בְּבַקָּשָׁה
Bevakasha
“Please / You're welcome”
Bevakasha (בְּבַקָּשָׁה) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “please / you're welcome,” pronounced “be-va-ka-SHA.” The literal translation is “with a request / by request.” Serves double duty in Hebrew as both 'please' (when asking for something) and 'you're welcome' (when responding to thanks). Also used to invite someone to proceed.
| Hebrew | בְּבַקָּשָׁה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Bevakasha |
| English Meaning | Please / You're welcome |
| Literal Translation | With a request / By request |
| Pronunciation | be-va-ka-SHA |
| Category | Greetings & Common |
| Origin | Modern Hebrew, built on the biblical root ב-ק-ש (bet-kuf-shin) meaning 'to seek' or 'to request.' The root appears in prayers throughout the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Psalms where the psalmist 'seeks' God's face. |
Bevakasha is the Swiss Army knife of Hebrew politeness. It means 'please' when you're making a request, 'you're welcome' when responding to thanks, and 'go ahead' when inviting someone to proceed — all in one four-syllable word. Built from the root ב-ק-ש (to request or seek), it literally translates to 'with a request' or 'by your request.' This triple function baffles Hebrew learners at first, but it makes elegant sense: whether you're asking, giving permission, or acknowledging thanks, you're participating in the same dance of social grace.
Where Does “Bevakasha” Come From?
Modern Hebrew, built on the biblical root ב-ק-ש (bet-kuf-shin) meaning 'to seek' or 'to request.' The root appears in prayers throughout the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Psalms where the psalmist 'seeks' God's face.
When and How to Say “Bevakasha”
Used in three main contexts: (1) 'Please' when making a request; (2) 'You're welcome' in response to todah; (3) 'Go ahead' or 'help yourself' when offering something or inviting someone to proceed. Extremely common in daily Israeli conversation.
Cultural Context of Bevakasha
In restaurants and shops, you'll hear bevakasha constantly — the waiter says it when placing food on the table, the shopkeeper says it when handing you your purchase, and you say it when asking for the bill. It oils the machinery of Israeli social interaction despite the culture's famous directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Please / You're welcome” in Hebrew?
“Please / You're welcome” in Hebrew is Bevakasha (בְּבַקָּשָׁה), pronounced “be-va-ka-SHA.” The literal translation is “With a request / By request.” Serves double duty in Hebrew as both 'please' (when asking for something) and 'you're welcome' (when responding to thanks). Also used to invite someone to proceed.
How do you pronounce Bevakasha?
Bevakasha is pronounced “be-va-ka-SHA.” The literal meaning is “With a request / By request.”
Does bevakasha mean please or you're welcome?
Both! Bevakasha serves triple duty in Hebrew: it means 'please' when making a request, 'you're welcome' in response to thanks, and 'go ahead' when inviting someone to proceed. The context makes the meaning clear to native speakers.
How do you pronounce bevakasha?
Bevakasha is pronounced 'be-va-ka-SHA' with four syllables and stress on the final syllable. The 'v' is soft, the 'k' is like English 'k,' and the final 'sha' rhymes with 'spa.' In rapid Israeli speech it often sounds like 'bvaksha.'
When do you use bevakasha in Israel?
You use it constantly. Say it when ordering food ('Coffee, bevakasha'), when someone thanks you ('Todah!' 'Bevakasha!'), when holding a door open, when handing something to someone, or when gesturing for someone to go first. It's the universal word for politeness.
Related Hebrew Words
More Greetings & Common Phrases
Explore other Hebrew phrases in the Greetings & Common category
Related Hebrew Phrases
Learn a New Hebrew Phrase Every Day
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew.
Subscribe Free