Hello there! If you are looking to expand your Arabic vocabulary, we’re here to help you learn how to say “until” in Arabic. In this guide, you’ll find both formal and informal ways, along with some useful tips and examples. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Until” in Arabic:
In formal contexts, such as in professional conversations, written correspondence, or academic settings, you can use the following phrases to express “until” in Arabic:
1. حتى (Hatta):
This is the most commonly used and versatile word for “until” in Arabic. It can be used with both nouns and verbs. Here are a few examples:
Example 1: سأعمل حتى الساعة العاشرة ليلاً.
(Saa’mal hatta al-saat al-aashira laylan.)
Translation: I will work until 10 o’clock at night.
Example 2: نبقى هنا حتى يتوقّف المطر.
(Nabqa huna hatta yatawaqqaf al-matar.)
Translation: We’ll stay here until the rain stops.
2. إلى (Ila):
“إلى” is another formal way to express “until” in Arabic. It is mainly used with specific points in time or destinations. Here are a couple of examples:
Example 3: ستكون الاجتماعات تستمر إلى الساعة الواحدة ظهراً.
(Satukun al-ijtima’at tستamar ‘ila al-saat al-wahida dhuhraً.)
Translation: The meetings will continue until 1 o’clock in the afternoon.
Example 4: اذهب معهم إلى المكتب حتى تصل إلى وجهتك.
(Idhab ma’ahum ‘ila al-maktab hatta tasil ‘ila wajhatik.)
Translation: Go with them to the office until you reach your destination.
Informal Ways to Say “Until” in Arabic:
When it comes to informal conversations or daily interactions, Arabic speakers tend to use shorter and more colloquial expressions. Here are a few informal ways to say “until” in Arabic:
1. لحد ما (Lahed ma):
This phrase is quite popular in informal settings and often used in casual conversations. It is commonly used in spoken Arabic across different regions.
Example 5: انتظر هنا لحد ما أعود.
(Intathir huna lahed ma a’ood.)
Translation: Wait here until I come back.
2. لين (Lain):
“لين” is another informal way to express “until” in Arabic. It is more commonly used in some dialects than others, so you may encounter regional variations. Check out the example below:
Example 6: بنتعشى لين ما يوصل الباص.
(Bint’ashsha lain ma yusul al-bas.)
Translation: We’ll have dinner until the bus arrives.
Tips for Using “Until” in Arabic:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using “until” in Arabic:
- Pay attention to gender and number: Ensure that the verb tense and noun agreement match the context of your sentence.
- Practice pronunciation: Pay close attention to the diacritical marks (Tashkeel) while pronouncing Arabic words.
- Learn regional differences: Different Arabic dialects have slight variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. It can be beneficial to explore these differences if you’re planning to communicate with speakers from specific regions.
- Practice through immersion: Engage with native speakers, listen to Arabic music, watch movies or TV shows in Arabic to further reinforce your understanding and usage of the language.
- Use context clues: When encountering unfamiliar words or phrases, try to gather meaning from the surrounding context or ask for clarification.
Remember, language learning is an exciting journey that requires practice, patience, and immersion. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re a natural part of the learning process.
That wraps up our guide on how to say “until” in Arabic! We hope this has been helpful in expanding your Arabic vocabulary. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to use these phrases with confidence. Good luck!
