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 in a taxi in Israel

The short answer

Most drivers will start in Hebrew. You need the destination, "on the meter," and a way to stop.

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?

On the meter, please

על המונה, בבקשה

Al ha-moneh, bevakasha

Say this as you sit down if the meter is not already on.

Take me to this address

תיקח אותי לכתובת הזאת

Tikach oti la-ktovet ha-zot

To a man. To a woman: tikchi oti.

Gender. tikach (m) / tikchi (f)

Stop here

תעצור פה

Ta’atzor po

To a man. To a woman: ta’atzri po.

Gender. ta’atzor (m) / ta’atzri (f)

How much?

כמה זה?

Kama ze?

If the app did not already tell you.

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 taxi