Arabic is a rich and diverse language, with various ways to express the concept of “expect.” Whether you are traveling to an Arabic-speaking country or simply interested in expanding your vocabulary, it’s essential to learn how to convey this idea. In this guide, we will explore different formal and informal ways to say “expect” in Arabic, providing tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Expect” in Arabic:
When speaking in a formal setting, such as during business meetings or when addressing elders, it is important to use respectful language. Here are some formal ways to convey the meaning of “expect” in Arabic:
1. توقع (tawaqqaf)
This is the most common and straightforward term for “expect” in Arabic. It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing anticipations, assumptions, or predictions. Here are a few examples:
1. أتوقع وصول الضيف في وقت متأخر.
(Atawaqqaf wasoul ad-dayyif fi waqt mutaakhir.)
I expect the guest to arrive late.2. توقعت فوز فريقنا في المباراة.
(Tawaqqat fawz fareeqna fi al-mu’aradha.)
I expected our team to win the game.
2. ترقب (taraqqub)
This term is used when emphasizing a sense of anticipation or waiting for something to happen. It can also convey a feeling of looking forward to an event. Here are a couple of examples:
1. الجميع يترقب ظهور القمر البدر في السماء.
(Al-jamie’ yatraqquib zohoor al-qamar al-badr fi as-samaa.)
Everyone is expecting the appearance of the full moon in the sky.2. نترقب بفارغ الصبر القرار النهائي من مجلس الإدارة.
(Nataraqqab bifaarigh as-sabr al-qarar an-nihaa’i min majlis al-idarah.)
We are eagerly awaiting the final decision from the board of directors.
Informal Ways to Say “Expect” in Arabic:
In more casual and everyday conversations, it’s common to use less formal terminology. Here are a couple of informal ways to express the concept of “expect” in Arabic:
1. بتوقع (betwa’iq)
This informal phrase is widely used in dialects across the Arab world. It is a combination of the preposition “بـ” (bi), meaning “with,” and the verb “توقع” (tawaqqaf), meaning “expect.” Here are a few examples:
1. بتوقع ماتنجح بالامتحان لأنه صعب جداً.
(Betwa’iq matnjah bil-amtihaan li’annahu sa’b jiddan.)
I don’t expect to pass the exam because it is very difficult.2. بتوقع حتى يجوز يتأخر شوي على وعده.
(Betwa’iq hatta yijooz yeta’akhar shway ‘ala wa’adah.)
I expect him to be a little late for his promise.
2. كنتظر (kontezhar)
Another informal way to convey the meaning of “expect” is using the verb “كنتظر” (kontezhar). It reflects a sense of waiting or anticipating something to happen. Here are a couple of examples:
1. كنتظر رسالتها الهامة منذ أيام.
(Kontezhar risaaltaha al-hamah mundu ayam.)
I have been expecting her important message for days.2. كنتظر اتصالك منذ فترة طويلة. أين كنت؟
(Kontezhar itisalak mundu fatrah taweelah. Ayna kunt?)
I’ve been waiting for your call for a long time. Where have you been?
Regional Variations in Saying “Expect” in Arabic:
While Arabic is a widely spoken language across many countries, regional variations exist. Here are a few examples of how different dialects express the concept of “expect” in Arabic:
Egyptian Arabic:
- Formal: توقع (tawaqqaf)
- Informal: بيتوقع (beitwa’iq)
Levantine Arabic (Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, Palestinian):
- Formal: تتوقّع (tettawaqqa’)
- Informal: بتتوقّع (bettettawaqqa’)
Gulf Arabic (Saudi Arabian, Emirati, Qatari, Bahraini, Omani, Kuwaiti):
- Formal: يتوقع (yatwaqqa’)
- Informal: تتوقّع (tattawaqqa’)
Remember, these regional variations should be used when communicating with people from specific countries or regions. However, the formal and informal terms mentioned earlier are widely understood across the Arab world.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to express the concept of “expect” in Arabic is a valuable skill that will allow you to effectively communicate in various situations. Whether you need to convey a formal or informal expectation, you now have a range of terms to choose from. Remember to consider the context and the level of formality required when using these words. With practice, you’ll be able to use them naturally and confidently as part of your Arabic vocabulary.
