Robyn Lesley
Greetings! If you’re looking to enhance your Lebanese language skills, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will dive into the different ways to say “when” in Lebanese, including formal and informal variations. Lebanese Arabic is a wonderfully diverse language, and while there might be some regional variations, we’ll focus on the standard Lebanese dialect for the purpose of this guide.
1. Formal Ways to Say “When”
In formal contexts, it is essential to use a polite and respectful tone. Here are a few ways to say “when” formally:
1. متى (Mata)
Used when asking about a specific time:
Example: متى ستصل إلى المطار؟
Translation: When will you arrive at the airport?
2. إلى متى (Elle-mata)
Used when asking about the duration of an action:
Example: إلى متى ستبقى في لبنان؟
Translation: Until when will you stay in Lebanon?
3. في أي وقت (Fee ay wa2t)
Used when asking someone for their availability or asking about a suitable time:
Example: في أي وقت يمكن أن نجتمع؟
Translation: When can we meet?
2. Informal Ways to Say “When”
In informal settings, you can be more relaxed with your language. Here are a few phrases to say “when” informally:
1. لمتى (Lematta)
Used when asking about a specific time:
Example: لمتى رح تطلع عالسهرة؟
Translation: When will you go out to the party?
2. بأي وقت (B-ay wa2t)
Used when asking someone for their availability:
Example: بأي وقت بتقدر تساعدني؟
Translation: When can you help me?
3. شوقت أتل الوقت؟ (Shu2et etl el-wa2t?)
Used colloquially, this phrase literally translates to “What time is it?” and can be used to ask “when” in casual conversations:
Example: شوقت أتل الوقت بدك تكون جاهز؟
Translation: When do you want it to be ready?
Tips and Cultural Notes
- Lebanese people value hospitality and politeness, so when in doubt, lean towards the formal expressions.
- Remember that Lebanese Arabic is often influenced by French, so you might hear some French words incorporated into the language. While it’s good to be aware of this, it’s not necessary to use French words when asking “when.”
- Using hand gestures, such as pointing to a watch or indicating the sun’s position, can also be helpful when trying to ask “when” in Lebanese.
- Be aware that Lebanese Arabic has some variations depending on the region. However, the expressions we’ve provided are commonly understood across Lebanon.
- Practice, practice, practice! The more you engage with native speakers, the better you’ll become at using the correct phrases for different situations.
Now that you have this handy guide on how to say “when” in Lebanese, you’re ready to confidently navigate conversations and time-related discussions in Lebanon. Enjoy the learning process and embrace the rich culture of this vibrant country!
