Signification
Asking about the starting point or origin of an event.
Contexte culturel
In Egypt, 'Min emta' is often used with a very specific rising intonation to express extreme disbelief or to mock someone who is acting 'posh'. In Lebanon and Syria, asking 'Since when' about a family's presence in a village is a way of showing respect for their deep roots and heritage. In the Gulf, 'Min mita' is frequently used in business to establish the 'asl' (origin) of a product or a partnership, reflecting the importance of long-term trust. Time is often relative. An answer like 'Since a long time' (منذ زمن بعيد) is more common than a specific date, as the focus is on the continuity of the relationship.
The 'Waw' Secret
Always try to add 'wa' (و) before the subject pronoun when using the present tense. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't over-formalize
If you are in a casual Egyptian cafe, saying 'Munzu mata' might get you a few smiles. Use 'Min emta' to blend in.
Signification
Asking about the starting point or origin of an event.
The 'Waw' Secret
Always try to add 'wa' (و) before the subject pronoun when using the present tense. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't over-formalize
If you are in a casual Egyptian cafe, saying 'Munzu mata' might get you a few smiles. Use 'Min emta' to blend in.
Patience in Answers
When you ask this, be prepared for a long answer. Arabs value the context and history of their actions.
Past vs Present
If the action is finished, use the past tense after 'Munzu mata'. If it's ongoing, use the present.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word to ask 'Since when have you been waiting?'
____ متى وأنت تنتظر هنا؟
'Munzu' is the specific preposition for 'since' in temporal questions.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a colleague about their start date at the company?
Choose the correct sentence:
This uses the correct preposition and the 'waw' connector for an ongoing action.
Complete the dialogue with a sarcastic tone.
أحمد: أنا الآن أمارس الرياضة كل يوم. سارة: ________؟ أنت كنت تكره الجري!
'Munzu mata' is used here to express surprise at Ahmed's new habit.
Match the question to the situation.
1. منذ متى وأنت مريض؟ | 2. منذ متى وهذا المحل مفتوح؟ | 3. منذ متى وأنتما متزوجان؟
The context of illness, business hours, and marriage dictates the usage.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____ متى وأنت تنتظر هنا؟
'Munzu' is the specific preposition for 'since' in temporal questions.
Choose the correct sentence:
This uses the correct preposition and the 'waw' connector for an ongoing action.
أحمد: أنا الآن أمارس الرياضة كل يوم. سارة: ________؟ أنت كنت تكره الجري!
'Munzu mata' is used here to express surprise at Ahmed's new habit.
1. منذ متى وأنت مريض؟ | 2. منذ متى وهذا المحل مفتوح؟ | 3. منذ متى وأنتما متزوجان؟
The context of illness, business hours, and marriage dictates the usage.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIn dialects, yes. In formal Arabic, it's better to use 'Munzu mata'.
It is always 'Munzu' with a damma on the zaal.
Start with 'Munzu...' followed by a time period (e.g., 'Munzu sanawat' - Since years).
Yes, it is the most common way to ask 'How long' for ongoing states.
Yes, 'Since when have you known him?' is a very common use.
'Muz' is a shorter, more poetic version of 'Munzu'. You won't hear it in daily speech.
Only if your tone is sarcastic. Otherwise, it's a standard polite inquiry.
Yes, 'Munzu ams' is a perfect answer to 'Munzu mata?'.
That is the Egyptian dialect version, which is very popular across the Arab world.
Absolutely, it is very professional.
No, it works with past, present, and even nominal sentences.
The word 'Munzu' itself is rare in the Quran, but the concept of temporal origins is central.
Expressions liées
منذ زمن
similarSince a long time
كم المدة؟
specialized formHow long is the duration?
متى؟
builds onWhen?
إلى متى؟
contrastUntil when?
من أي وقت؟
synonymFrom what time?
