Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “last week” in Arabic. Whether you’re learning the language for travel, work, or personal enrichment, knowing how to express time accurately is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “last week” in both formal and informal ways, focusing on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is commonly understood throughout the Arab world. We’ll also touch on regional variations where necessary, providing you with various tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “Last Week” in Arabic
In formal contexts, such as business meetings, academic settings, or formal correspondence, it is best to use precise and standardized language. Here are a few ways to express “last week” formally:
1. الأسبوع الماضي (al-usbūʼ al-māḍī)
This is the most common and straightforward way to say “last week” in Arabic. It translates literally to “the previous week.” Here, “الأسبوع” (al-usbūʼ) means “the week,” and “الماضي” (al-māḍī) means “previous.” Together, they form the phrase “الأسبوع الماضي” (al-usbūʼ al-māḍī).
Example: شكرًا على استدعائي إلى اجتماع الأسبوع الماضي.
(Thank you for inviting me to the meeting last week.)
2. الأسبوع السابق (al-usbūʼ al-sābiq)
This phrase is also commonly used to denote “last week.” “السابق” (al-sābiq) means “previous” or “former.” When combined with “الأسبوع” (al-usbūʼ), it becomes “الأسبوع السابق” (al-usbūʼ al-sābiq).
Example: أتذكر الندوة التي حضرتها الأسبوع السابق.
(I remember the seminar I attended last week.)
Informal Ways to Say “Last Week” in Arabic
When speaking in informal settings, like with friends or family, you can use more colloquial expressions to discuss time. Here are a couple of informal phrases to express “last week” in Arabic:
3. الأسبوع اللي فات (al-usbūʼ alli fāt)
This phrase, often used in colloquial Arabic, translates to “the week that passed.” It is a relaxed and commonly understood way to refer to “last week” in informal conversations.
Example: رحت رحلة جميلة الأسبوع اللي فات.
(I went on a beautiful trip last week.)
4. الأسبوع الفائت (al-usbūʼ al-fāʼit)
This phrase, similar to the previous one, is widely used in colloquial Arabic to mean “the week that passed.” It’s an everyday expression that can be heard in informal conversations across various Arab regions.
Example: ماذا فعلت الأسبوع الفائت؟
(What did you do last week?)
Summary
In summary, when expressing “last week” in Arabic, you have various options depending on the formality of the context. In formal situations, “الأسبوع الماضي” (al-usbūʼ al-māḍī) and “الأسبوع السابق” (al-usbūʼ al-sābiq) are commonly used phrases. For informal conversations, “الأسبوع اللي فات” (al-usbūʼ alli fāt) and “الأسبوع الفائت” (al-usbūʼ al-fāʼit) provide a more relaxed approach. Remember to adapt your speech based on the situation and the level of formality required.
Mastering the ability to talk about time accurately in Arabic is an important step in becoming fluent. Using the phrases mentioned in this guide will help you express “last week” with ease and confidence. Practice these phrases in conversations with native Arabic speakers, and you’ll quickly become comfortable navigating Arabic time expressions.
