متى يجب أن أُرجع الكتاب؟

To use this, start with laazim. Then add the verb arja'a (I return). You can swap al-kitaab (the book) for anything else. Want to return a pen? Say al-qalam. Borrowed a car? Say al-sayyara. Put the question word imta (when) at the end. In Egyptian and Levantine Arabic, we love putting 'when' at the end of the sentence. It feels more natural and less like a textbook.

Use this at the library or with a friend. It is perfect when someone lends you something. It shows you are responsible and care about their stuff. You can also use it in a professional setting. If a boss gives you a file, this phrase works perfectly. It is a great way to clarify expectations immediately.

Don't use this if you are giving something back. It is only for when you are holding the item. Also, don't use it for appointments. If you are asking when a meeting starts, use a different verb. Using arja'a implies a physical object is moving back to its owner. Don't use it for people unless you want to sound like a kidnapper!

In many Arabic-speaking cultures, borrowing is a sign of trust. People are often very generous with their belongings. However, there is a strong unspoken rule about returning things in good condition. Asking imta shows you respect the owner's time. In some circles, the owner might say 'keep it!' out of politeness. This is called 'karam' (generosity). If they do, you should still insist on a return date at least once.

You can change the verb slightly depending on the dialect. In some places, you might hear mita instead of imta. You can also say al-mafroud instead of laazim to sound a bit more 'should' than 'must'. If you are talking to a friend, you can just say arja'o imta? (Return it when?). This drops the 'must' part and sounds very casual. It’s like saying 'When's this due?' among buddies.