Learning how to say what time it is in Arabic is an important skill for anyone wishing to engage in conversations, make appointments, or navigate their way in an Arabic-speaking country. In this guide, we will take you through the formal and informal ways of expressing time in Arabic. Additionally, we will highlight some regional variations that may exist. So, let’s dive in and learn how to tell the time in Arabic!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions of Time
When it comes to formal expressions of time in Arabic, it is important to use the appropriate language and etiquette. Here are some phrases and vocabulary you can employ:
Telling the Hour
The most common way to express the hour is by using the following structure:
“Al-Sā’ah” (The hour) + Number + “Dakhilah” (sharp/on the dot)
For instance:
- “Al-Sā’ah al-rābiʿah al-dakhilah” means “4 o’clock sharp”.
- “Al-Sā’ah al-sitta al-dakhilah” means “6 o’clock sharp”.
If you wish to indicate minutes past the hour, use the word “bas” or “baʿd” which translates to “past” in English. For example:
- “Al-Sā’ah al-rābiʿah baʿd” means “4:05”.
- “Al-Sā’ah al-sitta bas” means “6:10”.
Telling the Minutes
To express minutes in Arabic, you can use the following phrases:
- “Daqīqah” means “Minute”.
- “Nisf” means “Half” (30 minutes).
- “Sāʿah wa ihrayn” means “2 hours ago” (2 hours and 120 minutes).
- “Thalāthatayn” means “Minutes” (plural of “two minutes”).
For example:
- “Al-Sā’ah thalāthah wa khamsūna daqīqah” means “3:35”.
- “Al-Sā’ah al-khāmisah wa nisf” means “5:30”.
Informal Expressions of Time
Informal conversations allow for more flexibility and casual expressions of time. Here are some common informal phrases and vocabulary:
Telling the Time
When speaking informally, you can use the following phrases to express the time:
- “Saʿāti/kam al-sāʿah?” means “What time is it?”.
- “Saʿāti thalāth” means “It’s three o’clock”.
- “Baʿd saʿāti sanatayn” means “Two hours later”.
- “Min al-sāʿah ihrayn” means “Since two o’clock”.
Using Approximations
If you are unsure of the exact time, or wish to give a rough estimate, you can use the following phrases:
- “Qarīb” means “Around” or “Approximately”.
- “Khalīji/filistīni/urdunī/etc.” means “Gulf/Palestinian/Jordanian/etc. time” (to indicate a general time frame specific to certain regions).
For instance:
- “Saʿāti baʿd thalāth” means “Around 3 o’clock”.
- “Saʿāti al-khāmisah filistīni” means “It’s around 5 o’clock in Palestine”.
Regional Variations
Arabic-speaking countries may have slight regional variations when it comes to time expressions. While the formal expressions we covered are generally understood across all Arabic-speaking regions, here are a few variations to be aware of:
- In some regions, “sāʿa” may be replaced by “waqt” which also means “hour” or “time”.
- In certain dialects, “baʿd” might be replaced by “ilʾān” or “lissā” to indicate “past”.
- Regional dialects may have different words for numbers; therefore, it is beneficial to learn the appropriate vocabulary for the specific region you are in.
It is always helpful to familiarize yourself with the local dialect and nuances when it comes to expressing time in different regions. This allows for better communication and understanding.
Remember, practice makes perfect! So, keep practicing these expressions with native Arabic speakers to become more comfortable with telling the time in Arabic.
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to say what time it is in Arabic. By mastering both formal and informal expressions, you will be well-equipped for any conversation or situation that involves time. Happy learning!
