קטן
katán/kaˈtan/
The Hebrew word for little is קטן (katán).
The adjective קטן is used to describe something that is small in physical size.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While קטן refers to physical size, the word קצת is used to refer to a small amount or quantity.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: קטן is the masculine singular, קטנה is the feminine singular, קטנים is the masculine plural and קטנות is the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
katán (/kaˈtan/)
Did you know?
- The phrase קטן עליי literally means 'small on me' but is used idiomatically to say that something is too easy or 'below' one's skill level.
- The word קטן is an unexpected relative of the Ge'ez word ቀጢን, which shares a root related to being 'thin' or 'slender'.
- When describing a sibling, the phrase האח הקטן can mean the 'youngest brother' rather than the one who is physically the shortest.
Examples in context
- הרי לכם סוד קטן.Here's a little secret.This sentence shows how to use קטן to describe a secret.Tatoeba #4660385 by fekundulo, translation #3164507 by CK
- יש לי איחור קטן.I'm running a little late.This sentence uses קטן to describe a delay.Tatoeba #4697072 by fekundulo, translation #2544686 by CK
- אגלה לך סוד קטן.I'm going to let you in on a little secret.This sentence uses קטן to describe a secret.Tatoeba #5659011 by fekundulo, translation #2722368 by CM
- נתתי לו מעט כסף לקנות דברים קטנים.I gave him a little money to buy small things.
- כלבים קטניםLittle dogs
- בית קטןA little house
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rotem and Ido are looking at a puppy in a pet shop.
- רוטם Rotemתראה את הכלב הקטן הזה!Tire את ha-kelev ha-katan haze!Look at this little dog!
- עידו Idoהוא באמת נראה קטן מאוד.Hu bemet nir'eh katan me'od.He really looks very small.
- רוטם Rotemאני רוצה לקנות אותו.Ani rotza liknot oto.I want to buy him.
- עידו Idoהוא יהיה חבר קטן ומתוק.Hu yihye chaver katan ve-matok.He will be a sweet little friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries קטן, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries קטן, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
