These everyday food categories are essential for anyone learning Hebrew. Whether you’re shopping, cooking, or reading a menu, this vocabulary will help you talk about proteins and dairy in modern Hebrew with confidence.
Meat, Fish & Poultry
| English | Hebrew (with niqqud) | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | בָּשָׂר | basar |
| Beef | בָּשָׂר בָּקָר | basar bakar |
| Lamb | בָּשָׂר כֶּבֶשׂ | basar keves |
| Chicken | עוֹף | of |
| Turkey | הוֹדוּ | hodu |
| Fish | דָּג | dag |
| Tuna | טוּנָה | tuna |
| Salmon | סַלְמוֹן | salmon |
Dairy Products
| English | Hebrew (with niqqud) | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | חָלָב | chalav |
| Cheese | גְּבִינָה | gevinah |
| Yogurt | יוֹגוּרְט | yogurt |
| Butter | חֶמְאָה | chemah |
| Cream | שַׁמֶּנֶת | shamenet |
| Cottage Cheese | גְּבִינָה לְבָנָה | gevinah levanah |
| Sour Cream | שַׁמֶּנֶת חֲמוּצָה | shamenet chamutzah |
Useful Phrases
- אני לא אוכל בשר – Ani lo ochel basar – I don’t eat meat
- אני אוהב גבינה וחלב – Ani ohev gevinah ve-chalav – I like cheese and milk
- אפשר עוף עם אורז בבקשה – Efshar of im orez bevakasha – Chicken with rice, please
Practice Tips
- Label items in your fridge with their Hebrew names.
- Practice describing your meals in Hebrew: “I’m eating דג וסלט” (fish and salad).
- Watch Hebrew cooking videos and listen for these words in context.
- Create flashcards with pictures and Hebrew terms to reinforce memory.