"Shalom" (sha-lom) is the generic greeting of the Hebrew language. Although it literally means "peace", it is also used as a farewell or on the occasion of a meeting. However, there are also other ways to greet in Hebrew, based on the time of day. Some types of greetings are used in a similar way to "hello", while others are more appropriate for ending a conversation and taking leave.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Greet People in Hebrew
Step 1. In most situations, you can use "shalom"
If you want to greet someone upon their arrival, "shalom" (sha-lom) is the most common expression in Hebrew. It is appropriate regardless of the context, the age of the person you are meeting and how well you know them.
On Shabbat (Saturday) you can say "Shabbat Shalom" (sha-bat sha-lom), which literally means "peaceful Shabbat"
Step 2. You can change the expression by saying "shalom aleikhem" (sha-lom a-lei-kem)
This greeting is often used in Israel. As a "shalom" alone, it is appropriate in all situations where you meet someone.
This greeting is related to the Arabic expression "salaam alaikum" and they both mean exactly the same thing: "peace be with you". Arabic and Hebrew have many points of contact, because they belong to the same language family
Pronunciation tips:
usually in Hebrew words the emphasis is on the last syllable, regardless of the number of syllables.
Step 3. Use "ahlan" (a-ha-lan) to say "hello" more informally
It is a word borrowed from Arabic. Hebrew speakers use it just like Arabs do, as a simple 'hello'. Although it is much more informal than "shalom", you can still use it to greet anyone, young or old, in informal settings.
In more formal situations or when you are talking to someone who holds an authoritative role, this greeting may turn out to be too conversational
Advise:
you can also just say "hey" or "hi" as you would in English. However, these expressions are considered extremely informal and are only appropriate towards people you know well, your age or younger.
Method 2 of 3: Use Time-Based Greetings
Step 1. Try "boker tov" (bo-ker tav) to greet people in the morning
You can use this generic expression instead of "shalom" before noon. It is suitable for all contexts, regardless of who you greet.
Israelis can answer "boker or", which means "morning light". This phrase is used only as a response to "boker tov". Alternatively, you can repeat "boker tov" to replicate
Step 2. Try "tzoharaim tovim" (tso-ha-rai-im tav-im) around noon
This expression literally means "good noon". While you can hear it anytime after noon and before sunset, it's usually more appropriate in the early afternoon.
If you want to use this phrase in the late afternoon, but before the evening, add "akhar" (ak-har) at the beginning. Since "tzoharaim tovim" means "good noon", "akhar tzoharaim tovim" is equivalent to "good after-noon" or "good afternoon". You can use this expression until sunset
Pronunciation tips:
the word "tzoharaim" is difficult to pronounce if you are not fluent in Hebrew. Remember it has four syllables. The sound "ts" at the beginning of the word resembles that of the English word "cats".
Step 3. Switch to "erev tov" (er-ev tav) after sunset
This expression means "good evening" and is an appropriate greeting after dark, but before late at night. This is a formal phrase, which you probably won't use with friends or people your age. However, it is suitable in shops, restaurants or when meeting a stranger, particularly if they are older than you and you want to appear polite.
To answer "erev tov", many people just say "erev tov". They can also use "shalom", ask you how it goes or how they can help you
Step 4. Use "lilah tov" (li-la tav) at night
This phrase literally means "good night" and is used both as a greeting and as a farewell in Hebrew. It is appropriate in all contexts, no matter who you meet.
If someone says "lilah tov" to you, you can respond with the same expression, or just use "shalom"
Method 3 of 3: Say Goodbye
Step 1. You can also use "shalom" (shah-lohm) to say "goodbye"
In Hebrew, this word is a generic greeting that can be used both at the time of the meeting and at the moment of farewell. If you don't know which expression to use, this is always appropriate.
"Shalom" is an appropriate term with all interlocutors, regardless of age or degree of confidence
Step 2. Try "lehitra'ot" (le-hit-ra-ot) as an alternative to "shalom"
This expression is more like "see you later", but in Israel it is also used to simply say "goodbye". If you want to learn another way to say hello besides "shalom", choose this one.
This expression is slightly more difficult to pronounce than other simpler Hebrew words, such as "shalom". However, if you go to Israel, you will hear it often. Don't be in a hurry and practice your pronunciation, perhaps asking for help from a native speaker
Step 3. Switch to "yom tov" (yam tav) to wish someone a good day
Just as in Italian we use "good day" at the end of a meeting, those who speak Hebrew say "yom tov". Although this phrase literally means "good day", it is only used before leaving, never upon arrival.
You can also say "yom nifla" (yam ni-fla), which means "have a wonderful day". This is a more cheerful expression than "yom tov", but it is appropriate in all contexts and with all people
Alternative:
after the end of Shabbat or during the first days of the week, replace "yom" with "shavua" (sha-vu-a) to wish someone a good week.
Step 4. Use "bye" or "yalla bye" with friends
The word "yalla" comes from Arabic and has no exact equivalent in Italian. However, Hebrew speakers often use it. In practice, it means "time to go" or "time to move on".
