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עברית
קטנים — meaning in English: Small
ktanim · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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small / little (m.pl.)
בתואר
beto'ar
קטנים
ktanim
ובין
uvein
טריים
triyim
בקר
bakar
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use 'קטנים' (ktanim) in everyday conversations, particularly when discussing physical objects, children, or small quantities. For example, a parent might say, 'הילדים שלי קטנים' (My children are small) when describing their little ones to friends.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'זעירים' (ze'irim), which also means 'tiny' or 'minute.' However, 'קטנים' is more commonly used in everyday contexts, while 'זעירים' carries a more poetic or literary nuance, often reserved for specific expressions or descriptions.
Culture
'קטנים' has roots in the Hebrew word 'קטן' (katan), which means 'small' or 'little.' This term is often used affectionately, especially when referring to children, reflecting a cultural tendency to cherish youth and innocence. In Israeli culture, invoking smallness can also imply humility or simplicity, values that resonate deeply in various aspects of life.
FAQ
