Elementary in Different Languages
Discover 'Elementary' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.
Updated on March 6, 2024
The word 'elementary' holds a special significance in our everyday lives, often used to describe the most basic or foundational aspects of various subjects and concepts. Its cultural importance is evident in how it's used to introduce and explain ideas, making them accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
But did you know that the word 'elementary' can be translated into different languages, each with its own unique cultural nuances? For instance, in Spanish, 'elementary' is 'elemental', while in German, it's 'elementar'. In French, it's 'élémentaire', and in Italian, it's 'elementare'. These translations not only help us understand the word in different languages but also offer a glimpse into the cultures that use them.
Understanding the translation of 'elementary' in various languages can be beneficial for travelers, language learners, educators, and anyone with a fascination for language and culture. It can help foster better communication, enhance language learning, and promote cultural appreciation.
So, whether you're a student learning a new language, a teacher preparing for a global classroom, or a traveler wanting to connect with locals, knowing the translation of 'elementary' in different languages can be a valuable tool. Let's explore these translations and more!
Elementary
Elementary in Sub-Saharan African Languages
| Afrikaans | elementêr | ||
| The word "elementêr" is derived from the Latin word "elementum", meaning "the first principles of a thing". | |||
| Amharic | የመጀመሪያ ደረጃ | ||
| The word 'elementary' derives from its meaning in Latin, which is 'first principles'. | |||
| Hausa | na farko | ||
| "Na farko" in Hausa can also mean "first" or "at first". | |||
| Igbo | elementrị | ||
| The Igbo word 'elementrị' also means 'youngest child'. | |||
| Malagasy | fototra | ||
| The word 'fototra' in Malagasy also means 'first' or 'first step' | |||
| Nyanja (Chichewa) | zoyambira | ||
| Zoyambira may also refer to a novice in a religious or cultural context, or someone at an entry-level position. | |||
| Shona | chepuraimari | ||
| The word 'chepuraimari' in Shona is derived from the verb 'chepura', which means 'to begin' or 'to start', and the noun 'imari', which refers to 'the first' or 'the beginning'. Therefore, 'chepuraimari' literally translates to 'the beginning of the beginning', emphasizing the fundamental or foundational nature of something. | |||
| Somali | hoose | ||
| The word "hoose" in Somali is also used to mean "small". | |||
| Sesotho | mathomo | ||
| This word is also used to refer to the first or basic aspects of any subject or field of study. | |||
| Swahili | msingi | ||
| "Msingi" also means "foundation" or "base". | |||
| Xhosa | zamabanga aphantsi | ||
| Xhosa has several verbs for 'to begin', and zama and qala are the most common and are both commonly used as nouns referring to the beginning of something. | |||
| Yoruba | alakobere | ||
| "Alakobere" in Yoruba is also used to describe the early stages of a learning process or a beginner's level of knowledge. | |||
| Zulu | aphansi | ||
| In the context of Zulu divination, "aphansi" also refers to the spirit of a deceased chief or other respected individual. | |||
| Bambara | duguma kalanso la | ||
| Ewe | gɔmedzesuku | ||
| Kinyarwanda | ibanze | ||
| Lingala | eteyelo ya ebandeli | ||
| Luganda | eya pulayimale | ||
| Sepedi | elementary | ||
| Twi (Akan) | mfitiase sukuu | ||
Elementary in North African & Middle Eastern Languages
| Arabic | ابتدائي | ||
| The word "ابتدائي" also means "primary" or "initial" in Arabic. | |||
| Hebrew | יְסוֹדִי | ||
| The Hebrew word "יְסוֹדִי" also means "fundamental" or "basic". | |||
| Pashto | لومړنی | ||
| The word "لومړنی" (elementary) in Pashto originally meant "first" or "primary" and is related to the word "لومړ" (first). | |||
| Arabic | ابتدائي | ||
| The word "ابتدائي" also means "primary" or "initial" in Arabic. | |||
Elementary in Western European Languages
| Albanian | fillore | ||
| "Fillore" means "elementary" but it also means "basic principles" | |||
| Basque | oinarrizkoak | ||
| The Basque word "oinarrizkoak" can also mean "fundamental" or "basic." | |||
| Catalan | elemental | ||
| The word "elemental" in Catalan, "elemental," can also refer to spirits associated with the elements (earth, water, fire, and air). | |||
| Croatian | osnovno | ||
| Osnovno in Croatian can also mean 'basic', 'fundamental', and 'primary'. | |||
| Danish | elementære | ||
| The word "elementære" originates from the Latin word "elementaris", meaning "pertaining to the elements." | |||
| Dutch | elementair | ||
| Het woord 'elementair' komt van het Latijnse 'elementum', dat 'beginsel' of 'grondstof' betekent. | |||
| English | elementary | ||
| The word "elementary" derives from the Greek στοιχειώδης (stoicheiōdēs), meaning "pertaining to the elements" | |||
| French | élémentaire | ||
| "Élémentaire" can also mean "essential" or "fundamental." | |||
| Frisian | elemintêr | ||
| The word "elemintêr" in Frisian also means "fundamental" or "essential". | |||
| Galician | elemental | ||
| “Elementar” (elementary) shares the same root as “elemento” (element) but also means “basic” or “essential” | |||
| German | elementar | ||
| The German word "elementar" also means "elemental" in the sense of "associated with or composed of basic natural forces or elements". | |||
| Icelandic | grunnskóli | ||
| The Icelandic word "grunnskóli" literally means "ground school" or "grassroots school." | |||
| Irish | bunrang | ||
| The word 'bunrang' is also used to describe the basic elements of a subject, or the first steps in learning something. | |||
| Italian | elementare | ||
| The Italian word "elementare" originated in the Medieval Latin "elementaris," referring to the four classical elements (earth, air, fire, water). | |||
| Luxembourgish | elementar | ||
| The Luxembourgish word "elementar" can also mean "primary school", "basic" or "simple". | |||
| Maltese | elementari | ||
| The word “elementari” is used in both Maltese and Italian, but has different etymological roots in each language. | |||
| Norwegian | elementær | ||
| "Elementær" also means "basic, fundamental" or "rudimentary" in Norwegian. | |||
| Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | elementar | ||
| In Portuguese, "elementar" can mean not only "elementary", but also "rudimentary", "essential", and "main." | |||
| Scots Gaelic | bunasach | ||
| The term likely originates from 'bunasg' meaning 'foundation' while its usage as 'elementary' is a recent development in Gaelic. | |||
| Spanish | elemental | ||
| En español, "elemental" significa "básico" o "primario", y "elementary" significa "de escuela primaria". | |||
| Swedish | elementärt | ||
| Elementärt, 'elementary', is in Swedish a cognate of its English counterpart and, in older usage, also related to 'element' in chemistry. | |||
| Welsh | elfennol | ||
| "Elfennau" refers to the four classical elements, earth, air, fire, and water in Welsh. | |||
Elementary in Eastern European Languages
| Belarusian | элементарна | ||
| In Russian, the word "элементарна" can also mean "very simple" or "superficial". | |||
| Bosnian | osnovno | ||
| "Osnovno" also means "basically" or "essentially" in Bosnian. | |||
| Bulgarian | елементарно | ||
| In Bulgarian, "елементарно" can also mean "easily" or "simple to understand". | |||
| Czech | základní | ||
| The Czech word "základní" originally meant "fundamental", and is related to the word "základ" (foundation). | |||
| Estonian | elementaarne | ||
| In Estonian, "elementaarne" can refer to chemical elements, the first principles of a subject, or primary substances like earth, fire, air, and water (as in Ancient Greek philosophy). | |||
| Finnish | perus | ||
| "Perus" also means "fundaments, foundations" and is used in this meaning e.g. in "perusteollisuus" (basic industry). | |||
| Hungarian | alapvető | ||
| "Alapvető" is a compound noun formed from "alap" (base) and "vető" (founder), and thus means "fundamental" or "basic". | |||
| Latvian | elementāri | ||
| The word "elementāri" derives from the Latin "elementum" and can mean "of the first principles" or "very simple". | |||
| Lithuanian | elementarus | ||
| Lithuanian "elementarus" derives from the Latin word elementāris, in which it means "pertaining to the elements or the first principles". | |||
| Macedonian | основно | ||
| The word "основно" in Macedonian can also mean "basic" or "fundamental" in English. | |||
| Polish | podstawowy | ||
| The word "podstawowy" comes from the Polish word "podstawa" ("base") and means "basic" or "fundamental". | |||
| Romanian | elementar | ||
| In Romanian, "elementar" can also mean "part of the alphabet" or "the first steps of something". | |||
| Russian | элементарный | ||
| The word "элементарный" can also mean "simple", "basic", or "fundamental" in Russian | |||
| Serbian | елементарно | ||
| The Serbian word "елементарно" can also mean "easy" or "simple". | |||
| Slovak | elementárne | ||
| The word 'elementárne' also means 'fundamental' or 'basic' in Slovak. | |||
| Slovenian | osnovno | ||
| 'Osnovno' can be a noun, but when used as an adjective it means 'main' or 'basic'. | |||
| Ukrainian | елементарний | ||
| The word "елементарний" (elementary) comes from the Latin word "elementarius", meaning "of the first principles". | |||
Elementary in South Asian Languages
| Bengali | প্রাথমিক | ||
| "প্রাথমিক" (elementary) is derived from the Sanskrit root "pra"," first, and "tham", to stand; thus meaning "first stage of standing or learning." | |||
| Gujarati | પ્રારંભિક | ||
| The word "elementary" in Gujarati is derived from the Sanskrit word "praarambhik," meaning "initial" or "beginning." | |||
| Hindi | प्राथमिक | ||
| "प्राथमिक" can also mean primary or initial in Hindi. | |||
| Kannada | ಪ್ರಾಥಮಿಕ | ||
| The word 'elementary' comes from the Latin word 'elementum', which means 'first principle'. | |||
| Malayalam | പ്രാഥമികം | ||
| The term "പ്രാഥമികം" (prāthaymikam) derives from Sanskrit and carries additional meanings of "fundamental," "primary," and "original." | |||
| Marathi | प्राथमिक | ||
| The Marathi word प्राथमिक (elementary) is also related to the word "प्रती", meaning "towards" or "in the direction of". | |||
| Nepali | प्राथमिक | ||
| "प्राथमिक" (Prāthamik), "primary" or "first", is also the "root," or "origin" of a word, a tree, etc. | |||
| Punjabi | ਐਲੀਮੈਂਟਰੀ | ||
| The word "elementary" comes from the Latin word "elementum" meaning "first principle" or "element", which is also the root of the word "element" in English. | |||
| Sinhala (Sinhalese) | මූලික | ||
| "මූලික" is derived from Sanskrit "मूल", which means "base", and can refer to both the fundamental principles of a subject and to the elements that form the base of something. | |||
| Tamil | தொடக்க | ||
| Telugu | ప్రాథమిక | ||
| Urdu | ابتدائی | ||
Elementary in East Asian Languages
| Chinese (Simplified) | 初级 | ||
| 初级 can also mean "beginner" or "primary" in the sense of "first in order or importance". | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | 初級 | ||
| 初級 is used not only for primary school education, but also for martial arts training, as a rank below "intermediate". | |||
| Japanese | 小学校 | ||
| 小学校 is also used as a metaphor for something fundamental or basic. | |||
| Korean | 초등학교 | ||
| 초등학교 (elementary) literally means "beginning learning place" in Korean, referring to its role as the initial stage of formal education. | |||
| Mongolian | анхан шатны | ||
| The Mongolian word "анхан шатны" can also mean "beginning" or "initial." | |||
| Myanmar (Burmese) | အခြေခံ | ||
Elementary in South East Asian Languages
| Indonesian | dasar | ||
| "Dasar" is a word which also means "base," "basis," or "ground" in Indonesian. | |||
| Javanese | sd | ||
| The Javanese word "SD" can also refer to a "younger sibling" or "relative". | |||
| Khmer | បឋម | ||
| The word "បឋម" can also mean "first" or "original". | |||
| Lao | ປະຖົມ | ||
| Malay | sekolah rendah | ||
| 'Sekolah rendah' derives from 'sekolah' (school) and 'rendah' (low), implying a lower level of education. | |||
| Thai | ประถม | ||
| "ประถมศึกษา" (elementary education) derives from the Thai word "ประถม" (primary), which also means "first" or "first level". | |||
| Vietnamese | sơ cấp | ||
| Sơ cấp (elementary) originates from the Chinese compound word "初級" (elementary) and shares the same meaning in Vietnamese. | |||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | elementarya | ||
Elementary in Central Asian Languages
| Azerbaijani | ibtidai | ||
| The word "ibtidai" (elementary) in Azerbaijani ultimately derives from the Arabic word "ibtida", meaning "beginning" or "initiation". | |||
| Kazakh | бастауыш | ||
| The word "бастауыш" (elementary) in Kazakh is derived from the verb "бастау" (to begin), which suggests the fundamental or initial nature of something elementary. | |||
| Kyrgyz | башталгыч | ||
| In Kyrgyz, "башталгыч" can also mean "initiator" or "pioneer of a movement or idea". | |||
| Tajik | ибтидоӣ | ||
| The word "ибтидоӣ" ("elementary") in Tajik can also mean "primitive", "rudimentary", or "basic". | |||
| Turkmen | başlangyç | ||
| Uzbek | boshlang'ich | ||
| "Boshlang'ich" means "initial" in Uzbek and is often used to describe something that is basic or fundamental. | |||
| Uyghur | elementary | ||
Elementary in Pacific Languages
| Hawaiian | kula haʻahaʻa | ||
| 'Kula ha'aha'a' and other Hawaiian terms for 'elementary' share the meaning of 'low,' 'humble,' or 'basic' through different Hawaiian word roots. | |||
| Maori | kura tuatahi | ||
| The word 'kura tuatahi' can also refer to a primary school or to a first-born child. | |||
| Samoan | tulagalua | ||
| The word “tulagalua” is also used to describe basic or fundamental teachings and the process of learning. | |||
| Tagalog (Filipino) | elementarya | ||
| "Elementarya" can also refer to the first three levels of primary education (grade 1-3) or the classroom where these levels are taught. | |||
Elementary in American Indigenous Languages
| Aymara | elemental ukan yatiqañataki | ||
| Guarani | elemental-pegua | ||
Elementary in International Languages
| Esperanto | elementa | ||
| The Esperanto word "elementa" is derived from the Latin word "elementum," meaning "first principle" or "rudiment." | |||
| Latin | elementa exordii | ||
| The term "elementa exordii" was also used to refer to the four classical elements: earth, water, air, and fire. | |||
Elementary in Others Languages
| Greek | στοιχειώδης | ||
| The word "στοιχειώδης" comes from the Greek word "στοιχεία," which means "elements" or "principles." | |||
| Hmong | nyob puag ncig | ||
| Derived from the Proto-Hmong-Mien word "*p-raŋ-ŋuŋ", meaning "to learn" or "to study". | |||
| Kurdish | seretayî | ||
| The word 'seretayî' is derived from the Persian word 'sarhad' meaning 'border' or 'frontier'. | |||
| Turkish | temel | ||
| "Temel" is also a common name in Turkish, meaning "foundation" or "base". | |||
| Xhosa | zamabanga aphantsi | ||
| Xhosa has several verbs for 'to begin', and zama and qala are the most common and are both commonly used as nouns referring to the beginning of something. | |||
| Yiddish | עלעמענטאַר | ||
| "עלעמענטאַר" can also mean "rudimentary", "naive", or "superficial" in Yiddish. | |||
| Zulu | aphansi | ||
| In the context of Zulu divination, "aphansi" also refers to the spirit of a deceased chief or other respected individual. | |||
| Assamese | প্ৰাথমিক | ||
| Aymara | elemental ukan yatiqañataki | ||
| Bhojpuri | प्राथमिक के बा | ||
| Dhivehi | އެލިމެންޓަރީ އެވެ | ||
| Dogri | प्राथमिक | ||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | elementarya | ||
| Guarani | elemental-pegua | ||
| Ilocano | elementaria | ||
| Krio | ɛlimɛntri | ||
| Kurdish (Sorani) | سەرەتایی | ||
| Maithili | प्राथमिक | ||
| Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯏꯂꯤꯃꯦꯟꯇꯔꯤ ꯑꯣꯏꯕꯥ꯫ | ||
| Mizo | elementary a ni | ||
| Oromo | sadarkaa tokkoffaa | ||
| Odia (Oriya) | ପ୍ରାଥମିକ | ||
| Quechua | elemental nisqa yachay | ||
| Sanskrit | प्राथमिकम् | ||
| Tatar | башлангыч | ||
| Tigrinya | መባእታ ትምህርቲ | ||
| Tsonga | xikolo xa le hansi | ||