وقت
waqt/waqt/
The Arabic word for time is وقت (waqt).
The word وقت is used both for the abstract concept of time and for specific points in time (e.g., 'at what time').
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While وقت refers to a specific amount or instance of time, زمن (zaman) is often used to refer to time in a more abstract, philosophical or historical sense (e.g., 'an era').
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of وقت is أوقات (awqāt), used when referring to multiple times or periods.
How do you pronounce it?
waqt
Did you know?
- Historically, وقت may have described a 'hollow' or 'gap' in a rock, which was later used figuratively to mean a gap of time.
- In various Arabic dialects, expressions for 'wasting time' often use the word وقت as a precious commodity that can be 'spent' like money.
Examples in context
- لا تضع وقتك سدیDon't waste your time.This sentence shows how to use وقت when advising someone not to waste it.Tatoeba #3664035 by Alaakhalid, translation #1860392 by CK
- في أي وقت ستذهب؟What time will you leave?This sentence uses وقت to ask about a specific point in time.Tatoeba #419623 by saeb, translation #18072 by CK
- أظن أنك تضيع وقتك.I think you're wasting your time.This sentence uses وقت to describe the act of wasting time.Tatoeba #4926408 by damascene, translation #2458608 by CK
- الساعة الآن ١٠ صباحاًThe time now is 10 a.m.
- الساعة الآن ٦ مساءًThe time now is 6 p.m.
- الساعة ٢ و ٤٥ دقيقة بعد الظهرThe time is 2:45 p.m.
- الساعة العاشرةTen o'clock
- الثَّانِيَةThe second
- بَعد الظُّهْرِAfternoon
- 126 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting at a cafe.
- ليلى Laylaيا عمر، هل لديك وقت؟ya 'Umar, hal ladayka waqt?Omar, do you have time?
- عمر Omarنعم، لدي وقت للحديث معكِ.na'am, ladayya waqt lil-hadith ma'aki.Yes, I have time to talk with you.
- ليلى Laylaرائع، لنشرب القهوة معاً.ra'i', linashrab al-qahwa ma'an.Great, let's drink coffee together.
- عمر Omarهذه فكرة جيدة يا ليلى.hadhihi fikra jayyida ya Layla.That is a good idea, Layla.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry وقت, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries وقت, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
