Israel Language: What Do They Speak in Israel?
The official languages of Israel are Hebrew / Arabic. In Hebrew, the country is called ืืฉืจืื. Israel is officially multilingual, with 2 recognised languages reflecting its diverse cultural and ethnic heritage.
๐ฃ๏ธ Language at a Glance
About the Hebrew Language
Hebrew is the only language in history to be fully revived after ceasing to be anyone's mother tongue. Everyday spoken Hebrew faded around the 3rd century CE, surviving for some 1,700 years in prayer, scholarship and writing, until revivalists led by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda rebuilt it as a living vernacular from the 1880s. Within two generations it went from sacred texts to school playgrounds, and today it is the official language of Israel. Hebrew is a Semitic language, sibling to Arabic and Aramaic, and builds vocabulary from three-consonant roots: from k-t-v (writing) come katav (he wrote), mikhtav (a letter) and ktovet (an address).
The Hebrew alphabet: How Hebrew is Written
Hebrew is written right to left in a 22-letter script with no capital letters. Vowels are normally left unwritten: the dots and dashes of the niqqud vowel system appear only in the Bible, poetry and beginner texts, so fluent readers infer vowels from context. The same alphabet has also been used to write Yiddish and Ladino.
Is Hebrew a Tonal Language?
No, Hebrew is not a tonal language. Stress usually falls on the last syllable, and its most exotic sounds for English speakers are the guttural consonants it shares with Arabic.
๐จ๏ธ Useful Hebrew Phrases
A few everyday phrases in Hebrew, written in a simple romanized pronunciation so you can read them aloud. Tones and exact sounds vary by region, so treat these as a starting point.
How Hard is Hebrew to Learn?
Reading right to left without written vowels is the first hurdle, and the root-based grammar feels alien at the start but is strikingly logical once it clicks. The US Foreign Service Institute allots Hebrew around 1,100 class hours; pronunciation is straightforward, with no tones and a small vowel set.
Multilingual Heritage of Israel
Israel officially recognises 2 languages: Hebrew, Arabic. This multilingual status is a reflection of the country's history, ethnic diversity and cultural complexity. Different regions or communities may predominantly use one language over another, and all official languages are typically represented in government, education and public services. Multilingual countries often have rich cultural traditions that draw from each language community.
Language Tips for Visitors to Israel
The official language of Israel is Hebrew, which may be unfamiliar to many international travellers. While English speakers can often be found in larger cities and tourist-heavy areas, it is advisable to learn a few basic phrases before your trip. Locals greatly appreciate any effort to use the local language, even if imperfect. Simple greetings, thank-yous and asking for directions in Hebrew will go a long way. The country is officially known as ืืฉืจืื in Hebrew, and the international dialling code is +972.
Frequently Asked Questions about Language in Israel
What language do they speak in Israel?
The official languages of Israel are Hebrew / Arabic.
Is English spoken in Israel?
English is not an official language in Israel. The main language is Hebrew. English may be spoken in tourist areas.
What is Israel called in its own language?
Israel is called "ืืฉืจืื" in Hebrew.
What writing system does Hebrew use?
Hebrew is written in the Hebrew alphabet. Hebrew is written right to left in a 22-letter script with no capital letters. Vowels are normally left unwritten: the dots and dashes of the niqqud vowel system appear only in the Bible, poetry and beginner texts, so fluent readers infer vowels from context. The same alphabet has also been used to write Yiddish and Ladino.
Is Hebrew a tonal language?
No, Hebrew is not a tonal language. Stress usually falls on the last syllable, and its most exotic sounds for English speakers are the guttural consonants it shares with Arabic.
How do you say hello in Hebrew?
"Hello" in Hebrew is "shalom".
Is Hebrew hard to learn?
Reading right to left without written vowels is the first hurdle, and the root-based grammar feels alien at the start but is strikingly logical once it clicks. The US Foreign Service Institute allots Hebrew around 1,100 class hours; pronunciation is straightforward, with no tones and a small vowel set.
How many official languages does Israel have?
Israel has 2 official languages: Hebrew, Arabic.
Do I need to speak Hebrew to visit Israel?
It is not required but learning basic phrases in Hebrew is strongly recommended and appreciated.
What is the calling code for Israel?
The international dialling code for Israel is +972.
What is the population of Israel?
Israel has a population of approximately 9.6M, all of whom use Hebrew / Arabic as the official languages.