Meaning
Referring to multiple, but not necessarily many, instances.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, 'Idda Marrat' is often replaced by 'Kaza Marra' (كذا مرة) in casual speech. However, using 'Idda Marrat' makes you sound educated and polite. Egyptians might use 'Kam Marra' (كم مرة) even in statements to mean 'several times,' or 'Yama' (ياما) for 'many times.' 'Idda Marrat' remains the standard for news and formal writing. In the Gulf, 'Idda Marrat' is very common in both business and social settings. It reflects the formal yet hospitable nature of Gulf Arabic. In the Maghreb, you might hear 'Bezzaf d-l-marrat' for 'many times,' but 'Idda Marrat' is used in Modern Standard Arabic contexts like school or government.
The 'Hand' Rule
If the number of times is between 3 and 10, 'Idda Marrat' is your best friend.
Plural Only
Never say 'Idda Marra'. Always use the plural 'Marrat'.
Meaning
Referring to multiple, but not necessarily many, instances.
The 'Hand' Rule
If the number of times is between 3 and 10, 'Idda Marrat' is your best friend.
Plural Only
Never say 'Idda Marra'. Always use the plural 'Marrat'.
Sound Like a Native
Use 'Idda Marrat' when talking about travel. It sounds much more natural than giving an exact number like 'three times'.
Polite Persistence
In Arab culture, asking 'Idda Marrat' is a sign of good hosting. Don't be offended if someone asks you to eat more several times!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'several times'.
سافرتُ إلى دبي ________ في السنة الماضية.
'Idda' must be followed by the plural 'marrat'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'Idda Marrat' to show persistence?
Choose the best option:
The verb 'tried' (حاولت) combined with 'several times' shows persistence.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل اتصلت بخالد؟ سامي: نعم، ________ لكنه لم يرد.
The context of 'he didn't answer' suggests multiple attempts.
Match the Arabic phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Understanding the hierarchy of frequency is key.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Idda vs. Kathiran
Practice Bank
4 exercisesسافرتُ إلى دبي ________ في السنة الماضية.
'Idda' must be followed by the plural 'marrat'.
Choose the best option:
The verb 'tried' (حاولت) combined with 'several times' shows persistence.
أحمد: هل اتصلت بخالد؟ سامي: نعم، ________ لكنه لم يرد.
The context of 'he didn't answer' suggests multiple attempts.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the hierarchy of frequency is key.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes! You can say 'Idda ashkhas' (several people) or 'Idda ayyam' (several days).
It is neutral. It works in a job interview and at a cafe.
'Bid'a' is more formal and specifically means 3-9. 'Idda' is more flexible.
Use 'Kathiran' or 'Marrat kathira'.
No, 'Idda' stays the same regardless of the noun's gender.
It's rare and sounds poetic. Stick to 'Idda Marrat'.
Yes, though some dialects prefer 'Kaza Marra' in very casual talk.
It's a constricted sound from the middle of the throat. Practice by making a 'tight' vowel sound.
Yes, e.g., 'I will visit you several times next month.'
In Egypt, 'Yama' is a common slang for 'many/several times'.
It can, especially with verbs like 'called' or 'told'.
The root is M-R-R, meaning 'to pass'.
Absolutely, it is very common in academic and journalistic Arabic.
It is written as عِدّة مَرّات.
Related Phrases
مراراً وتكراراً
builds onOver and over again
بضع مرات
similarA few times (3-9)
أحياناً
similarSometimes
مرة بعد مرة
similarTime after time
كثيراً
contrastFrequently/A lot
