كثير
kathīr
The English phrase 'much' can be translated into Arabic as كثير (kathīr).
The word is used to describe a large amount of something.
Meaning: a large amount of (det)
Which one should you use?
You should use the adjective form كثير to modify a noun, but use the adverbial form كَثِيرًا to modify a verb.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, كثير must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The feminine singular form is كثيرة and the masculine plural form is كثيرون. To express 'a lot' or 'to a great extent' when modifying a verb, use the adverbial form كَثِيرًا.
How do you pronounce it?
kathīr
Did you know?
- In formal Arabic, to say 'much' or 'many' when referring to people or things that are non-human, you must use the feminine singular form كثيرة rather than the masculine plural.
- In some spoken dialects, the formal كثير is replaced by words like بزاف in Morocco or واجد in the Gulf. A speaker from Rabat and a speaker from Riyadh might use completely different words to say 'much'.
- The root of كثير (k-th-r) is fundamentally tied to the concept of 'abundance' or 'increase', which is why it is often used in religious contexts to describe divine blessings.
Examples in context
- أنا لا أنام كثيرا.I don't sleep so much.This sentence is useful for practicing the word كثير.Tatoeba #1579768 by Amastan, translation #1568763 by Sharaf78
- أنا معجب بك كثيرًا.I like you very much.Tatoeba #628896 by Samer, translation #257095 by CK
- لن يكتب زيري كثيرا.Ziri won't write much.Tatoeba #11994680 by dididodo, translation #11252895 by Amastan
- لدي كثير من العمل.I have much work.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Layla and Omar are talking about their work.
- ليلى Laylaهل لديك عمل كثير اليوم يا عمر؟Hal ladayka 'amal kathir al-yawm ya Omar?Do you have much work today, Omar?
- عمر Omarنعم، لدي عمل كثير جداً.Na'am, ladayya 'amal kathir jiddan.Yes, I have very much work.
- ليلى Laylaهل تحتاج إلى مساعدة؟Hal tahtaj ila musa'ada?Do you need help?
- عمر Omarشكراً لكِ يا ليلى.Shukran laki ya Layla.Thank you, Layla.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
