Bedeutung
Literally 'hand not touching', meaning no time.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Using 'Қолым тимейді' is often preferred over 'Уақытым жоқ' because it sounds less like you are managing your time and more like you are dedicated to your duties. In Almaty or Astana offices, this phrase is used to deflect minor tasks. It's a way of saying 'I'm working on something more important right now.' Children are often told 'қолың тигенде істе' (do it when you have time), which is a gentle way for parents to give chores without demanding immediate action. If you cannot attend a wedding (Toi), you must provide a reason. 'Қолым тимей қалды' is a standard part of the apology, usually followed by a gift later.
The 'Sorry' Sandwich
Always wrap 'Қолым тимейді' in apologies for maximum politeness: 'Кешіріңіз, қолым тимей жатыр еді, кешіріңіз.'
Don't forget the suffix
Saying just 'Қол тимейді' sounds like 'Hand doesn't touch.' Always add '-ым' (my) or '-ың' (your).
Bedeutung
Literally 'hand not touching', meaning no time.
The 'Sorry' Sandwich
Always wrap 'Қолым тимейді' in apologies for maximum politeness: 'Кешіріңіз, қолым тимей жатыр еді, кешіріңіз.'
Don't forget the suffix
Saying just 'Қол тимейді' sounds like 'Hand doesn't touch.' Always add '-ым' (my) or '-ың' (your).
Use it to ask for help
Ask 'Қолың тигенде көмектесесің бе?' (Will you help when you have time?) to sound very polite and non-demanding.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'қол тимеу'.
Кешіріңіз, қазір менің _________ жатыр, кейін хабарласыңыз.
Since the sentence says 'менің' (my), you must use the first-person possessive suffix '-ым'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I was busy yesterday'?
Кеше...
Option B uses the correct idiom and past tense conjugation.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: A friend asks you to go to a concert tonight, but you have a lot of homework.
This is the polite way to decline and give a reason.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ертең боссың ба? B: Жоқ, ертең _________.
B is saying they are not free (Жоқ), so they must use the negative form 'тимейді'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenКешіріңіз, қазір менің _________ жатыр, кейін хабарласыңыз.
Since the sentence says 'менің' (my), you must use the first-person possessive suffix '-ым'.
Кеше...
Option B uses the correct idiom and past tense conjugation.
Situation: A friend asks you to go to a concert tonight, but you have a lot of homework.
This is the polite way to decline and give a reason.
A: Ертең боссың ба? B: Жоқ, ертең _________.
B is saying they are not free (Жоқ), so they must use the negative form 'тимейді'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is actually more polite than saying 'I don't have time' because it implies you are working hard.
Yes, you can say 'Ертең қолым тимейді' (I won't have time tomorrow).
'Бос емеспін' is a direct translation of 'I am not free.' 'Қолым тимейді' is more idiomatic and common in spoken Kazakh.
You can add 'мүлдем' (completely) or 'өте' (very): 'Қолым мүлдем тимей жатыр.'
Yes, it is appropriate for semi-formal and informal emails.
No, it has nothing to do with cleanliness, only with being busy.
It comes from the nomadic history where work was physical and hands were always occupied.
Young people might just say 'Қол тимей жатыр' very quickly, or use the Russian loanword 'Завал'.
Ask 'Қолың тие ме?' (Do you have time?) or 'Қолың бос па?' (Is your hand free?).
Usually, it implies you have tasks to do. If you're just tired, 'Шаршап тұрмын' is better.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Уақыты болмау
synonymTo not have time
Бос емес
similarNot free / Busy
Бас көтере алмау
builds onTo be extremely busy (can't lift one's head)
Мұршасы болмау
specialized formTo have no opportunity/time
