עשרות — meaning in English: Dozens

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 'עשרות' (asarot) when discussing quantity in everyday situations, such as grocery shopping or planning events. For example, one might say, 'אני קניתי עשרות ביצים' (I bought dozens of eggs) when cooking for a large family gathering.

Synonyms & nuances

'עשרות' (asarot) specifically conveys the idea of dozens, which implies a rounded quantity around ten times two. In contrast, the word 'קבוצה' (kvuza) means 'group' and is broader, as it can refer to any number of items or people without the implication of being in multiples of ten. Thus, you would choose 'עשרות' when you want to emphasize quantity in sets of twelve, twenty, or more.

Culture

Interestingly, the Hebrew word 'עשרות' comes from the root word 'עשר' (aser), meaning 'ten.' This highlights the historical significance of counting in tens, which has shaped both language and culture. In Jewish tradition, the concept of 'dozens' often appears in discussions about blessings or commandments, where many things are grouped together, showing their importance in communal life.

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