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כפי — meaning in English: as

k'fi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for as
את
et
הנה
hine
ובכן
uv'chen
להתחיל
lehat'chil
כפי
k'fi
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word כפי in everyday conversation to draw comparisons or illustrate similarities. For example, someone might say, 'כפי שהשמש זורחת, כך גם החיים מתחילים מחדש,' which translates to 'As the sun rises, so do life’s new beginnings,' showcasing a poetic way of connecting ideas in both casual and formal discussions.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym to כפי is כמו (kemo), which also means 'like' or 'as.' However, כפי tends to be more formal and is often used in written contexts, while כמו is more prevalent in everyday speech. Choosing between them depends on the tone and context of the conversation.
Culture
The word כפי has its roots in the Hebrew verb root כ-פ-י, which conveys a sense of likeness or similarity. It is commonly used in literature and speeches to create vivid imagery and parallels, reflecting the importance of metaphor and simile in Hebrew culture. This word plays a significant role in proverbs and sayings, often found in biblical texts, emphasizing its long-standing presence in the language.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word כפי mean in English?
The Hebrew word כפי translates to 'as' in English, and it's used to draw comparisons or express similarities between two ideas or situations.
Q.How is כפי used in a sentence?
You can use כפי in sentences like 'כפי שציפיתי, הוא הגיע בזמן,' which means 'As I expected, he arrived on time.' This shows how you can link expectations with reality.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using כפי?
A common mistake is confusing כפי with כמו. Remember, while both mean 'as' or 'like,' use כפי in more formal contexts or when drawing literary comparisons, whereas כמו fits better in casual speech.
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