קצת
k'tsát
The English phrase "a little" is translated into Hebrew as קצת (k'tsát).
קצת is used to describe something occurring to a small extent or degree. In spoken Hebrew, it is frequently used as a filler or a way to soften a statement, functioning much like the English phrases "a bit" or "sort of".
Meaning: to a small extent or degree (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word קצת can function as both an adverb, meaning "to a small extent" and a noun, meaning "a small amount", without changing its form.
How do you pronounce it?
k'tsát
Did you know?
- The root of קצת is shared with words referring to 'cutting' or 'trimming' in other Semitic languages.
- If you say קצת in response to 'How are you?', you are not just saying you are slightly well, but are actually signaling that things are 'alright' or 'mediocre'.
- Though it means 'a little', using קצת to describe a person's knowledge can sometimes ironically imply they actually know quite a lot through understatement.
Examples in context
- תן לי רק קצת.Give me just a little.This sentence shows how to use קצת to request a small amount.Tatoeba #1711635 by MrShoval, translation #33042 by CK
- יש לו קצת כסף.He has a little money.This sentence demonstrates the use of קצת with a noun to indicate a small amount of something.Tatoeba #2039184 by MrShoval, translation #434894 by lukaszpp
- זה יכאב רק קצת.It will only hurt a little.This sentence illustrates using קצת as an adverb to describe the degree of an action.Tatoeba #582352 by Eldad, translation #278304 by Eldad
- אני מבין קצת עברית.I understand a little Hebrew.
- היום אני יכול ללכת קצת יותר מהר.Today I can walk a little faster.
- יש לך קצת כסף להלוואה?Do you have a little money to lend?
- אני רעב, אנא תן לי קצת אוכל.I'm hungry, please give me a little food.
- 322 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rotem and Ido are talking about their day at work.
- רוטם Rotemאתה עייף היום, עידו?Ata ayef hayom, Ido?Are you tired today, Ido?
- עידו Idoכן, אני קצת עייף.Ken, ani ktsat ayef.Yes, I am a little tired.
- רוטם Rotemרוצה לשתות קפה?Rotze lishtot kafe?Do you want to drink coffee?
- עידו Idoכן, זה יעזור לי קצת.Ken, ze ya'azor li ktsat.Yes, that will help me a little.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry קצת, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
