קצת
k'tsát
The Hebrew phrase for "a little bit" is קצת (k'tsát).
קצת is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something. It is a versatile word that functions as both an adverb to modify a verb and as a noun or adjective to modify a noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word קצת is invariable, meaning it does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
k'tsát
Did you know?
- In modern Israeli slang, קצת is often used as a sarcastic understatement to mean 'a lot'. For example, saying someone is קצת crazy might actually mean they are completely unstable.
- The word קצת is a contraction of the phrase קצה ת, which originally referred to the 'edge' or 'end' of something. Using the edge of an object to describe quantity evolved into the modern word for 'a little bit'.
- While קצת means 'a little bit', Israelis often use the slang 'k'tsat k'tsat' to mean 'slowly' or 'take it easy'.
Examples in context
- תום הפתיע אותי קצת.Tom surprised me a little bit.This sentence shows how to use קצת to modify a verb.Tatoeba #5538213 by fekundulo, translation #5285530 by CK
- שמתי קצת חלב בקפה שלי.I've put a little bit of milk in my coffee.This sentence shows how to use קצת to specify a quantity of a noun.Tatoeba #5492435 by fekundulo, translation #5402244 by Objectivesea
- היה לנו קצת גשם בלילה.We got a little bit of rain overnight.This sentence shows how to use קצת to describe an amount of weather phenomena.Tatoeba #6046260 by fekundulo, translation #3216773 by patgfisher
- קצת, אני יודע לשיר קצתA little bit, I know how to sing a little bit
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Rotem are talking in a kitchen.
- נועם Noamרוטם, את צריכה קצת מים?Rotem, at tzricha ktsat mayim?Rotem, do you need a little bit of water?
- רוטם Rotemכן, בבקשה.Ken, bevakasha.Yes, please.
- נועם Noamהנה, לקחתי לך כוס.Hine, lakachti lach kos.Here, I took a glass for you.
- רוטם Rotemתודה רבה, נועם.Toda raba, Noam.Thank you very much, Noam.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry קצת, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
