How to Say Goodbye in Israel: Formal and Informal Ways, Tips, and Examples

When visiting or interacting with locals in Israel, it is always a nice gesture to know how to say goodbye in their language. Depending on the formality of the situation and the familiarity between individuals, there are different ways to bid farewell in Israel. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say goodbye in Israel, while providing you with handy tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.

Formal Ways to Say Goodbye

When addressing someone formally in Israel, it is important to show respect and use appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to bid farewell:

• L’hitraot: This is a commonly used formal phrase to say goodbye in Israel. It translates to “until we meet again” in English.
• Toda raba: Literally meaning “thank you very much,” this phrase can also be used in formal settings to express gratitude before saying goodbye.
• B’seder: Israeli for “okay” or “all right,” this word can be used as a polite way to indicate that you are leaving.

Informal Ways to Say Goodbye

When among friends, family, or acquaintances, Israelis often use more casual and familiar phrases to say goodbye. Here are some informal ways:

• Shalom: This popular Hebrew word means both “hello” and “goodbye.” It can be used in a variety of situations, and among friends, it is a casual way to bid farewell.
• Lehitraot: Similar to its formal counterpart, “L’hitraot,” this phrase is used informally to say “see you later” or “until next time.”
• Ma nishma: This phrase, meaning “what’s up” in English, is an informal way to say goodbye among friends.

Regional Variations

While Hebrew is the official language of Israel, there are regional variations in how people say goodbye. Let’s take a look at some of these:

1. Tel Aviv and Central Israel

In Tel Aviv and central Israel, due to the city’s youthful and vibrant atmosphere, the informal expressions like “Shalom” or “Lehitraot” are widely used among locals to say goodbye. This reflects the laid-back nature of the region.

2. Jerusalem

In the more conservative city of Jerusalem, you may find a mix of formal and informal expressions being used to say goodbye. “L’hitraot” is common in more formal environments, while “Shalom” is used casually among friends.

3. Northern Israel

In the northern region of Israel, where there is a diverse cultural blend, you may come across variations in how people say goodbye. In addition to the commonly used phrases, you might also hear Arabic terms like “Ma’asalama” or “Yalla, bye!”.

Tips for Saying Goodbye in Israel

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when saying goodbye in Israel:

1. Always consider the formality or familiarity of the situation and choose an appropriate phrase accordingly.
2. Use a friendly tone and maintain eye contact when saying goodbye.
3. If unsure, it is generally safer to use “Shalom” as it is widely understood and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
4. If you are in doubt about the pronunciation, don’t hesitate to ask someone to help you. Israelis are generally happy to assist.
5. Practice using the phrases before your visit to feel more confident and comfortable using them in conversation.

Examples of Goodbye Phrases in Israel

Let’s wrap up this guide with some common examples of goodbye phrases in Israel:

Formal:

• “L’hitraot! Thank you for your hospitality.”
• “Toda raba for your time. Goodbye!”

Informal:

• “Shalom! See you tomorrow at the beach.”
• “Lehitraot! Take care and have a great day.”