Greetings and farewells are an important part of any culture, and Israel is no exception. In this guide, we will explore how to say goodbye in Israeli, covering both formal and informal ways. While Israeli has a few regional variations, we will focus on the most commonly used phrases. Whether you are visiting Israel for a short period or connecting with Israeli friends, these phrases will surely come in handy. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or speaking to older people, using a polite phrase is always appreciated. Here are a few phrases you can use:
1. Lehitraot (לְהִתְרָאוֹת)
This is the most common formal way of saying goodbye in Israeli. It directly translates to “goodbye” or “see you later.” You can use it in both professional and personal settings.
2. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)
While “shalom” is primarily used as a greeting for saying hello or peace, it is also used as a formal way to say goodbye. It means “goodbye” or “farewell” in this context.
3. Lehitraot be’ezrat Hashem (לְהִתְרָאוֹת בְּעֶזְרַת הַשֵׁם)
This phrase translates to “goodbye with God’s help.” It is a formal way to say goodbye and is commonly used by religious individuals.
Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
When you are in casual situations or speaking with friends and peers, you can use these more relaxed phrases:
1. B’seder (בְּסֵדֶר)
Derived from the Hebrew word for “order,” this phrase means “okay” or “alright.” Israelis often use it to say goodbye casually, especially when they are in a hurry.
2. Shalom chaver (שָׁלוֹם חָבֵר)
In Israeli, “chaver” means friend. Saying “Shalom chaver” is a warm and friendly way to say goodbye to your friends. It can be used both in person and over the phone.
3. Yalla, nish’art (יַלְלָה, נִשְׁאַרְתָּ)
This phrase is popular among younger Israelis and translates to “okay, I’m staying” or “alright, I’m sticking around.” It conveys a relaxed and casual goodbye.
Common Regional Variations
While Israeli is the official language in Israel, the country is home to a diverse population, including people of different cultural backgrounds. Here are a few regional variations:
1. Sababa, yallah (סַבַּבָּה, יָלְלָה)
This phrase combines Hebrew and Arabic words. “Sababa” is the Hebrew word for “cool” or “great,” while “yallah” is an Arabic word used to hurry someone up. It’s informally used across Israel, and its popularity stems from the mixing of cultures.
2. Kama at/tovelet? (כַּמָּה אַתְּ/אַתָּה טוֹבֵּלֶת?)
This phrase has eastern European influences and is primarily used in the northern regions of Israel. It means “How are you doing?” when saying goodbye. It’s a way to show care and concern for the other person’s well-being.
Tips and Examples
Now that you know the various ways to say goodbye in Israeli, here are some tips and examples to help you use them effectively:
Tips:
- When saying goodbye, maintain a warm and friendly tone to show respect and appreciation.
- Consider the situation and your relationship with the person. Use formal phrases when required and informal ones with friends and peers.
- Pay attention to the cultural context. Israelis appreciate when visitors make an effort to learn and use their language.
Examples:
If you are leaving a formal meeting or event, you can say:
– “Lehitraot, thank you for having me. It was a pleasure meeting you all.”
When saying goodbye to a friend, you can say:
– “Shalom chaver! I had a great time. Let’s catch up again soon!”
Remember to always adapt your speech according to the specific situation and the people you are interacting with. Israelis are generally warm and will appreciate your efforts to engage with their language and culture.
Learning how to say goodbye in Israeli can bring you closer to the local people and enhance your overall experience in Israel. Whether you choose to use a formal or informal phrase, your efforts will be cherished and reciprocated. So, go ahead and practice these goodbye phrases, and don’t forget to have fun while doing so. We wish you a wonderful time in Israel!
