What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shtetl
Example
My grandparents grew up in a shtetl in Poland before immigrating to the United States. [shtetl: noun]
Example
The shtetl was the center of Jewish life in Eastern Europe for centuries. [shtetl: noun]
ghetto
Example
The government built a ghetto to house the Jewish population during World War II. [ghetto: noun]
Example
The neighborhood was once a ghetto for immigrants, but it has since become more diverse. [ghetto: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ghetto is a more common word than shtetl in everyday language, and it is used to describe various urban areas and social situations. Shtetl is a less common word and is mainly used in historical and cultural contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shtetl and ghetto?
Both shtetl and ghetto are informal words, but shtetl may be considered more formal due to its historical and cultural significance.
