Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “then” in Arabic! In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to express this keyword in Arabic. While you may encounter some regional variations, we will primarily focus on a standard Arabic dialect. So, let’s delve into the different ways of saying “then” with tips, examples, and more!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Then” in Arabic
When it comes to using a formal register in Arabic, you can employ the use of “then” in the following ways:
1. ثُمَّ (thumma)
“Thumma” is the most commonly used term for “then” in formal Arabic. It is widely understood across Arabic-speaking countries and is the preferred choice in written Arabic as well as formal speeches. Here are a few examples:
- Example 1: اذهب إلى السوق، ثُمَّ إلى المكتبة. (adhhab ila as-suq, thumma ila al-maktabah) – Go to the market, then to the library.
- Example 2: أنهى عمله وأتى ثُمَّ انصرف. (anaha ‘amaluhu wa’ata thumma insarif) – He finished his work and then left.
2. فيما بَعْدَ (fīmā baʿd)
“Fīmā baʿd” is a more formal expression that can also mean “afterward” or “later.” Although it is less common in everyday conversation, it is still appropriate to use in formal contexts. Here are a couple of examples:
- Example 1: يضع الكتاب هنا، وفيما بَعْدَ يقرأه. (yudaʿ al-kitāb huna, wa fīmā baʿd yaqraʾuh) – He puts the book here, then reads it later.
- Example 2: تناول الطعام واستريح فيما بَعْدَ العمل. (tanāwul al-ṭaʿām wa istarīḥ fīmā baʿd al-ʿamal) – Have a meal and rest afterward work.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Then” in Arabic
Informal Arabic often varies across regions and can have different colloquial expressions. Here, we present a commonly used informal term for “then” in Arabic:
1. بَعْدَهَا (baʿdahā)
“Baʿdahā” is a widely understood colloquial term used in informal contexts, particularly in spoken Arabic. It is the informal equivalent of “then” and is used in various dialects. Here are a couple of examples:
- Example 1: رحت المجمع تسوق، وبَعْدَهَا اتصلت بصديقي. (raḥt al-mujammaʿ tusawwq, wa baʿdahā itaṣallaṭ bi-ṣadīqī) – I went to the mall to shop, then I called my friend.
- Example 2: درست لساعات طويلة، وبَعْدَهَا كنت مستعدًا للاستراحة. (darast lisāʿāt ṭawīlah, wa baʿdahā kunt mustaʿiddan lil-istirāḥah) – I studied for long hours, then I was ready to rest.
Final Remarks
In conclusion, learning the various ways of saying “then” in Arabic provides essential tools to express yourself fluently. Remember, “thumma” is the formal term used widely in written and spoken Arabic, while “fīmā baʿd” is another formal expression suitable for specific contexts. On the other hand, “baʿdahā” is an informal term mostly used in spoken Arabic across different dialects.
Mastering the usage of “then” in Arabic can greatly enhance your communication skills and help you convey your thoughts clearly. Practice using these expressions in different scenarios to become more comfortable in utilizing them in conversations. Always pay attention to context as well, as it influences the appropriate usage of each term.
We hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your Arabic vocabulary and understanding how to use “then” in different settings. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll seamlessly incorporate these terms into your Arabic conversations!
