Significado
Referring to a past occasion or occurrence.
Contexto cultural
People often add 'يا' (ya) for emphasis: 'يا المرة الماضية شو صار!' (Oh, what happened last time!). It adds a layer of emotional storytelling. The word 'Marra' is used very frequently as a filler. 'المرة اللي فاتت' is the standard, and 'فاتت' (passed) is used more than 'ماضية'. In the Gulf, 'المرة اللي طافت' is common. 'Tafat' implies something that bypassed or went over, often used in a relaxed, conversational pace. The use of 'Dik' (that) is common: 'Dik el-marra'. It points specifically to the past instance with more distance.
The 'Al-' Rule
Always remember: if you see 'Al-' on the first word, you MUST put it on the second. It's the golden rule of Arabic adjectives.
Avoid 'Last'
Don't translate 'Last' literally as 'Akhir' every time. 'Madiya' is much safer for 'previous'.
Significado
Referring to a past occasion or occurrence.
The 'Al-' Rule
Always remember: if you see 'Al-' on the first word, you MUST put it on the second. It's the golden rule of Arabic adjectives.
Avoid 'Last'
Don't translate 'Last' literally as 'Akhir' every time. 'Madiya' is much safer for 'previous'.
Dialect Switch
If you want to sound more 'street' in Cairo, say 'El-marra elli fatet'. You'll sound like a local instantly.
Comparison Tool
Use 'min' (than) after 'المرة الماضية' to make quick comparisons: 'أفضل من المرة الماضية'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word with the correct form of 'past'.
المرة _______ (al-madiya) كانت صعبة.
The noun 'المرة' is feminine and definite, so the adjective must be 'الماضية'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
This sentence correctly uses the definite article and feminine agreement for both words.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل أعجبك الفيلم؟ سارة: نعم، كان أفضل من _______.
Sarah is comparing the current film to the previous one she saw.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'المرة الماضية'?
It is used for past occurrences in a series.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
MSA vs Dialect
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosالمرة _______ (al-madiya) كانت صعبة.
The noun 'المرة' is feminine and definite, so the adjective must be 'الماضية'.
Choose the correct sentence:
This sentence correctly uses the definite article and feminine agreement for both words.
أحمد: هل أعجبك الفيلم؟ سارة: نعم، كان أفضل من _______.
Sarah is comparing the current film to the previous one she saw.
When would you say 'المرة الماضية'?
It is used for past occurrences in a series.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, for 'last year' use 'السنة الماضية'. 'Marra' is for occasions, not time units.
It is neutral and appropriate for both formal writing and polite conversation.
Because 'Marra' is a feminine noun, and adjectives must match the gender of the noun.
They are synonyms. 'Madiya' is more common, while 'Fa'ita' is slightly more formal/literary.
Yes, but it means 'a past time' (indefinite), which is rarely used. Usually, you mean 'THE last time'.
Use the plural: 'المرات الماضية' (Al-marrat al-madiya).
It is the letter 'Dad' (ض), an emphatic 'd'. Practice by placing your tongue against your upper molars.
Not exactly. 'The other day' is 'قبل أيام'. 'المرة الماضية' refers to a specific event type.
Yes, it is very professional to say 'As we discussed last time'.
The opposite is 'المرة القادمة' (The next time).
Frases relacionadas
المرة القادمة
contrastThe next time
المرة الأخيرة
similarThe final time
مرة أخرى
builds onAgain / Another time
في السابق
synonymPreviously
منذ مدة
relatedA while ago
