What does it mean word for word?
إيمتى likely developed from an older phrase combining 'which' and 'time', worn down into a single question word in the spoken dialect.
Which one should you use?
إيمتى is the general word for 'when'. For a more specific 'what time', Levantine speakers switch to أي ساعة؟ (ay sa'a?), 'which hour'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
إيمتى is used in every register of speech, with no separate formal alternative needed in conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
إيمتى is used across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine, with only small accent differences in how the final vowel is pronounced.
How does it change in a sentence?
إيمتى does not change for gender or number, and sits at the start or end of a question with equal ease.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress falls on the first syllable, 'EM-ta', with a short, clipped ending.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The Standard Arabic متى (mata) is close in spelling but sounds noticeably more formal than the dialect's إيمتى in actual conversation.
When do people say it?
Asking إيمتى؟ about a vague promise, such as a visit or a repair, is a familiar, slightly joking way Levantine speakers push for an actual date.
Did you know?
- إيمتى is one of the Levantine question words that has almost entirely replaced its Standard Arabic cousin متى in daily speech.
- Levantine speakers often repeat إيمتى، إيمتى؟ when pressing for a firm answer about a date that keeps being postponed.
Examples in context
- إيمتى العرس؟emta l-irs?When is the wedding?
- إيمتى رح توصل؟emta rah tusal?When will you arrive?
- إيمتى بيفتح المحل؟emta biftah l-mahal?When does the shop open?
Example conversation
Lana asks her friend Yousef about an upcoming trip.
- Lanaإيمتى رح تسافر؟emta rah tsafir?When will you travel?
- Yousefالأسبوع الجاي، يوم الثلاثاء.l-usbu' l-jay, yom l-tlata.Next week, on Tuesday.
- Lanaإيمتى بترجع؟emta btirja?When will you come back?
- Yousefبعد عشرة أيام تقريبا.ba'd ashara ayyam ta'riban.After about ten days.
