Ways to say it
| Moroccan Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| فوقاش | fuqash | |
| وقتاش | waqtash | variant |
The variant وقتاش (waqtash) means exactly the same thing and is used interchangeably, sometimes depending on the speaker's region.
What does it mean word for word?
Both words build on وقت (waqt), 'time', with a question element attached, so they literally ask 'at what time'.
Which one should you use?
فوقاش and وقتاش are fully interchangeable in meaning. Which one a speaker uses is mostly a habit, not a difference of politeness or formality.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are neutral and used in everyday speech, from asking a bus time to asking about a wedding date.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Some speakers and areas lean more toward فوقاش, others toward وقتاش, but a Moroccan will understand either immediately.
How does it change in a sentence?
فوقاش stands at the start of a question, like English 'when': فوقاش غادي تجي؟ (fuqash ghadi tji?), 'when are you coming?'
How do you pronounce it?
The stress falls on the last syllable: 'fu-qASH'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Standard Arabic متى (mata) is understood but sounds bookish in Darija conversation. Use فوقاش when speaking casually.
When do people say it?
Moroccans often answer a vague فوقاش question with قريب, 'soon', rather than a precise time, especially for informal plans.
Did you know?
- فوقاش and وقتاش both grow from وقت, the Arabic word for 'time', showing how closely Darija questions tie to the idea of time itself.
- Moroccans often answer a vague فوقاش question with قريب, 'soon', rather than a precise time, especially for informal plans.
Examples in context
- فوقاش غادي تجي؟fuqash ghadi tji?When are you coming?
- وقتاش كاين الحفل؟waqtash kayn l-hafl?When is the party?
- فوقاش بديتي الخدمة الجديدة؟fuqash bdayti lkhedma ljdida?When did you start the new job?
Example conversation
Zineb asks her brother Anas when he will arrive for dinner.
- Zinebفوقاش غادي توصل؟fuqash ghadi twsel?When will you arrive?
- Anasمن دابا، فحوالي عشرين دقيقة.mn daba, f hwali 3eshrin dqiqa.From now, in about twenty minutes.
- Zinebواخا، نتسناك.wakha, ntsennak.Okay, I will wait for you.
- Anasصافي، نتلاقاو دابا.safi, ntlaqaw daba.Alright, see you soon.
