כמעט — meaning in English: almost

kim'at · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for almost

שם

shem

כמעט

kim'at

נזוז

nazuz

חדר

cheder

שאלות

she'elot

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Hebrew for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers frequently use 'כמעט' (kim'at) in everyday conversations, especially when expressing an intention or action that is close to completion. For example, you might hear it when someone is about to finish a task: 'I almost finished my homework,' or in a casual setting like a coffee shop: 'I almost ordered that drink but changed my mind.'

Synonyms & nuances

'כמעט' (kim'at) is often compared to 'בערך' (be'erech), which means 'about' or 'approximately.' While both convey a sense of closeness, 'כמעט' implies that something is nearly achieved or realized, whereas 'בערך' leans more towards approximation in quantity or measurement. You would choose 'כמעט' when focusing on a near-completion scenario.

Culture

'כמעט' (kim'at) is derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to be near' or 'to approach,' emphasizing proximity or closeness. This mirrors a common cultural theme in Hebrew, where many words reflect relationships and degrees of connection, making it a poignant part of daily language that resonates with the human experience of striving.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of the Hebrew word 'כמעט'?

'כמעט' means 'almost' in English, indicating that something is very close to happening or being true but not quite there yet.

Q.How do I use 'כמעט' in a sentence?

'כמעט' can be used in a variety of contexts, such as 'אני כמעט סיימתי את העבודה' (I almost finished the work) to express that you are very close to completion.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'כמעט'?

A common mistake is using 'כמעט' with verbs in the future tense. It's important to use it correctly to reflect the intended meaning, so instead of saying 'אני כמעט אעשה את זה' (I almost will do it), you should say 'אני כמעט עשיתי את זה' (I almost did it).

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

1000 frequent Hebrew Words