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Mar 16, 2012

how to say "extreme" in Hebrew


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קִיצוֹנִי




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The Hebrew word for edge or tip is קָצֶה (kah-TZEH). This word figures prominently in the Tabernacle blueprints spelled out in the Torah portions to be read this Shabbat by Jews around the world. 


Two edges are שְׁנֵי קְצָוֹת (she-NEH-ee keh-tsah-VOHT). In Biblical Hebrew, קצה means corner as well. And in Modern Hebrew, on the tip of my (literally, the) tongue is עַל קְצֶה הַלָּשׁוֹן (ahl keh-TSEH hah-lah-SHOHN).
by Ron Bigelow


Modern Hebrew takes the concrete concept of an edge to an abstract level, creating the word for on the edge or extreme - קִיצוֹנִי (kee-tsoh-NEE). 


For example, one might say about a politician, יֵשׁ לוֹ דֵּעוֹת קִיצוֹנִיּוֹת (yesh loh deh-OHT kee-tsoh-nee-YOHT) - he has extreme opinions.


שבת שלום, וסוף שבוע נעים לכולם!
Shabbat Shalom, and a pleasant weekend to all!



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