Hebrew for Switching to English Politely

When you are speaking Hebrew in Israel, there are many moments when you may want to switch to English politely. Maybe the other person is moving too fast, maybe your Hebrew is not strong enough for that topic, or maybe the situation is just easier in English. The key is to sound polite and calm, not apologetic or awkward.

Simple ways to say it

Here are a few practical phrases you can use:

• אפשר באנגלית? — Can we do it in English?
• אפשר לעבור לאנגלית? — Can we switch to English?
• אני מדבר/ת קצת עברית, אבל יותר קל לי באנגלית. — I speak a little Hebrew, but English is easier for me.
• נוח לי יותר באנגלית, אם אפשר. — English is more comfortable for me, if possible.
• סליחה, אפשר באנגלית? — Sorry, can we speak English?

If you want to be especially polite, אפשר is a very useful word. It softens the request and makes it sound less direct than a plain command.

What sounds natural

In everyday conversation, Israelis often appreciate directness, but a polite tone still matters. A short sentence is usually enough. You do not need a long explanation.

For example:

• At a store: אפשר באנגלית? אני לא מבין/ה את כל המילים.
• At work: אפשר לעבור לאנגלית? אני רוצה לוודא שאני מבין/ה נכון.
• In a service setting: סליחה, נוח לי יותר באנגלית.

If you are already in the middle of a Hebrew conversation, you can also say:

• רגע, אפשר באנגלית? — Wait, can we do English?
• אני מצטער/ת, יותר קל לי באנגלית. — Sorry, English is easier for me.

When to use each phrase

Use אפשר באנגלית? when you want a simple switch and the other person seems comfortable with English.

Use אפשר לעבור לאנגלית? when you want to make the transition explicit. This is useful in meetings, phone calls, or longer conversations.

Use נוח לי יותר באנגלית when you want to explain your preference without sounding like you are rejecting Hebrew.

Use סליחה or מצטער/ת only when needed. You do not have to over-apologize. A polite request is usually enough.

A few realistic mini-dialogues

At a café

• You: סליחה, אפשר באנגלית?
• Staff: כן, בטח.

At work

• You: אפשר לעבור לאנגלית? אני רוצה להיות בטוח/ה שהבנתי.
• Colleague: כן, אין בעיה.

With a neighbor or service person

• You: אני מדבר/ת קצת עברית, אבל יותר קל לי באנגלית.
• Other person: בסדר, נמשיך באנגלית.

A useful tip

If someone starts answering in English after your request, that is normal. If they do not, you can repeat your request once, politely and clearly. If needed, it can help to combine your request with a short reason. That makes it easier for the other person to help you.

This topic is closely related to Hebrew for Saying You Don’t Understand at Work and Hebrew for Asking Someone to Repeat Themselves. If the situation is work-related, Hebrew for Asking Questions at Work can also be useful.

The main goal is not perfect Hebrew. It is to communicate clearly and politely. A short phrase like אפשר באנגלית? is often enough to keep the conversation moving.