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קטנה — meaning in English: Small

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

Guess the translation for Small
מבין
mevin
אבא
aba
למישהו
lemishehu
קטנה
ktana
תרצה
tirtze
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neutral very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word 'קטנה' (ktana) in everyday conversations when describing physical objects, like a small dog or a tiny piece of fruit. It can also be employed in more abstract contexts, such as referring to a minor issue or a small amount of something, making it versatile in both casual and semi-formal discussions.
Synonyms & nuances
'קטנה' (ktana) is often compared with 'זעירה' (ze'ira), which also means small but carries a connotation of being diminutive or fragile. While 'קטנה' is more general and can be used in a broader range of contexts, 'זעירה' is typically reserved for instances where delicacy or a lesser significance is implied.
Culture
'קטנה' (ktana) has roots in the Hebrew language that can be traced back to biblical texts, where size and scale often held significant cultural implications. It's interesting to note that size in many cultures can symbolize importance or value, and in Hebrew, this small word carries both literal and metaphorical weight, often used endearingly to describe something cherished despite its size.
FAQ
Q.What does the Hebrew word 'קטנה' mean?
'קטנה' (ktana) means 'small' in English. It can be used to describe size in both physical and abstract contexts, from objects to quantities.
Q.How do you pronounce 'קטנה'?
'קטנה' is pronounced as 'ktana,' with the emphasis on the second syllable. Practice saying it slowly to get the sounds right, emphasizing the 'k' sound and the 'a' at the end.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'קטנה'?
A common mistake is to confuse 'קטנה' with 'קטן' (katan), which means 'small' in the masculine form. Ensure that you use 'קטנה' when referring to feminine nouns to maintain proper gender agreement in Hebrew.
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