What does it mean word for word?
بكرة has no further breakdown in everyday speech, it is simply the Egyptian word for 'tomorrow', distinct from the Standard Arabic غدا.
Which one should you use?
There is only one common everyday word, بكرة. غدا exists but is mostly limited to written or very formal Arabic.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
بكرة is used at every level of spoken formality, from close family to a formal phone call.
How does it change in a sentence?
بكرة does not change form. It combines freely with time expressions: بكرة بالليل, 'tomorrow night', or من بكرة, 'starting tomorrow'.
How do you pronounce it?
بكرة is said BOK-ra, with the stress on the first syllable and a short final vowel.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using غدا in casual conversation is understood but sounds like reading from a book rather than natural speech.
When do people say it?
The phrase بكرة في المشمش, literally 'tomorrow, in the apricots', is a well-known Egyptian idiom meaning something will probably never happen.
Did you know?
- بكرة في المشمش, 'tomorrow, in the apricot season', is a popular Egyptian saying for something that will probably never actually happen, since apricot season is short and unpredictable.
- Standard Arabic غدا for 'tomorrow' is almost never heard in Egyptian conversation, appearing mainly in news broadcasts and formal writing.
Examples in context
- هشوفك بكرة الصبح.hashoofak bokra es-sobh.I'll see you tomorrow morning.
- الاجتماع بكرة ولا بعد بكرة؟el-egtemaa bokra walla ba'd bokra?Is the meeting tomorrow or the day after?
- من بكرة هبدأ أذاكر بجد.men bokra habda azaker begad.Starting tomorrow I'll start studying seriously.
Example conversation
Nabil asks his colleague Mariam when the report is due.
- Nabilالتقرير لازم يخلص بكرة؟et-ta'reer lazem yekhlas bokra?Does the report need to be finished tomorrow?
- Mariamآه، لازم يتسلم بكرة الصبح.aah, lazem yetsellem bokra es-sobh.Yes, it has to be submitted tomorrow morning.
- Nabilتمام، هخلصه الليلة النهاردة.tamam, hakhallaso el-leila en-naharda.Okay, I'll finish it tonight.
- Mariamربنا يوفقك.rabbena yewaffa'ak.May God give you success.
