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A2 conjunction #7,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

وقتما

Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces وقتما en 30 secondes

Explication وقتما in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn 'Mata' (When?) and 'Indama' (When). 'Waqtama' is a bit more advanced because it combines 'Waqt' (Time) and 'Ma'. You can think of it as 'Any time'. For example, if you want to tell a friend 'Call me any time', you can use this word. It is like saying 'Time + Ever'. It is useful for making simple invitations and showing that you are flexible. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just use it to mean 'whenever' in simple sentences like 'Eat whenever you want' (Kul waqtama turid).

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At the A2 level, you begin to understand that Arabic words can be built by joining smaller words together. 'Waqtama' is a perfect example: Waqt (Time) + Ma (Relative particle). You use it to connect two actions where the time isn't fixed. For example: 'I will help you whenever you ask.' This is different from 'When' because it means it could be today, tomorrow, or next week. It's a great word for being polite and offering help. You should practice using it with simple present tense verbs like 'tashaa' (you wish) or 'tastati' (you can).

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'Waqtama' as a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a temporal clause that is indefinite. You will notice that in many formal texts, the verb following 'Waqtama' might be in the past tense even if the meaning is future (e.g., 'Waqtama wasalta' - Whenever you arrive). This is a common feature of conditional structures. You should also start distinguishing it from 'Indama' (which is for specific times) and 'Kullama' (which is for 'every time'). 'Waqtama' is your tool for 'at whatever time'.

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At the B2 level, you should recognize 'Waqtama' in more formal and literary contexts. It is used to express general truths or conditional promises. You should be able to use it fluently in professional emails or discussions. For example, 'We will update the software whenever a bug is found.' Here, 'Waqtama' functions as part of a logical condition. You should also be aware of its synonyms like 'Hinama' and 'Mata ma', and choose 'Waqtama' when you want to specifically highlight the 'time' aspect of the condition.

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At the C1 level, you should appreciate the stylistic value of 'Waqtama'. It is often used in legal documents, high-level journalism, and classical literature to provide a sense of timelessness or broad applicability. You should understand how it interacts with different verb moods and how it can be used to set a specific tone in writing. For instance, in a legal contract, 'Waqtama' ensures that an obligation is triggered by an event regardless of its specific date. You should also be able to use it in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps pairing it with other 'ma' compounds to create parallel clauses.

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At the C2 level, 'Waqtama' is a tool for nuanced expression. You understand its historical development from the fusion of noun and particle. You can use it to mimic classical styles or to write precise academic and legal Arabic. You are sensitive to the subtle difference between 'Waqtama' and 'Fi ayyi waqtin' (at any time), recognizing that 'Waqtama' functions more strongly as a connector of clauses rather than just a prepositional phrase. Your usage is flawless, reflecting an intuitive grasp of when to employ this specific temporal marker for maximum clarity and stylistic effect.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

وقتما en 30 secondes

Waqtama means 'whenever' or 'at whatever time'.
It is a compound of 'waqt' (time) and 'ma' (ever/relative).
It is more flexible and less specific than 'indama' (when).
Commonly used in formal Arabic, instructions, and promises.

The Arabic word وقتما (waqtama) is a fascinating linguistic construct that serves as a relative conjunction, primarily functioning to denote an indefinite or conditional time. At its core, it is a compound of two distinct elements: the noun وقت (waqt), meaning 'time,' and the particle ما (ma), which in this context acts as a relative or conditional suffix. When fused, they create a versatile tool that translates most accurately to the English 'whenever' or 'at whatever time.' This word is essential for learners moving into the A2 and B1 levels because it allows for the expression of flexibility and conditionality without the rigid constraints of specific timestamps. Unlike 'عندما' (when), which often points to a known or specific occurrence, وقتما opens the door to any possibility across the temporal spectrum.

Linguistic Composition: The word is formed by merging the noun 'Waqt' with the 'Ma' of vagueness (Ma al-Ibhāmiyyah) or the relative 'Ma'. This fusion transforms a static noun into a dynamic connector that links two clauses, where the second clause is dependent on the timing of the first.

In daily usage, you will encounter this word in both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and elevated dialectal speech. It is particularly common in instructions, invitations, and promises. For instance, if a friend tells you to visit 'whenever you are free,' they are using the logic of وقتما. It removes the pressure of a fixed appointment and places the agency of time selection on the listener. This makes it a very 'polite' and 'accommodating' word in social contexts. In professional settings, it is used to describe recurring tasks or conditional deadlines, such as 'The report should be updated whenever new data arrives.'

يمكنك الاتصال بي وقتما شئت.
(You can call me whenever you wish.)

One of the most important nuances of وقتما is its relationship with the verb that follows. In classical and formal grammar, it can occasionally trigger a conditional mood, though in modern usage, it is frequently followed by the past tense verb (to denote certainty of the condition) or the present tense (to denote ongoing possibility). It is a 'conjunction of convenience.' It bridges the gap between the known present and the uncertain future. For an English speaker, the best way to internalize this is to think of it as a 'time-key' that unlocks an action only when the right moment—regardless of when that is—presents itself.

Furthermore, وقتما is part of a larger family of words ending in 'ma' that function similarly, such as أينما (aynama - wherever) and كيفما (kayfama - however). Mastering one often leads to mastering the others. It is a word that signifies maturity in Arabic speaking; instead of using simple 'when' (متى), using وقتما shows you understand the nuances of conditional timing and flexibility in communication. Whether you are reading a legal contract, a romantic poem, or a simple text message, this word acts as the anchor for temporal flexibility.

Using وقتما (waqtama) correctly involves understanding its role as a subordinating conjunction. It connects a main clause (the consequence or action) with a subordinate clause (the timing condition). The most common structure is [Main Action] + [Waqtama] + [Condition]. However, like many Arabic conjunctions, it can also start a sentence for emphasis: [Waqtama] + [Condition], [Main Action].

Standard Structure: Verb + Subject + وقتما + Verb (Condition). Example: سأحضر وقتما تنتهي (I will come whenever you finish).

When using وقتما, the verb following it often appears in the past tense (al-madi), even if the meaning refers to the future. This is a common feature of Arabic conditional sentences. For example, 'وقتما وصلتَ' (Whenever you arrive/arrived) implies the moment the arrival happens in the future. Alternatively, using the present tense (al-mudari') is also perfectly acceptable and common in Modern Standard Arabic, especially to indicate recurring habits.

وقتما تشعر بالتعب، خذ استراحة.
(Whenever you feel tired, take a rest.)

It is important to distinguish وقتما from its cousin عندما (indama). While both can mean 'when,' وقتما emphasizes the 'anytime-ness' of the event. If you say 'عندما نأكل' (When we eat), you are likely referring to a specific mealtime. If you say 'وقتما نأكل' (Whenever we eat), you are referring to the general habit or any time the act of eating occurs. This distinction is subtle but vital for achieving fluency.

In more complex sentences, وقتما can be used to describe historical patterns or scientific truths. 'Plants grow whenever they receive sunlight' would use وقتما to show a universal temporal relationship. In literature, it is used to create a sense of eternal waiting or readiness. The word acts as a bridge between the action and the variable of time, making it indispensable for expressing anything beyond the immediate 'now'.

You will hear وقتما (waqtama) in a variety of settings, ranging from formal news broadcasts to casual (yet slightly educated) conversations. In the world of media, news anchors use it to describe ongoing situations or conditions. For example, 'The borders will open whenever the security situation improves.' Here, وقتما provides the necessary diplomatic ambiguity regarding the specific date.

Common Contexts: 1. Formal Invitations: 'Visit us whenever you are in town.'
2. Legal/Business: 'Payments are due whenever the service is completed.'
3. Literature: 'The hero was ready whenever the call came.'

In cinema and television dramas, particularly those set in historical periods or those using formal Arabic (Fusha), وقتما adds a layer of gravity and timelessness to the dialogue. A character might say, 'I will be there for you whenever you need me,' using وقتما to emphasize an eternal promise. In modern soap operas, even those in dialect, speakers may occasionally drop وقتما to sound more articulate or to clarify a conditional point that 'lamma' (the dialect word for when) might leave too vague.

سنبدأ الاجتماع وقتما يكتمل النصاب.
(We will start the meeting whenever a quorum is reached.)

In religious or philosophical discourse, the word is used to describe the relationship between human action and divine timing. You might hear it in sermons discussing how 'Whenever a person repents, the door is open.' This usage highlights the lack of a 'closing time' for the condition described. For a learner, hearing وقتما is a signal that the speaker is talking about a general rule or a flexible future, rather than a fixed point on the calendar.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing وقتما (waqtama) with the interrogative متى (mata). Remember that متى is used to ask a question ('When?'), whereas وقتما is used to link two thoughts ('Whenever'). You cannot use وقتما to start a question like 'Whenever is the party?' in the sense of 'When is the party?'.

Mistake: Overusing it for specific times: Incorrect: 'I met him whenever it was 5 PM.'
Correct: 'I met him at 5 PM.' (Use 'fī' or 'indama'). وقتما requires an indefinite or conditional element.

Another common mistake is the confusion between وقتما and كلما (kullama). While both can be translated as 'whenever' in certain contexts, كلما specifically implies 'every time' or 'the more... the more...' and usually suggests a repetitive or increasing action. وقتما is more about the 'at whatever time' aspect. If you want to say 'Every time I see him, he smiles,' use كلما. If you want to say 'See him whenever you want,' use وقتما.

خطأ: وقتما تذهب إلى المدرسة؟
(Incorrect: Whenever do you go to school? - Use 'Mata' instead.)

Lastly, learners often struggle with the verb tense following وقتما. While English uses the present tense for future conditions ('whenever he comes'), Arabic often uses the past tense ('وقتما جاء'). Beginners might incorrectly try to use the future tense with 'sa-' or 'sawfa' directly after وقتما, which is grammatically awkward. Stick to the simple past or present jussive/indicative for a more natural sound.

Arabic is rich with temporal conjunctions, and knowing which one to pick depends on the specific nuance of 'when' you want to convey. وقتما (waqtama) is just one member of this family. Let's compare it to its closest relatives to see where it fits best.

وقتما vs. حينما (Hinama): These two are nearly identical and often interchangeable. However, وقتما literally contains the word 'time' (waqt), whereas 'Hinama' contains 'Hin' (moment/time). وقتما can feel slightly more focused on the duration or the 'anytime' aspect, while 'Hinama' is often used for a specific moment when something occurs.
وقتما vs. عندما (Indama): 'Indama' is the most common word for 'when.' It is more neutral. وقتما is more conditional. Use 'Indama' for things that will definitely happen ('When the sun rises'). Use وقتما for things that might happen at any time ('Whenever you need help').

Another alternative is متى ما (mata ma). This is very similar to وقتما and is frequently used in legal and formal texts to mean 'whenever' or 'if and when.' It emphasizes the conditionality even more strongly than وقتما. If وقتما is 'at whatever time,' متى ما is 'at the time that it so happens.'

سأدفع لك متى ما توفر المال.
(I will pay you whenever/if and when the money is available.)

For learners, the choice often comes down to the desired level of formality and the specific 'flavor' of the time being discussed. If you want to sound precise and professional, وقتما is an excellent choice. If you are speaking in a relaxed setting, you might default to 'lamma' in dialect, but knowing وقتما allows you to navigate more formal literature and media with ease.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'Waqt' is one of the most borrowed Arabic words, appearing in Turkish (vakit), Persian (vaqt), Urdu (waqt), and even Swahili (wakati).

Guide de prononciation

UK /waqtamā/

US /wɑːktəmɑː/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'ta', with a secondary stress on the long 'ma'.

Rime avec

كلما (kullama) حينما (hinama) بينما (baynama) أينما (aynama) كيفما (kayfama) مهما (mahma) حيثما (haythuma) طالما (talama)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'q' as a soft 'k'. It should be deep in the throat (uvular).
Shortening the final 'a' sound. It is a long vowel (alif).
Merging it into one syllable 'waqt-ma' instead of 'waq-ta-ma'.
Confusing it with 'waqtan ma' (at some time).
Ignoring the glottal stop if present in some dialects, though in MSA it is smooth.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the root 'waqt'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires understanding of where to place it in a sentence.

Expression orale 5/5

Requires practice to use naturally instead of just 'indama'.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation in MSA.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

وقت ما عندما متى إذا

Apprends ensuite

حينما بينما كلما أينما كيفما

Avancé

إذما لوما حيثما أيما

Grammaire à connaître

Relative Conjunctions

وقتما، أينما، كيفما connect clauses based on time, place, and manner.

Conditional Sentences

وقتما acts as a tool for the protasis (condition).

Verb Tense Consistency

Using past tense for future conditions after waqtama.

Omission of 'Fa'

The answer to the condition usually doesn't need 'fa' unless it's a command.

Indefinite 'Ma'

The 'ma' adds the meaning of 'whatever' to the noun 'waqt'.

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Exemples par niveau

اتصل بي وقتما تريد.

Call me whenever you want.

Simple command followed by waqtama and present tense verb.

نأكل وقتما نجوع.

We eat whenever we are hungry.

Shows a general habit.

اكتب وقتما تستطيع.

Write whenever you can.

Encouraging a flexible action.

اشرب الماء وقتما تشعر بالعطش.

Drink water whenever you feel thirsty.

Health advice using a condition.

تعال وقتما تحب.

Come whenever you like.

A polite invitation.

اقرأ وقتما تجد وقتاً.

Read whenever you find time.

Using 'waqt' (time) twice in different forms.

اسألني وقتما تحتاج مساعدة.

Ask me whenever you need help.

Offering support.

نم وقتما تتعب.

Sleep whenever you get tired.

Simple advice.

سأكون هناك وقتما تصل.

I will be there whenever you arrive.

Future tense 'sa-' followed by waqtama.

يمكنك الخروج وقتما ينتهي العمل.

You can leave whenever work ends.

Permission based on a time condition.

سأشتري الكتاب وقتما يتوفر.

I will buy the book whenever it becomes available.

Future intent with a condition.

زرنا وقتما كنت في المدينة.

Visit us whenever you are in the city.

Using the past tense 'kunta' to mean 'are/were'.

اسمع الموسيقى وقتما تدرس.

Listen to music whenever you study.

Describing simultaneous actions.

سأخبرك بالسر وقتما نلتقي.

I will tell you the secret whenever we meet.

Conditional future promise.

افتح النافذة وقتما يكون الجو حاراً.

Open the window whenever it is hot.

Instruction based on weather.

تحدث وقتما تكون مستعداً.

Speak whenever you are ready.

Giving someone space/time.

وقتما حانت الفرصة، يجب أن تغتنمها.

Whenever the opportunity arises, you must seize it.

Starting a sentence with waqtama for emphasis.

يغرد العصفور وقتما تشرق الشمس.

The bird chirps whenever the sun rises.

Universal truth/natural phenomenon.

سأدعمك وقتما واجهت صعوبات.

I will support you whenever you face difficulties.

Emotional support with conditional timing.

توقف عن العمل وقتما شعرت بالإرهاق.

Stop working whenever you feel exhausted.

Imperative followed by a feeling condition.

سأرسل لك المال وقتما استلمت راتبي.

I will send you the money whenever I receive my salary.

Financial promise with past tense verb 'istalamtu'.

يمكنك استعارة سيارتي وقتما احتجت إليها.

You can borrow my car whenever you need it.

Granting permission.

وقتما نزل المطر، تنتعش الأرض.

Whenever the rain falls, the earth is refreshed.

Cause and effect relationship.

سأجيب على رسائلك وقتما تفرغت.

I will answer your messages whenever I have free time.

Managing expectations regarding time.

سيتم تفعيل الحساب وقتما تكتمل البيانات.

The account will be activated whenever the data is complete.

Formal/Technical usage.

وقتما تضاربت المصالح، تظهر المشاكل.

Whenever interests clash, problems appear.

Abstract sociological observation.

سأقوم بتحديث التقرير وقتما وردت معلومات جديدة.

I will update the report whenever new information is received.

Professional commitment.

يجب أن نكون مستعدين وقتما بدأت الرحلة.

We must be ready whenever the journey begins.

Collective responsibility.

وقتما ضاق بك الأمر، الجأ إلى الصبر.

Whenever things get difficult for you, resort to patience.

Philosophical/Religious advice.

سأزورك في البيت وقتما سمحت الظروف.

I will visit you at home whenever circumstances allow.

Formal social promise.

يتم إرسال الإشعارات وقتما حدث تغيير في السعر.

Notifications are sent whenever a price change occurs.

Automated system description.

وقتما انتهت الحرب، سيعود السلام.

Whenever the war ends, peace will return.

Political/Historical conditional.

وقتما استقر الرأي على قرار، سنبدأ التنفيذ.

Whenever the opinion settles on a decision, we will begin implementation.

High-level administrative language.

تتجلى الحقيقة وقتما انقشع غبار المعركة.

The truth becomes clear whenever the dust of battle clears.

Metaphorical literary expression.

سأظل وفياً لك وقتما طال الزمن.

I will remain loyal to you no matter how long time lasts.

Poetic/Romantic expression of eternity.

وقتما تعارضت القوانين، تُطبق القاعدة الأحدث.

Whenever laws conflict, the newest rule is applied.

Legal principle.

يبرز القائد الحقيقي وقتما اشتدت الأزمات.

The true leader emerges whenever crises intensify.

Leadership philosophy.

وقتما استوفى المتقدم الشروط، يتم قبوله.

Whenever the applicant meets the conditions, they are accepted.

Regulatory procedure.

تتحسن العلاقات وقتما ساد الاحترام المتبادل.

Relations improve whenever mutual respect prevails.

Diplomatic discourse.

وقتما غابت الرقابة، انتشر الفساد.

Whenever oversight is absent, corruption spreads.

Political science observation.

وقتما تماهت الذات مع الوجود، تحقق الصفاء.

Whenever the self merges with existence, serenity is achieved.

Highly abstract philosophical prose.

تستحق المكافأة وقتما أُنجز العمل على أكمل وجه.

The reward is deserved whenever the work is completed perfectly.

Formal meritocratic statement.

وقتما تداعت الأركان، وجب إعادة البناء.

Whenever the foundations crumble, rebuilding becomes mandatory.

Architectural/Societal metaphor.

سأجيبك على تساؤلاتك وقتما نضجت الفكرة في ذهني.

I will answer your questions whenever the idea matures in my mind.

Intellectual/Academic dialogue.

وقتما استشرى الداء، صعب الدواء.

Whenever the disease spreads, the cure becomes difficult.

Medical/Proverbial wisdom.

تتغير السياسات وقتما اقتضت المصلحة الوطنية ذلك.

Policies change whenever the national interest necessitates it.

Statecraft terminology.

وقتما نضب المعين، جف الزرع.

Whenever the source runs dry, the crops wither.

Classical Arabic imagery.

سأكون رهن إشارتك وقتما دعاني الواجب.

I will be at your beck and call whenever duty calls me.

Formal military/civic pledge.

Collocations courantes

وقتما تشاء

وقتما تريد

وقتما استطعت

وقتما تسمح الظروف

وقتما حانت الفرصة

وقتما وجدت وقتاً

وقتما حل المساء

وقتما لزم الأمر

وقتما كنت مستعداً

وقتما انتهيت

Phrases Courantes

وقتما شئت

— Whenever you wish. Used to give someone full control over the timing.

الباب مفتوح لك وقتما شئت.

وقتما تيسر

— Whenever it is easy/possible. Used for tasks without a strict deadline.

أرسل لي الملف وقتما تيسر.

وقتما وقع

— Whenever it happened. Used to describe past events with unknown timing.

أخبرني عن الحادث وقتما وقع.

وقتما كان

— Whenever it was. General reference to a past time.

كان ذلك جميلاً وقتما كان.

وقتما نلتقي

— Whenever we meet. Common for making plans.

سنناقش هذا وقتما نلتقي.

وقتما تفرغت

— Whenever you become free. Very polite for asking for someone's time.

رد علي وقتما تفرغت.

وقتما دعت الحاجة

— Whenever the need arises. Common in business and emergency contexts.

نحن هنا وقتما دعت الحاجة.

وقتما استجد جديد

— Whenever something new comes up. Used in news and updates.

سنوافيكم بالأخبار وقتما استجد جديد.

وقتما كنت جاهزاً

— Whenever you are ready. Used to wait for someone.

انطلق وقتما كنت جاهزاً.

وقتما تطلب

— Whenever you ask. Used to show loyalty or service.

أنا في خدمتك وقتما تطلب.

Souvent confondu avec

وقتما vs متى

Mata is for questions (When?), Waqtama is for connections (Whenever).

وقتما vs كلما

Kullama implies 'every time' or repetition, Waqtama implies 'at whatever time'.

وقتما vs بينما

Baynama means 'while' (simultaneous), Waqtama means 'whenever' (conditional).

Expressions idiomatiques

"وقتما تشرق الشمس من مغربها"

— Whenever the sun rises from the west. An idiom for 'never' or 'the end of time'.

سأنسى حقي وقتما تشرق الشمس من مغربها.

Literary/Religious

"وقتما يبيض الغراب"

— Whenever the crow turns white. An idiom for something that will never happen.

سأصدقه وقتما يبيض الغراب.

Proverbial

"وقتما هب ودب"

— Whenever everyone and everything is involved. Implies chaos or lack of selection.

يفتح المحل وقتما هب ودب.

Informal

"وقتما طار الطير"

— Whenever the bird has flown. Meaning when it's too late.

تذكرني وقتما طار الطير.

Poetic

"وقتما دق ناقوس الخطر"

— Whenever the alarm bell rings. Meaning in times of crisis.

يظهر الشجعان وقتما دق ناقوس الخطر.

Journalistic

"وقتما صفا الجو"

— Whenever the atmosphere clears. Meaning when things are peaceful.

سنتحدث وقتما صفا الجو بيننا.

Metaphorical

"وقتما جرى الماء في النهر"

— Whenever water flows in the river. Meaning as long as things are natural/ongoing.

سأحبك وقتما جرى الماء في النهر.

Poetic

"وقتما غابت الشمس"

— Whenever the sun sets. Often used to mean the end of a period.

تنتهي الحكاية وقتما غابت الشمس.

Literary

"وقتما نضجت الثمار"

— Whenever the fruits ripen. Meaning when the time is right for results.

سنجني الأرباح وقتما نضجت الثمار.

Business/Metaphorical

"وقتما ضاق الخناق"

— Whenever the noose tightens. Meaning when pressure becomes unbearable.

يتصرف بذكاء وقتما ضاق الخناق.

Dramatic

Facile à confondre

وقتما vs حينما

They mean the same thing.

Waqtama specifically uses the word for 'time', making it slightly more literal regarding duration.

حينما تشرق الشمس / وقتما تشرق الشمس (Both work).

وقتما vs عندما

Both translate to 'when'.

Indama is for certain or specific times; Waqtama is for uncertain or flexible times.

سأراك عندما أصل (I am coming now) vs سأراك وقتما أصل (I will see you whenever I eventually get there).

وقتما vs لوما

Ends in 'ma'.

Loma is 'if not for', a completely different conditional meaning.

لوما النسيان لهلك الإنسان.

وقتما vs أينما

Sounds similar.

Aynama refers to place (wherever), not time.

اجلس أينما تريد.

وقتما vs كيفما

Sounds similar.

Kayfama refers to manner (however), not time.

اعمل كيفما تشاء.

Structures de phrases

Verb + وقتما + Verb

اكتب وقتما تريد.

سـ + Verb + وقتما + Verb

سأحضر وقتما تنتهي.

وقتما + Verb (Past), Verb (Present)

وقتما وصلتَ، اتصل بي.

وقتما + Noun + Verb

وقتما الفرصة حانت، اغتنمها.

وقتما + Passive Verb

وقتما أُنجز العمل، نلنا المكافأة.

وقتما + Abstract Noun + Verb

وقتما العدل ساد، عم الرخاء.

وقتما + كان + Adjective

وقتما كان الجو جميلاً، نخرج.

يمكنك + Verb + وقتما + Verb

يمكنك النوم وقتما تعبت.

Famille de mots

Noms

وقت (Time)

توقيت (Timing)

مواقيت (Fixed times)

Verbes

وقت (To set a time)

توقّت (To be timed)

Adjectifs

وقتي (Temporary)

موقوت (Timed/Scheduled)

Apparenté

ساعة (Hour)

حين (Time/Era)

زمن (Time/Period)

مدة (Duration)

موعد (Appointment)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in written MSA, moderately common in spoken formal Arabic.

Erreurs courantes

وقتما تذهب؟ → متى تذهب؟
You used 'waqtama' as a question word. 'Waqtama' is only for connecting sentences.
سأراك وقتما الساعة خمسة. → سأراك في الساعة الخامسة.
You used 'waqtama' for a specific time. It is only for indefinite/conditional times.
وقتما سوف تدرس. → وقتما تدرس.
You put 'sawfa' (future) directly after 'waqtama'. It's better to use the simple present or past.
كلما تريد، اتصل بي. → وقتما تريد، اتصل بي.
You used 'kullama' (every time) when you meant 'at whatever time' (waqtama).
وقتما هو مريض. → وقتما كان مريضاً.
After 'waqtama', you usually need a verb, not just a pronoun and adjective, or use 'kana'.

Astuces

Verb Tenses

When using 'waqtama' for future events, try using the past tense verb. It sounds very authentic and follows classical conditional rules.

Politeness

Use 'waqtama' when inviting guests. Saying 'Visit us whenever you like' (Zuruna waqtama shi'ta) is much more welcoming than a fixed time.

The 'Ma' Family

Learn 'waqtama' alongside 'aynama' (wherever) and 'kayfama' (however). They all follow the same logic of [Noun/Particle] + [Ma].

News Keywords

In news, 'waqtama' is a signal that a condition is being set. Listen for it to understand the 'if' or 'when' of a political statement.

Variety

Switch between 'indama', 'hinama', and 'waqtama' in your essays to demonstrate a rich vocabulary and avoid repetition.

Flexibility

Understanding 'waqtama' helps you understand the Arab approach to time, which is often more situational and flexible than Western time.

Time-Ever

Always translate it in your head as 'Time-Ever'. This helps you remember both parts of the word: Waqt (Time) and Ma (Ever).

Legal Context

In legal texts, 'waqtama' means 'at the instance of'. It ensures that a rule applies the moment a condition is met.

Daily Habits

Describe your daily habits using 'waqtama'. 'I drink coffee whenever I wake up' is a great simple practice sentence.

Rhetoric

In advanced rhetoric, starting multiple sentences with 'waqtama' can create a powerful, rhythmic effect in a speech.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Waqt' (Time) + 'Ma' (Ever). It sounds like 'Walk-to-Ma'. Imagine walking to your mother's house *whenever* you want.

Association visuelle

Imagine a clock with no hands, or a clock that changes colors. This represents the 'anytime' nature of 'waqtama'.

Word Web

Time Flexible Whenever Condition Relative Indefinite Arabic Conjunction

Défi

Try to use 'waqtama' in three different sentences today: one for an invitation, one for a habit, and one for a future promise.

Origine du mot

From the Arabic root W-Q-T (و-ق-ت), which relates to defining or specifying a time. The suffix '-ma' is a relative particle used to generalize the noun it attaches to.

Sens originel : Literally 'the time which' or 'at the time that'.

Semitic -> Afroasiatic -> Central Semitic -> Arabic.

Contexte culturel

None. It is a neutral, widely used word.

English speakers often use 'whenever' to mean 'it doesn't matter', but sometimes it can sound dismissive. In Arabic, 'waqtama' is almost always polite and accommodating.

Used in various Hadiths regarding the times of prayer. Common in the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish to describe the elusive nature of time. Appears in legal statutes of the Arab League.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Scheduling

وقتما تفرغت
وقتما ناسبك
وقتما سمح الوقت
وقتما كنت متاحاً

Instructions

افعل ذلك وقتما أقول
توقف وقتما تسمع الصافرة
ابدأ وقتما ترى الضوء
انتظر وقتما يلزم

Promises

سأكون معك وقتما احتجتني
سأدفع لك وقتما استطعت
سأزورك وقتما جئت
سأساعدك وقتما طلبت

Natural Laws

يغلي الماء وقتما يسخن
تزهر الورود وقتما يحل الربيع
تغرب الشمس وقتما ينتهي النهار
يهطل المطر وقتما تلبدت الغيوم

Formal Rules

تطبق العقوبة وقتما وقعت المخالفة
يستحق الراتب وقتما انتهى الشهر
يفتح الباب وقتما رن الجرس
يسقط الحق وقتما تم التنازل عنه

Amorces de conversation

"متى تفضل أن نلتقي؟ وقتما تشاء أنا مستعد."

"وقتما تسافر إلى الخارج، ما هو أول شيء تفعله؟"

"هل تحب أن تدرس في الصباح أم وقتما تشعر بالنشاط؟"

"وقتما تزور صديقاً، هل تتصل به أولاً؟"

"ماذا تفعل وقتما تشعر بالملل؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن الأشياء التي تفعلها وقتما تشعر بالسعادة.

صف روتينك اليومي وكيف يتغير وقتما تسافر.

ما هي الوعود التي قطعتها لنفسك لتنفيذها وقتما تنجح؟

تحدث عن صديق تلجأ إليه وقتما تضيق بك الدنيا.

كيف تتصرف وقتما تواجه مشكلة كبيرة في العمل؟

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'waqtama' is a conjunction, not an interrogative particle. To ask 'When?', use 'Mata'.

In daily Egyptian, people usually say 'lamma' or 'fī ayyi waqt'. 'Waqtama' is more common in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).

'Kullama' means 'every time' or 'whenever' in a way that suggests a repeating action. 'Waqtama' just means 'at whatever time' the condition happens.

In modern Arabic writing, if the 'waqtama' clause starts the sentence, a comma is often used before the main clause for clarity.

Yes, it can describe a recurring past event, e.g., 'Waqtama kana yazuruna...' (Whenever he used to visit us...).

Yes, it is considered more formal and eloquent than 'indama' or 'lamma'.

No, the 'ma' is already part of the word. 'Waqtama' is the complete conjunction.

No, conjunctions in Arabic do not have plural forms.

No, it is a particle/conjunction and does not change the grammatical case (I'rab) of nouns, but it connects clauses.

It is a uvular stop. Imagine making a 'k' sound but much deeper in your throat.

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