المرة الجاية
al-marra al-jāya
In Arabic, 'next time' is expressed as المرة الجاية (al-marra al-jāya).
The phrase is used to refer to a following occasion.
Meaning: on the following occasion (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of al-marra (the time/the occasion) and al-jāya (the coming/the next).
Which one should you use?
The phrase المرة الجاية means 'next time'. For the more formal 'for the next time', you can use في المرة القادمة or the informal بالمرة الجاية. If you are referring to multiple future occasions ('for the next times'), use the formal في المرات القادمة or the informal المرات الجاية.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
المرة الجاية is the colloquial version. For formal situations, such as writing in Modern Standard Arabic, use المرة القادمة.
Is it said differently in some regions?
المرة الجاية is widely used in spoken Levantine and Egyptian dialects.
How do you pronounce it?
al-marra al-jāya
Did you know?
- While المرة الجاية is used for 'next time', Arabic speakers often prefer to say إن شاء الله (God willing) immediately after to avoid the perceived arrogance of claiming to control the future.
- While المرة الجاية refers to a future time, it can also be used colloquially to mean 'next time' in a sense of 'not this time', often serving as a polite way to decline an offer.
- The formal version القادمة shares a root with the word for 'leader' or 'preceder', as both imply moving forward or coming ahead.
Examples in context
- شكراً على المساعدة. في المرة القادمة سأكون أكثر حذرًا.Thank you for your help. Next time, I will be more careful.
- هاتفني في المرة الجاية إن كنت متاحًا.Call me next time if you're available.
- تذكرت طلبك. بالمرة الجاية سأجلبه لك.I remembered your request. I'll bring it for you next time.
- المرة الجاية هنروح المطعم ده.al-marra el-gaya hanrouh el-mat'am da.Next time we will go to this restaurant.
- خليها المرة الجاية.khalliha el-marra el-gaya.Leave it for next time.
- هنشوفك المرة الجاية إن شاء الله.hanshoufak el-marra el-gaya in sha' Allah.We will see you next time, God willing.
Example conversation
Ahmad and Layla are deciding when to finish their coffee.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا لازم أمشي دلوقتي.ana lazim amshi delwa'ti.I have to go now.
- ليلى Laylaماشي، المرة الجاية نشرب القهوة سوا.mashi, el-marra el-gaya nishrab el-ahwa sawa.Okay, next time we will drink coffee together.
- أحمد Ahmedتمام، أشوفك المرة الجاية يا ليلى.tamam, ashoufik el-marra el-gaya ya Layla.Great, see you next time, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaمع السلامة يا أحمد.ma'a el-salama ya Ahmad.Goodbye, Ahmad.
