Whether you’re traveling to an Arabic-speaking country or simply trying to expand your language skills, understanding how to say “last year” in Arabic can be incredibly useful. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept, along with some regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in and discover how to say “last year” in Arabic!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Terms
When it comes to formal language, Arabic provides a couple of expressions that convey “last year” suitably in professional or official situations. Here are the formal terms you can use:
Sanat al-Maadiya (سَنَة الماضِيَة): This phrase literally means “the past year” and is the most common and acceptable formal expression for “last year” in Arabic. It is understood and widely used across all Arabic-speaking countries.
Aam maa Dhar (عام ماضٍ): This phrase translates to “the year that passed” and is a slightly more elaborate way to refer to “last year.” It is commonly used in official documents, speeches, and formal writing.
2. Informal Terms
In informal or everyday conversations, people tend to use simpler and more colloquial expressions to refer to “last year” in Arabic. Here are a few informal terms you can use:
Sana il-maadi (سَنَة الْماضِي): This phrase is a casual way to express “last year” and is widely understood throughout the Arabic-speaking world. It drops the possessive article “al” before “maadi” for a more conversational tone.
Sanatte il-maadi (سَنَتِّ الْماضِي): This expression is a more slang-ish variant of the informal phrase mentioned above. It adds “te” to “sanat”, creating a friendly and relaxed way to refer to “last year” among friends or acquaintances.
3. Regional Variations
While the previously mentioned expressions cover a broader range of situations, it’s worth noting that there may be slight regional variations in how “last year” is spoken in different Arabic-speaking countries. Here are a few:
- Bil ‘am il-maadi (بِالعَام الْماضِي): This term is commonly used in the Gulf region to mean “last year.” It translates to “the past year” and is widely understood in countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Bil sene illi fatet (بِالسَّنَة الِّلَّي فاتَت): This expression is commonly used in Levantine countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. It directly translates to “the year that passed” and is popular among locals.
4. Tips and Examples
To help you gain a better understanding of using “last year” in Arabic, here are some additional tips and examples:
Tips:
- When speaking in a formal or professional setting, it is generally preferable to use the phrase “Sanat al-Maadiya” as it is universally accepted.
- For casual conversations, the expressions “Sana il-maadi” or “Sanatte il-maadi” are more appropriate.
- When in doubt, opt for the simpler and more widely understood phrase “Sanat al-Maadiya.”
Examples:
– Formal Example: “I attended a conference last year.”
In Arabic: “حضرتُ مؤتمرًا في سَنَة الماضِية.” (Hazartu mu’tamaran fi sanat al-maadiya.)
– Informal Example: “We had an amazing trip last year.”
In Arabic: “عملنا رحلة رائعة في سَنَة الْماضِي.” (Amalna rihlah ra’ia fi sana il-maadi.)
Conclusion
Congrats! With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to express “last year” in Arabic. Remember to consider the appropriate formality based on the context, and feel free to use either the formal terms like “Sanat al-Maadiya” or informal phrases like “Sana il-maadi.” Additionally, be aware of any regional variations you might encounter. Keep practicing these phrases, and soon you’ll find yourself confidently conversing about past events in Arabic.
