If you’re just beginning to learn Hebrew, one of the most practical skills to master first is how to greet people. Greetings are the building blocks of conversation. Whether you’re saying hello to a friend, meeting someone new, or walking into a shop in Israel, knowing the right Hebrew greeting helps you connect with confidence.
At Easy Learn Hebrew, we focus on teaching Hebrew in a simple, effective, and proven way—and that starts with everyday words you’ll actually use.
Here’s your beginner’s guide to greeting people in Hebrew.
Common Hebrew Greetings (with Pronunciation)
1. Shalom – שלום
Meaning: Hello / Peace
Pronounced: Sha-LOM
This is the most versatile and widely used greeting in Hebrew. You can say Shalom when you arrive, when you leave, and in formal or informal situations. It also means “peace,” making it a meaningful word both culturally and spiritually.
2. Boker Tov – בוקר טוב
Meaning: Good morning
Pronounced: BO-ker Tov
Use this greeting in the morning hours. It’s a friendly and polite way to start the day with anyone, from family members to strangers.
3. Tzohorayim Tovim – צהריים טובים
Meaning: Good afternoon
Pronounced: Tso-ho-RAH-yeem To-VEEM
This is a less commonly used phrase but still appropriate when greeting someone after noon.
4. Erev Tov – ערב טוב
Meaning: Good evening
Pronounced: EH-rev Tov
Use this in the evening when you meet someone for the first time or as a polite greeting at the start of a conversation.
5. Laila Tov – לילה טוב
Meaning: Good night
Pronounced: LIE-lah Tov
This is typically used when parting ways at night or before going to sleep.
6. Ma Shlomcha? / Ma Shlomech? – מה שלומך?
Meaning: How are you?
Pronounced (to a male): Ma Shlom-cha?
Pronounced (to a female): Ma Shlo-mech?
This is a common and polite way to ask how someone is doing. It literally means “What is your peace?”
Example Response:
Ani beseder – אני בסדר (I’m fine)
7. Ma Koreh? – מה קורה?
Meaning: What’s up? / What’s happening?
Pronounced: Ma Ko-REH
This is an informal greeting, used among friends or people your age. It’s equivalent to “What’s going on?” in English.
8. Naim Me’od – נעים מאוד
Meaning: Nice to meet you
Pronounced: Na-EEM Me-OD
Use this when you’re meeting someone for the first time. It’s a polite and friendly way to make a great first impression.
Practice Your Greetings
Learning greetings is one of the best ways to build your Hebrew confidence. These phrases are short, practical, and easy to practice daily. Try greeting yourself in the mirror each morning with Boker Tov or saying Shalom when you walk into a room.
At Easy Learn Hebrew, we teach you how to read and understand these greetings in Hebrew script as well. With our guided lessons, you’ll not only say these phrases—you’ll read and write them too.
Start Speaking Hebrew Today
The journey to fluency starts with small steps—and greetings are the perfect place to begin. Whether you’re planning a visit to Israel, joining a Hebrew class, or learning for personal enrichment, being able to say Shalom with confidence is a great achievement.
Start learning today at EasyLearnHebrew.com and discover how simple it can be to learn Hebrew the easy way. Our proven online program walks you through reading, pronunciation, and real-world Hebrew for every level.