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כלו — meaning in English: The whole thing

kalu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for finished / ended (biblical)
מנהיגי
manhigei
פיצויים
pitsuyim
כלו
kalu
למערכות
lema'arakhot
אמות
amot [mida]
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use 'כלו' (kalu) in everyday conversations when referring to something holistic or complete. For instance, one might say, 'זה היה כלו החוויה' (This was the whole experience) when discussing a memorable trip with friends or family. It's common in both casual settings and more reflective discussions about experiences or feelings.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'כולל' (kolel), which means 'including' or 'comprehensive.' However, while 'כולל' emphasizes inclusion, 'כלו' conveys a sense of entirety or completeness, making it the better choice when you want to express that something encompasses all aspects or elements.
Culture
'כלו' has roots in Biblical Hebrew, where it was used to convey completeness and totality. This word reflects a cultural appreciation for wholeness in experiences and perspectives, which is often emphasized in discussions about community and relationships in Israeli society. The evolution of this word mirrors the modern Hebrew language's transition from its ancient forms to contemporary use, showcasing how language adapts to cultural changes.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word 'כלו' mean?
'כלו' (kalu) means 'the whole thing' in English, indicating completeness or entirety in a given context.
Q.How do you use 'כלו' in a sentence?
You can use 'כלו' in sentences like, 'הכנס היה כלו הצלחה' (The conference was a complete success), to emphasize that every aspect of the experience was successful.
Q.Are there common mistakes when using 'כלו'?
A common mistake is confusing 'כלו' with 'כָּל' (kal), which means 'all' or 'every.' Remember that 'כלו' specifically refers to the entirety of something rather than merely indicating many parts.
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