How To Say Good Morning, Good Night, and Good Day in Hebrew
The Hebrew language's general, all-purpose greeting is called shah-lohm."peace" is also used as a greeting and a farewell.There are other ways to greet people in Hebrew.When you're ending a conversation and taking your leave, some time-specific greetings are more appropriate than others.
Step 1: Say "shalom" in any situation.
"shalom" is the main word to use if you want to greet someone in Hebrew.It's appropriate as a greeting regardless of the context, the person you're greeting, or how well you know them.You can say "Sabbath peace" or "peaceful Sabbath" on the Sabbath.
Step 2: Say "shalom aleikhem" (shah-lohm ah-ley-khem) to switch up your greeting.
The greeting is used in Israel.It's appropriate when greeting anyone.The Arabic greeting "salaam alaikum" means "peace upon you" and this greeting is related to it.Arabic and Hebrew are both part of the same language family.
Step 3: "ahlan" is used to say "hi" more casually.
"Ahlan" was borrowed from Arabic.Hebrew speakers use it in the same way Arabic speakers do.You can still use it to greet anyone, young or old, in casual contexts.When speaking to someone in a position of authority, this may be too casual a greeting.
Step 4: Say "boker tov" to greet people in the morning.
As long as it's before midday, "Boker tov" is a general greeting that you can use.Regardless of who you're greeting, it's suitable."morning light" means "boker" for Israelis.This is a response to "boker tov".Simply say "boker tov" back.
Step 5: It's a good idea to say "tzoharaim tovim" around noon.
"Good midday" is what the phrase "tzoharaim tovim" means.You can hear it after noon and before sunset, but it's more appropriate in the early afternoon.Add "akhar" to the beginning of the phrase if you want to use it later in the afternoon."akhar tzoharaim tovim" means "good after-midday or good afternoon."It is possible to use this phrase until the sun sets.
Step 6: After the sun sets, switch to "erev tov".
It's appropriate to say "good evening" after the sun sets, but before late night.This is a more formal phrase that you wouldn't use with friends or people your own age.It is appropriate to use in shops, restaurants, or when greeting a stranger if they are older than you.Many people will simply say "erev tov" back.They may ask how you are doing or how they can help you.
Step 7: "Lilah tov" is used late at night.
The phrase literally means "good night" and is used as a farewell in Hebrew.It's appropriate regardless of who you're greeting.It's appropriate to say "lilah tov" back if someone says it to you.Simply say "shalom."
Step 8: "shalom" means also "goodbye."
"shalom" is an all-purpose greeting that can be used when meeting someone and when you're leaving them.This is an appropriate word to use if you're not sure what to say.Regardless of how old you are or how well you know them, "Shalom" is appropriate.
Step 9: If you're looking for an alternative to "shalom", try "lehitra'ot".
"Lehitra'ot" is a standard way of saying "goodbye" in Israel.This is the only way to say goodbye other than "shalom".This is more difficult to pronounce than other basic Hebrew words, but if you travel to Israel, you'll hear it a lot.Begin slowly and practice your pronunciation.A native speaker can help.
Step 10: To wish someone a good day, switch to "yom tov".
Hebrew speakers say "yom tov" when you're ending a relationship.The phrase literally means "good day," but it's only used as a farewell and not a greeting.You can say "yom nifla" (yahm nee-flah), which means have a wonderful day."yom tov" is also appropriate in any context with any person.
Step 11: Say goodbye to your friends.
The Arabic word for "yalla" has an English equivalent.It's a word that many Hebrew speakers use."Time to go" or "time to move on" are what it means.It's best used between friends or when talking to people your age or younger.