Significado
Anxious for something to finish or for a specific time to arrive.
Contexto cultural
In Egypt, people often say 'عينه في الساعة' (eye IN the clock). Egyptians are known for their humor regarding 'Egyptian Time' (mowa'id faka), but in professional settings, this phrase is a common complaint about lazy staff. In the Levant, punctuality is highly valued in business. Glancing at your watch (عينه على الساعة) during a meeting is a strong signal that you want to end the conversation, often used as a 'polite' hint. In traditional Majlis settings, checking the time is considered quite rude. However, in modern cities like Dubai or Riyadh, the phrase is used just like in the West to describe the fast-paced corporate life. The concept of 'Karam' (hospitality) means you should never make your guest feel like you are 'watching the clock'. If a host does this, it is a sign they want the guest to leave.
Pronoun Agreement
Always check who you are talking about. If it's a girl, say 'Aynuha'.
Don't be rude!
Saying this to someone's face while they are talking to you is a major social error in Arab culture.
Significado
Anxious for something to finish or for a specific time to arrive.
Pronoun Agreement
Always check who you are talking about. If it's a girl, say 'Aynuha'.
Don't be rude!
Saying this to someone's face while they are talking to you is a major social error in Arab culture.
Dialect Hack
In Egypt, just say 'Ainu fil-sa'a' to sound like a local.
The 'Ayn' Metaphor
The 'eye' is used in many Arabic idioms (e.g., 'on my eye' for 'with pleasure'). It always signifies focus.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Ayn' and the pronoun.
أنا أشعر بالملل، ____ على الساعة.
Since the subject is 'أنا' (I), the possessive suffix must be '-i'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'عينه على الساعة'?
متى نقول 'عينه على الساعة'؟
The idiom is used for boredom or impatience, which happens in a boring meeting.
Complete the dialogue.
الأم: لماذا لا تأكل طعامك؟ الابن: لا أستطيع، ____ بانتظار موعد الرحلة.
The son is waiting for a trip, so he is impatient and checking the time.
Match the person to their feeling.
طالب في آخر خمس دقائق من الامتحان.
In the last minutes of an exam, students are very anxious about the time.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Dialect Variations
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosأنا أشعر بالملل، ____ على الساعة.
Since the subject is 'أنا' (I), the possessive suffix must be '-i'.
متى نقول 'عينه على الساعة'؟
The idiom is used for boredom or impatience, which happens in a boring meeting.
الأم: لماذا لا تأكل طعامك؟ الابن: لا أستطيع، ____ بانتظار موعد الرحلة.
The son is waiting for a trip, so he is impatient and checking the time.
طالب في آخر خمس دقائق من الامتحان.
In the last minutes of an exam, students are very anxious about the time.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it in a newspaper article or a casual chat, but not in a legal document.
Yes! You can have your eye on the clock because you are excited for a party.
أعينهم على الساعة (A'yunuhum 'ala al-sa'ah).
Almost exactly, though the Arabic version feels slightly more 'physical' because of the word 'eye'.
Yes, it implies they are bored or not paying attention.
No, that is not an idiom in Arabic. Stick to the 'eye'.
عيني في الساعة (Aini fil-sa'a).
It can mean 'hour', 'clock', 'watch', or even 'the end of the world'. Context is key!
Only if you are describing a past situation where you were waiting for a deadline. Don't do it during the interview!
The root is ع-ي-ن (A-Y-N), related to seeing, springs of water, and essence.
Frases relacionadas
على أحر من الجمر
similarOn pins and needles / On hotter than coals
سابق الزمن
contrastRacing against time
ضيع وقت
builds onTo waste time
الوقت كالسيف
specialized formTime is like a sword
