ילד קטן
yeled katan/jald kaˈtan/word by word
The English phrase "little boy" is ילד קטן (yeled katan) in Hebrew.
ילד קטן is used to refer to a diminutive male child.
Meaning: a diminutive male child (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun ילד (boy) and the adjective קטן (small/little).
Which one should you use?
While קטן literally means "small" in terms of size, in this context it is the standard way to express "little" regarding a child's age or stature.
How do you pronounce it?
yeled katan
Did you know?
- The root of ילד is also found in the concept of 'birth' in many related Semitic languages, tracing back to the very act of bringing a child into the world.
- In many Hebrew contexts, if you call someone a ילד (boy), it can imply they are acting immaturely, regardless of their actual age.
- To make the phrase 'the little boy', the definite article ה (ha) is attached to both words: הילד הקטן.
Examples in context
- אפילו ילד קטן יודע זאת.Even a little boy knows this.This sentence shows that even a little boy possesses certain knowledge.Tatoeba #2627999 by MrShoval, translation #2626802 by Joseph
- אפילו ילד קטן יודע את שמו.Even a little boy knows his own name.This sentence illustrates that even a little boy knows his name.Tatoeba #1945899 by fekundulo, translation #2626800 by Joseph
- זה סיפור על ילד קטן ושמו תום.This is a story about a little boy named Tom.This sentence is used to introduce a story about a little boy named Tom.Tatoeba #13062791 by fekundulo, translation #3130135 by CK
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Agur are at a playground.
- נועם Noamמי הילד קטן שמשחק שם?Mi hayeled katan shemeshachek sham?Who is the little boy playing there?
- עגור Adiזה האח של הבן דוד שלי.Ze ha'ach shel haben dod sheli.That is my cousin's brother.
- נועם Noamהוא נראה כמו ילד קטן ומקסים.Hu nir'e kmo yeled katan u-maksimum.He looks like a charming little boy.
- עגור Adiהוא באמת ילד מאוד מתוק.Hu be'emet yeled me'od matok.He really is a very sweet boy.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ילד, קטן) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ילד, קטן, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
