קודם — meaning in English: previous

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

Guess the translation for former / previous (m.s.)

לתוצאה

letotsa'a

קודם

kodem

חברי

khaveri

עשתה

asta

בשלב

beshalav

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'קודם' (kodem) when discussing events in chronological order, such as describing a previous meeting or a past experience. It can be heard in both casual conversations among friends and in formal settings like business meetings, where understanding the timeline of actions is crucial.

Synonyms & nuances

'קודם' (kodem) is often compared to 'לפני' (lifnei), which also means 'before.' However, 'קודם' tends to refer more specifically to something that has occurred previously in a sequence, while 'לפני' can denote a broader context of time, including the idea of something being in front of another object or event.

Culture

The word 'קודם' has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language, where it originally conveyed the concept of 'before' in a temporal sense. In modern Hebrew, it not only refers to time but also carries a cultural significance in discussions about history and tradition, exemplifying the importance of the past in shaping identity and values.

FAQ

Q.What does 'קודם' mean in English?

'קודם' translates to 'previous' or 'before' in English, indicating something that occurred earlier in time.

Q.How do I use 'קודם' in a sentence?

You can use 'קודם' in sentences like 'הפגישה קודם הייתה מועילה' (The previous meeting was helpful) to refer to something that happened earlier.

Q.Is 'קודם' used in formal settings?

Yes, 'קודם' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile word for discussing past events in Hebrew.

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