وقت طويل
waqt tawīl
The English phrase 'long time' is translated into Arabic as وقت طويل (waqt tawīl).
While it identifies the length of time, it is frequently used in social contexts to greet someone you have not encountered for a while, such as in the phrase 'I haven't seen you for a long time'.
Meaning: used as part of greeting of two people who have not been in contact for a long time (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun وقت (time) and the adjective طويل (long/long-lasting).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the phrase كتير زمان is used to mean a long time. In Gulf Arabic, the term وَقْت طَوِيل is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'for a long time' when referring to a duration since a point in the past, the preposition منذ (since/for) is typically used before وقت طويل.
How do you pronounce it?
waqt tawīl
Did you know?
- The word وقت (time) may have originated from an ancient concept of a 'hollow' or 'gap', such as a cavity in a mountain where rainwater collects.
Examples in context
- أنا أنتظر هنا منذ وقت طويل.I have been waiting here for a long time.This sentence shows how to use وقت طويل to describe waiting.Tatoeba #6704295 by OsoHombre, translation #6396325 by OsoHombre
- لم أقم بصيد السمك منذ وقت طويلI haven't been fishing in a long time.This sentence demonstrates the use of وقت طويل regarding the duration of an activity.Tatoeba #7522698 by mdaker, translation #7522693 by CK
- منذ وقت طويل!For a long time!This sentence shows وقت طويل used as an exclamation of duration.Tatoeba #12355114 by dididodo, translation #12435470 by Miktsoanit
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two old friends meet by chance at a cafe.
- عمر Omarأهلاً يا نور! لم نركِ منذ وقت طويل.Ahlan ya Noor! Lam naraki mundhu waqt tawil.Hi Noor! I haven't seen you for a long time.
- نور Nourأهلاً يا عمر! فعلاً، مر وقت طويل جداً.Ahlan ya Omar! Fe'lan, marra waqt tawil jiddan.Hi Omar! Indeed, a very long time has passed.
- عمر Omarكيف حالك الآن؟Kayfa haluki al-an?How are you doing now?
- نور Nourأنا بخير، شكراً لسؤالك.Ana bikhayr, shukran li-su'alika.I am fine, thank you for asking.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries طويل, وقت, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
