Feelings

1. אני שמח

   ani sameakh

   I'm glad

   Usage

   The basic word for being glad about something. A woman says "ani smekha" (אני שמחה). Safe with anyone

2. אני מאושר

   ani me'ushar

   I'm happy

   Usage

   Heavier than "sameakh", for a lasting sense of happiness. A woman says "ani me'usheret". For small everyday joys, "sameakh" fits better

3. אני נרגש

   ani nirgash

   I'm excited / moved

   Usage

   Covers both anticipation and being moved. A woman says "ani nirgeshet". Works before setting off and also at a place that has affected you

4. אני גאה

   ani ge'e

   I'm proud

   Usage

   A woman says "ani ge'a". To praise someone, "ani ge'e bekha" — I'm proud of you

5. הוקל לי

   hukal li

   I'm relieved

   Usage

   Literally "it was lightened for me" — for when a worry lifts. The form is the same for men and women

6. אני מעריך את זה

   ani ma'arikh et ze

   I appreciate it

   Usage

   Heavier than "toda" — say it on parting to someone who really helped. A woman says "ani ma'arikha et ze"

7. מאוד נהניתי

   me'od neheneti

   I really enjoyed it

   Usage

   What to tell a host after a tour or a meal. Being a past-tense form, it does not change with gender

8. אני מתגעגע אליך

   ani mitga'age'a elekha

   I miss you

   Usage

   "Ani mitga'age'a elekha" is "I miss you". A woman says "ani mitga'aga'at". For family and close friends, not for a stranger or a superior

9. אני עצוב

   ani atsuv

   I'm sad

   Usage

   For low spirits. A woman says "ani atsuva"

10. חבל

    khaval

    What a shame

    Usage

    The set response to a cancelled plan or bad news, and one of the most-used words in Israel. Safe with anyone

11. אני מאוכזב

    ani me'ukhzav

    I'm disappointed

    Usage

    A measured way to say a tour or a hotel fell short. A woman says "ani me'ukhzevet"

12. אני מרגיש בודד

    ani margish boded

    I feel lonely

    Usage

    An opening when you are travelling alone and want company. A woman says "ani margisha bededa"

13. אני מתגעגע הביתה

    ani mitga'age'a habayta

    I'm homesick

    Usage

    Literally "I long homeward". The "-a" ending on "ha-bayta" is a survival of an old directional case

14. אני כועס

    ani ko'es

    I'm angry

    Usage

    Strong anger; a woman says "ani ko'eset". Israelis do not consider blunt complaint rude, so opening with "yesh li be'aya" — I have a problem — carries perfectly well

15. זה מעצבן

    ze me'atsben

    That's annoying

    Usage

    Literally "it gets on the nerves" — aimed at a situation such as a wait or noise. Turned on a person as "ata me'atsben" it becomes an accusation, so avoid that

16. אני מפחד

    ani mefakhed

    I'm scared

    Usage

    A workable reason to decline heights, fast driving or an activity; a woman says "ani mefakhedet". "Ani mefakhed mi-gvahim" means "I'm afraid of heights"

17. הופתעתי

    huftati

    I'm surprised

    Usage

    For being taken aback, good or bad. A past-tense form, so it is the same for men and women

18. אני דואג

    ani do'eg

    I'm worried

    Usage

    For anxiety about luggage, health or a connection; a woman says "ani do'eget". "Al tid'ag", don't worry, is the reply you will often get

19. אני בלחץ

    ani belakhats

    I'm stressed

    Usage

    Literally "I'm under pressure" — the standard Israeli phrasing, identical for men and women, and a natural reason to ask for a break. "Al talkhits oti" means "don't rush me"

20. אני נבוך

    ani navokh

    I'm embarrassed

    Usage

    The standard line after an awkward slip; a woman says "ani nevokha". It is about your own state, so it is safe to show anyone

21. אני ביישן

    ani bayshan

    I'm shy

    Usage

    Shyness as a trait; a woman says "ani bayshanit". Also a usable reason to decline singing or dancing in front of people

22. משעמם לי

    mesha'amem li

    I'm bored

    Usage

    Literally "it is boring to me", a subjectless construction identical for men and women. Showing it to a host who is guiding you would be rude — keep it for your companions

23. אני עייף

    ani ayef

    I'm tired

    Usage

    Covers both fatigue and sleepiness; a woman says "ani ayefa". Useful for cutting sightseeing short

24. אני מותש

    ani motash

    I'm exhausted

    Usage

    Stronger than "ayef"; a woman says "ani muteshet". The word for after the climb up Masada or a day in the heat by the Dead Sea

25. אני בסדר

    ani beseder

    I'm OK

    Usage

    Literally "I'm in order" — the standard answer to "ma shlomkha?" and also "I'm all right now" to someone who was worried. Identical for men and women

26. אני לא מרגיש טוב

    ani lo margish tov

    I don't feel well

    Usage

    The all-purpose way to say you are unwell; a woman says "ani lo margisha tov". Show it, then point to the spot on a body card

27. אני רגוע

    ani ragua

    I'm calm

    Usage

    A woman says "ani regu'a". Useful as "I've settled down now" when someone has been fussing over you. Note that telling someone else "tirga" — calm down — often has the opposite effect

Browse all TravelPhrases languages