Question Words

1. מה?

   ma?

   What?

   Usage

   A one-word request for clarification when you did not catch something

2. איפה?

   eifo?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a location. Point at a map or photo while you say it

3. מתי?

   matai?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks for a time or date — useful for departure times

4. מי?

   mi?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who someone is or who is in charge

5. למה?

   lama?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason. It can sound blunt, so soften it with a smile

6. איך?

   eikh?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks how to do something — ticket machines, for instance

7. כמה?

   kama?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. כמה זה עולה?

   kama ze ole?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard price question. In markets ask them to show the number on a calculator

9. איזה?

   eyze?

   Which one?

   Usage

   For choosing between options — use it while pointing

10. מה זה?

    ma ze?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product to ask what it is

11. איפה השירותים?

    eifo hasherutim?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions of any trip. Works in shops, stations and hotels

12. מה השעה?

    ma hashaa?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful when your phone is dead

13. יש לכם?

    yesh lakhem?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    A short way to ask about stock or availability while pointing at something

14. אפשר?

    efshar?

    Is it possible?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — card payment, changing money and so on

15. זה בתשלום?

    ze betashlum?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Checks for an extra fee — luggage storage, Wi-Fi and the like

16. זה בחינם?

    ze bekhinam?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free of charge — water or refills, for example

17. אפשר?

    efshar?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. אי אפשר?

    i efshar?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. אתה בסדר?

    ata beseder?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "efshar?" which asks permission. To a woman: "at beseder?"

20. באמת?

    be'emet?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. אתה בטוח?

    ata batuakh?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Reconfirms a fact; more formal than "be'emet?". To a woman: "at betukha?"

22. מאיפה אתה?

    me'eifo ata?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

23. איך קוראים לך?

    eikh kor'im lekha?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

24. בן כמה אתה?

    ben kama ata?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age, especially a woman's, can be considered impolite. Best reserved for once you know someone or as a mark of respect toward elders

25. אפשר להצטלם ביחד?

    efshar lehitstalem beyakhad?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission

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