كثيراً
kathīran
The English phrase "so much" is translated into Arabic as كثيراً (kathīran).
كثيراً is used as an adverb to indicate that something is done to a certain degree or extent, such as "much" or "a lot".
Meaning: to a certain degree or extent (adv)
Which one should you use?
While كثيراً means "much" or "to a great extent" and often follows a verb, the word جداً means "very" and is typically used to intensify an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
kathīran
Did you know?
- When expressing 'thank you so much', Arabic speakers often avoid كثيراً in favor of جزيلاً, which specifically describes a 'great' or 'ample' reward.
- Arabic uses كثيراً in the phrase كثيراً ما, which functions like the English word 'often' rather than 'so much'.
- In some spoken dialects, speakers replace كثيراً with وايد or بزاف to express 'so much', though these are not used in the written Standard Arabic taught in textbooks.
Examples in context
- لماذا يقلق توم كثيراً؟Why does Tom worry so much?This sentence shows how to use كثيراً to ask about the extent of an emotion.Tatoeba #7487515 by oussamazizou, translation #7487145 by CK
- أنا لستُ قلقاً كثيراً بشأن سيرتي الذاتية.I don't worry so much about my resume.This sentence demonstrates using كثيراً with a negative statement about worry.Tatoeba #1899752 by Asma, translation #541016 by CK
- لقد افتقدتك كثيراً.I have missed you so much.This sentence illustrates the use of كثيراً to express the extent of missing someone.Tatoeba #1372395 by alanood, translation #1372396 by alanood
- عنده فلوس كتيرة، مِتلَ اللِّي بتحلم بِهِ.He has so much money, like what you dream of.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Omar and Nour are talking about a new movie.
- عمر Omarهل أعجبك الفيلم؟Hal a'jabaka al-film?Did you like the movie?
- نور Nourنعم، لقد استمتعت به كثيراً.Na'am, laqad istamta'tu bihi kathiran.Yes, I enjoyed it so much.
- عمر Omarأنا أيضاً، كانت القصة رائعة.Ana aydan, kanat al-qissa ra'i'a.Me too, the story was wonderful.
- نور Nourبالفعل، لقد أذهلني الإخراج كثيراً.Bil-fi'l, laqad adhalani al-ikhraj kathiran.Indeed, the directing amazed me so much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
