حتى
hatta
The Arabic word for "until" is حتى (hatta).
The word حتى is highly versatile. It can function as a conjunction meaning "until", a preposition meaning "up to" or a particle meaning "even".
Meaning: before (conj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using حتى as a conjunction meaning "until", it is typically followed by a verb in the present tense.
How do you pronounce it?
hatta
Did you know?
- Traditional Arabic grammarians believe حتى originates from a root meaning 'to scrape' or 'to rub off'. This creates a metaphor where 'until' represents the point where something is worn away or ends.
- In Arabic, the concept of 'until' is closely tied to the idea of a 'barrier' or a 'threshold' that holds something back.
- While حتى is the standard word for 'until', Arabic has other ways to express the end of a period that depend on whether the limit is inclusive or exclusive.
Examples in context
- بقيت حتى وصل توم.I remained until Tom arrived.This sentence is useful for showing how to use حتى with a past tense verb.Tatoeba #6880581 by deucesxoxo007, translation #6879235 by CK
- لا تقم بشيء حتى آتي.Don't do anything until I come.This sentence shows the use of حتى with a present tense verb.Tatoeba #1579812 by Amastan, translation #1572990 by fanty
- انتظر حتى أنهي الأكل.Wait until I'm done eating.This sentence demonstrates حتى followed by a present tense verb.Tatoeba #1579790 by Amastan, translation #1579402 by fanty
- سأعمل حتى الساعة العاشرة ليلاً.I will work until 10 o'clock at night.
- نبقى هنا حتى يتوقّف المطر.We'll stay here until the rain stops.
- اذهب معهم إلى المكتب حتى تصل إلى وجهتك.Go with them to the office until you reach your destination.
- بنتعشى لين ما يوصل الباص.We'll have dinner until the bus arrives.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Omar and Sarah are discussing their plans at the office.
- عمر Omarهل ستغادر الآن؟hal satughadiru al-an?Are you leaving now?
- سارة Saraلا، لن أغادر حتى أكمل هذا العمل.la, lan aghadira hatta ukmila hadha al-'amal.No, I won't leave until I finish this work.
- عمر Omarسأبقى معك حتى تنهي عملك.sa-abqa ma'aki hatta tunhi 'amalaki.I will stay with you until you finish your work.
- سارة Saraشكراً لك يا عمر.shukran laka ya Omar.Thank you, Omar.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries حتى, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
