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כיון — meaning in English: Because

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

Guess the translation for direction / adjustment / tuning
צייר
tsayar
כיון
kivun
משלי
mishlei
באזורי
be'ezorei
ריכוז
rikuz
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'כיון' in everyday conversations when explaining reasons or justifying decisions. For instance, someone might say, 'I stayed home because it was raining,' translating to 'נשארתי בבית כיון שירד גשם.' This word is commonly used in both casual discussions and more serious debates, making it versatile in various contexts.
Synonyms & nuances
'כיון' is often compared to 'מפני ש' (mipnei she), which also means 'because.' However, 'כיון' is slightly more formal and commonly used in written contexts, while 'מפני ש' tends to appear more in spoken Hebrew. Choosing 'כיון' might lend a more structured tone to your sentence.
Culture
'כיון' can be traced back to the root meaning of direction or aim, which reflects the word's function in providing a reason or justification. Interestingly, in Hebrew literature and modern speech, the word has evolved to encompass both literal and metaphorical directions, adding depth to its usage in various contexts, such as moral or philosophical discussions.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word 'כיון' mean?
'כיון' translates to 'because' in English and is used to indicate the reason for something, much like its English counterpart.
Q.How do you use 'כיון' in a sentence?
You can use 'כיון' to connect clauses, for example: 'אני לא יכול לבוא, כיון שאני עסוק' which means 'I can't come because I am busy.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'כיון'?
A common mistake is using 'כיון' in overly casual situations. While it's neutral, you may want to opt for 'מפני ש' in relaxed conversations to sound more natural.
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