’s a good idea to bring your own reusable bags.

- Understand Local Products: Some products might be different from what you’re used to. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about something.

- Check for Kosher Certification: If keeping kosher is important to you, look for the kosher certification on food packaging.

- Market Shopping: Visiting local markets (שוק, Shuk) can be a great way to buy fresh produce, meats, and other items. Practice your bargaining skills and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

 

Conclusion

With these phrases and tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle grocery shopping in Hebrew. Whether you’re in a supermarket or a local market, understanding basic Hebrew can make your shopping experience smoother and more enjoyable.