Basic Hebrew Words Every Beginner Should Know Today

Every language learner knows the excitement of saying their first word in a new tongue. Starting with basic Hebrew words gives you the tools to communicate from day one. Even a single word like shalom can break the ice and create connection. According to HebrewPod101, mastering a few hundred common words covers the majority of everyday situations.

Building a vocabulary base is not just about memorisation—it creates the building blocks of sentences. With these foundations, grammar and conversation feel less intimidating.

One of the most important sets of basic Hebrew words are greetings. They are the first step to starting any interaction.

• Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) – Hello, goodbye, and peace. It is the most iconic greeting and deeply tied to Jewish culture. As MyJewishLearning explains, shalom expresses more than hello—it reflects a wish for peace.

• Boker tov (בּוֹקֶר טוֹב) – Good morning.

• Erev tov (עֶרֶב טוֹב) – Good evening.

• Laila tov (לַיְלָה טוֹב) – Good night.

These greetings are simple, yet they instantly give you confidence in conversations. Chabad highlights them as essential expressions for daily life in Israel.

If you’d like to hear how these basic Hebrew words sound in real conversation, this beginner-friendly lesson is a great companion to your study.

Politeness is universal, and Hebrew has its own set of core words to express gratitude, requests, and apologies. These basic Hebrew words are among the most important for beginners:

• Toda (תוֹדָה) – Thank you.

• Bevakasha (בְּבַקָּשָׁה) – Please, or you’re welcome.

• Slicha (סְלִיחָה) – Excuse me, sorry.

As shown in Jewish Miami’s guide to common phrases, these expressions are indispensable in both formal and casual settings. Using them correctly will make your interactions smoother and friendlier.

Numbers are some of the most practical basic Hebrew words to learn early. You will use them for shopping, transport, or even telling time.

• Echad (אֶחָד) – One

• Shtayim (שְׁתַּיִם) – Two

• Shalosh (שָׁלוֹשׁ) – Three

Counting is a skill that grows with practice. TeachMeHebrew offers structured lists of numbers and phrases that make it easier to integrate them into daily use.

Beyond greetings and numbers, a few short basic Hebrew words make conversations manageable.

• Ken (כֵּן) – Yes

• Lo (לֹא) – No

• Ani lo mevin (אֲנִי לֹא מֵבִין) – I don’t understand (masc.)

• Ani lo mevina (אֲנִי לֹא מְבִינָה) – I don’t understand (fem.)

These phrases are highlighted in Beelinguapp’s list of essential Hebrew phrases as some of the most useful for travelers and new learners. They help you navigate situations even when your vocabulary is limited.

Here’s an example dialogue using several basic Hebrew words:

A: Shalom! Boker tov.
B: Toda, ani tov. Ve’ata?
A: Ani lo mevin… slicha!

Translation:

A: Hello! Good morning.
B: Thanks, I’m good. And you?
A: I don’t understand… sorry!

This short exchange shows how even a handful of words lets you connect in a meaningful way.

Remembering basic Hebrew words is easier when you use active techniques:

1. Spaced repetition – Tools like Anki help reinforce vocabulary over time.

2. Label items in your home with Hebrew words. Seeing deles (door) or shulchan (table) daily creates strong memory cues.

3. Practice with native speakers – Conversation makes words stick faster than isolated memorization.

Consistent exposure is the secret. As All Language Resources notes for language learning in general, repeated input is more effective than cramming.

If you want ready-made study tools to speed up your review, check out our  VerbaCard Flashcards on Amazon. They’re designed to make vocabulary easier to remember with clear layouts and durable cards.

Starting with basic Hebrew words is like opening the first door into a new culture. These simple greetings, polite expressions, and everyday phrases give you confidence in real conversations from day one. Mastering them allows you to order food, greet friends, and show respect in Hebrew-speaking settings.

As your vocabulary grows, you’ll notice patterns and connections that make learning easier. Think of these words as the roots of a tree—once they’re planted firmly, everything else you learn will branch out naturally. With steady practice, you’ll move beyond the basics and discover the richness of Hebrew as a living language.