Can I get by in Israel with English?

In Tel Aviv hotels, yes. On a bus, at a clinic, and in a neighbourhood restaurant, Hebrew is the room. A handful of lines plus the camera covers the gap.

What is the one phrase I should learn first?

Slicha (excuse me) and toda (thank you). Then ani rotzeh / ani rotzah, because that is how you order anything.

Hebrew at an Israeli hospital or clinic

The short answer

Kupat cholim and the ER run in Hebrew. English appears when someone decides you need it. Have these lines ready anyway.

Hebrew inflects to the speaker and the listener. Set both before you pick a verb.
baba is a translation tool, not a course. It gets the line right for the room you are in.

By baba TeamLast updated: September 11, 2026

What do you actually say?

I need a doctor

אני צריך רופא

Ani tzarich rofeh

Woman: ani tzricha rofa. The noun gender follows the doctor, the verb follows you.

Gender. tzarich/tzricha; rofeh (m) / rofa (f)

It hurts here

כואב לי פה

Ko’ev li po

Point. Do not narrate.

Where is the pharmacy?

איפה בית המרקחת?

Eifo beit ha-mirkachat?

Also "pharm" in speech. Beit mirkachat is the sign.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get by in Israel with English?: In Tel Aviv hotels, yes. On a bus, at a clinic, and in a neighbourhood restaurant, Hebrew is the room. A handful of lines plus the camera covers the gap.
What is the one phrase I should learn first?: Slicha (excuse me) and toda (thank you). Then ani rotzeh / ani rotzah, because that is how you order anything.

Hebrew for hospital

What do you actually say?

I need a doctor

It hurts here

Where is the pharmacy?

Frequently asked questions

Hear it with the gender right