iSavta | 29.06.2025

Working as a caregiver in Israel can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. One of the biggest challenges for many migrant caregivers is the language barrier. Most elderly employers and their families speak Hebrew, and while some can speak English, many do not.

Knowing basic Hebrew phrases can help you do your job better, communicate with your employer, and feel more confident every day. You don’t need to speak fluent Hebrew—but learning a few important words and phrases will go a long way.

Here are some useful Hebrew phrases that every caregiver should know. These are written in English letters (not Hebrew) to make it easier to read and remember.

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1. Greetings and Polite Words

• Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) – Hello / Peace / Goodbye

• Boker Tov (בּוֹקֶר טוֹב) – Good morning

• Erev Tov (עֶרֶב טוֹב) – Good evening

• Toda (תוֹדָה) – Thank you

• Bevakasha (בְּבַקָּשָׁה) – Please / You’re welcome

• Slicha (סְלִיחָה) – Excuse me / Sorry

These are simple but powerful words. Using them shows respect and kindness. Even if you only use these words, most Israelis will appreciate your effort.

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2. Common Phrases Used at Work

• Ata margish tov? (אַתָּה מַרְגִּישׁ טוֹב?) – Do you feel good? (for male)

• At margisha tova? (אַתְּ מַרְגִּישָׁה טוֹבָה?) – Do you feel good? (for female)

• Kmo ke’ev? (כְּמוֹ כְּאֵב?) – Any pain?

• Rotzeh le’echol? (רוֹצֶה לֶאֱכוֹל?) – Do you want to eat? (for male)

• Rotsa lishon? (רוֹצָה לִישׁוֹן?) – Do you want to sleep? (for female)

• Ani holechet la’makolet (אֲנִי הוֹלֶכֶת לַמַכּוֹלֶת) – I am going to the store (female speaker)

• Zman l’tet samim (זְמַן לָתֵת סַמִּים) – Time to give medicine

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3. Emergency or Important Phrases

• Ezrah! (עֶזְרָה!) – Help!

• Tikra le’rofeh (תִּקְרָא לְרוֹפֵא) – Call a doctor

• Chashuv meod (חָשׁוּב מְאוֹד) – Very important

• Lo yachol linsoa (לֹא יָכוֹל לִנְסוֹעַ) – Cannot travel

• Ani lo mevina (אֲנִי לֹא מֵבִינָה) – I don’t understand (female)

• Tagid od pa’am, bevakasha (תָּגִיד עוֹד פַּעַם, בְּבַקָּשָׁה) – Please say it again

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4. Helpful Words Around the House

• Mayim (מַיִם) – Water

• Ochel (אוֹכֶל) – Food

• Mita (מִטָּה) – Bed

• Sherutim (שֵׁרוּתִים) – Toilet

• Chadar (חֶדֶר) – Room

• Bayit (בַּיִת) – House

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Tips to Learn Hebrew Faster

1. Use it every day. Try one or two new words a week.

2. Repeat what your employer says. Listen carefully and ask what the words mean.

3. Write the words on paper. Post them on the fridge or wall to help you remember.

4. Use apps or YouTube. There are free tools to help you learn Hebrew for beginners.

5. Ask your employer or a co-worker to help. Many Israelis are happy to teach you a few words.

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You don’t need perfect Hebrew, but even simple phrases can help build a better relationship with your employer and make your job easier. It also helps your employer feel more secure and understood. Start small and practice a little every day.

Over time, you’ll be surprised at how much Hebrew you can understand and speak. Kol HaKavod! (Good job / Well done!)