قَليلاً — meaning in English: A little

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Guess the translation for a little

حَريم

اِقتِصاديّ

دائِرة، دَوائِر

قَليلاً

اِحتِراماً ل

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use قَليلاً when asking for a small quantity or duration, such as in a restaurant when ordering food or when asking someone to wait a bit. For example, one might say, "Can you wait قَليلاً?" when hoping the other person can be patient for just a moment.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'قليل' (qaleel), which also means 'little' or 'few.' However, قَليلاً is often used adverbially to describe actions or quantities, while 'قليل' is more commonly used as an adjective, making قَليلاً the better choice when discussing degree or amount in a dynamic context.

Culture

The word قَليلاً is derived from the Arabic root 'قَلَ' which indicates a small amount or degree. In Arabic-speaking cultures, the concept of moderation and balance is highly valued, so words like قَليلاً play a significant role in polite conversation, emphasizing the importance of asking for things modestly.

FAQ

Q.What does قَليلاً mean in English?

قَليلاً translates to 'a little' in English, typically used to refer to a small amount or extent of something.

Q.How do you use قَليلاً in a sentence?

You can use قَليلاً in sentences like 'أحتاج إلى قَليلاً من الماء' which means 'I need a little water.' It indicates a request for a minimal quantity.

Q.Is there a feminine form of قَليلاً?

No, قَليلاً is used regardless of gender. Arabic adjectives often have masculine and feminine forms, but قَليلاً functions as an adverb.

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