انتظر لحظة
intazir lahza
The English phrase 'wait a minute' can be translated into Arabic as انتظر لحظة (intazir lahza).
Meaning: Translations (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of the imperative verb انتظر (wait) and the noun لحظة (moment/instant).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
انتظر لحظة is a formal way to say 'wait a minute'. In contrast, استنى لحظة is an informal way to say 'wait a moment'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on who you are addressing. To address a female, use انتظري لحظة. To address a group of people, use انتظروا لحظة.
How do you pronounce it?
intazir lahza
Did you know?
- The word لحظة originates from a root that refers to the physical act of glancing or looking with the eyes. A 'moment' in Arabic is conceptually linked to the speed of a glance.
- In many Arabic dialects, if you want to tell someone to 'wait a minute' during a heated argument, you might say اصبر (be patient) instead. This shifts the meaning from a request for time to a request for emotional restraint.
- In a social context, saying 'wait a minute' in Arabic is often accompanied by a gesture of raising the hand with the palm facing the listener to signal a stop.
Examples in context
- انتظر لحظة، إلى أين تظنّ نفسكَ ذاهبًا؟Hey, wait a minute. Where do you think you're going?This sentence shows how to use انتظر لحظة when questioning someone's direction.Tatoeba #3577058 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #3575460 by CK
- انتظر لحظة قبل أن أعطيك الوثائقWait a minute before I hand you the documents.
- استنى لحظة، سأكون معك بعد قليلWait a moment, I will be with you shortly.
- انتظر لحظة من فضلك.intazir lahzah min fadlak.Wait a minute, please.
- انتظر لحظة، سأحضر مفاتيحي.intazir lahzah, sa-ahdir mafatihi.Wait a minute, I will get my keys.
Example conversation
Youssef is about to leave the house, but Maryam realizes he forgot his phone.
- مريم Maryamانتظر لحظة يا يوسف!intazir lahzah ya Youssef!Wait a minute, Youssef!
- يوسف Youssefماذا هناك يا مريم؟madha hunak ya Maryam?What is it, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamلقد نسيت هاتفك.laqad nasita hatifak.You forgot your phone.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً لكِ.shukran laki.Thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries لحظة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
