B1 Expression Neutral 5 min read

عندنا وقت كفاية

'indana wa't kefaya

We have enough time

Literally: {"\u0639\u0646\u062f\u0646\u0627":"we have","\u0648\u0642\u062a":"time","\u0643\u0641\u0627\u064a\u0629":"enough"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Means 'we have enough time'.
  • Use to tell someone to relax.
  • Best for casual situations.
  • Avoid when time is critical.

Meaning

This phrase is your ultimate 'stress-reliever' in Arabic! It's like a verbal deep breath, telling someone not to rush because there's plenty of time. It carries a relaxed, unhurried vibe, assuring everyone that the clock is definitely on your side.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend who is running late

لا تقلق بشأن التأخير، `عندنا وقت كفاية`.

Don't worry about being late, we have enough time.

2

At a family gathering

لماذا أنت مستعجل؟ `عندنا وقت كفاية` لتناول العشاء.

Why are you in a hurry? We have enough time for dinner.

3

Waiting for a delayed train

القطار متأخر قليلاً، لكن `عندنا وقت كفاية`.

The train is a bit delayed, but we have enough time.

🌍

Cultural Background

In Egypt, 'kifaya' is often used as a standalone command meaning 'Enough!' or 'Stop it!'. However, in the phrase 'عندنا وقت كفاية', it retains its positive, reassuring meaning. People in Lebanon and Syria might substitute 'kifaya' with 'kafi' or 'bi-kaffi'. The sentiment remains a core part of the 'Ahlan wa Sahlan' hospitality culture. In the Gulf, time is often discussed in the context of the 'Majlis' (social gathering). Rushing to leave a Majlis is seen as impolite, so 'عندنا وقت' is a common way to maintain social harmony. In Morocco and Tunisia, you might hear 'Andna el-waqt' with a distinct North African accent. The influence of the French 'slow life' blends with traditional Arabic patience.

💡

The Magic Buffer

Use this phrase even if you aren't 100% sure you have time. It's a social way to show you are relaxed and welcoming.

⚠️

Don't Overuse with Bosses

If your boss gives you a deadline, saying 'عندنا وقت كفاية' too often might make you look like a procrastinator.

In 15 Seconds

  • Means 'we have enough time'.
  • Use to tell someone to relax.
  • Best for casual situations.
  • Avoid when time is critical.

What It Means

This phrase is pure chill. It means "we have enough time." It’s your go-to when you want to tell someone to relax. No need to speed up! The vibe is super calm. You’re saying the situation is under control. There’s no pressure to hurry.

How To Use It

Use it when you’re not in a rush. Maybe you're meeting friends. You’re running a bit late. But you know you can still make it. Or when you’re working on a project. The deadline is far away. You can tell your team to take it easy. It’s also great for casual chats. "Don't worry about being late," you might say. It’s a very reassuring phrase. Think of it as a verbal sigh of relief. It signals a lack of urgency. It’s a friendly nudge to slow down. It’s like saying, "We've got this, no sweat."

Formality & Register

This phrase is super flexible. It leans informal. You’d use it with friends and family. It’s perfect for texts and casual chats. You can use it in relaxed work settings too. Imagine a team meeting with a distant deadline. Your boss might say it. Or you might say it to a colleague. It’s generally not for super formal situations. Think diplomatic meetings or legal documents. Those need stricter language. But for everyday life? It’s golden.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you're planning a trip. Your friend is packing slowly. You text them: عندنا وقت كفاية. They’ll know not to stress. Or you’re cooking dinner. A guest arrives early. You tell them, عندنا وقت كفاية before they start tidying up. Maybe you’re waiting for a bus. It’s not here yet. You tell your companion, عندنا وقت كفاية. The bus will come eventually. It’s a common phrase in daily life. You hear it a lot in relaxed environments. It’s a sign of comfort and ease. It’s also great for reassuring someone. They might be worried about a task. This phrase calms their nerves. It’s a little linguistic hug.

When To Use It

Use it when there’s genuinely enough time. You’re not cutting it close at all. It’s for situations where rushing is unnecessary. Think leisurely strolls, not sprints. Use it to calm someone down. They’re feeling stressed about time. You want to reassure them. It’s perfect for planning relaxed events. No need to panic about the schedule. It’s great when you’re waiting for something. The wait isn’t critical. It can also be used humorously. If someone is *way* too early. You can tease them gently. It’s a versatile little gem. It smooths social interactions. It prevents unnecessary anxiety. It’s a social lubricant, really.

When NOT To Use It

Never use this phrase when time is tight. If you’re already late for a flight, don’t say it! It would sound ignorant or dismissive. Don’t use it in a high-stakes professional setting. Like a crucial client presentation. Or a job interview where you’re already behind. It can sound unprofessional. Avoid it when someone is clearly stressed and needs to hurry. Your reassurance might fall flat. It could even be annoying. If the situation demands speed, this phrase is the enemy. It’s like bringing a pillow to a fire drill. Use it wisely, not wildly.

Common Mistakes

A big mistake is using it when you’re actually late. This can cause confusion or frustration. Another error is using it in very formal settings. It might sound out of place. Or too casual for the situation. Sometimes people use it sarcastically. This can backfire if not done carefully. It might be misunderstood. Always gauge the context and your audience. A misplaced عندنا وقت كفاية can be awkward. It’s like wearing flip-flops to a wedding. You want to fit the phrase to the mood. Don't let your words create chaos.

عندنا وقت ضيق عندنا وقت كفاية
لا يوجد وقت عندنا وقت كفاية

Common Variations

In some regions, you might hear slight variations. For example, فيه وقت كفاية (fee waqt kifaaya) is common in some Gulf countries. It means the same thing. عندنا وقت طويل (andana waqt taweel) also works. It literally means "we have a long time." It conveys a similar relaxed feeling. Younger generations might use it more casually. Perhaps adding emojis in texts. Like عندنا وقت كفاية 👍. Older speakers might use it more formally. But the core meaning remains. It’s about having ample time. The phrase itself is pretty standard. Regional accents might change pronunciation. But the words are usually the same.

Real Conversations

Speaker 1: يا إلهي! لقد تأخرت كثيراً! (Oh my God! I'm so late!)

Speaker 2: اهدأ، اهدأ. عندنا وقت كفاية للوصول إلى المطار. (Calm down, calm down. We have enough time to get to the airport.)

Speaker 1: هل أنت متأكد؟ القطار سيغادر قريباً.

Speaker 2: نعم، لا تقلق. يمكننا اللحاق به.

Speaker A: هل انتهيت من التقرير؟ الموعد النهائي غداً.

Speaker B: تقريباً. أعتقد أنني سأنهيه اليوم.

Speaker A: حسناً، عندنا وقت كفاية. خذ وقتك.

Speaker B: شكراً لك، هذا لطف منك.

Quick FAQ

Q. Is this phrase formal or informal?

A. It's mostly informal, but can be used in relaxed professional settings.

Q. Can I use it if I'm slightly late?

A. Only if "slightly late" still leaves you with plenty of buffer time.

Q. What if someone is stressed about time?

A. This phrase is perfect for reassuring them that they don't need to worry.

Q. Does it work for future plans?

A. Yes, it's great for reassuring people about future events or deadlines.

Usage Notes

This phrase is best reserved for informal and semi-formal situations where a relaxed attitude towards time is appropriate. Avoid it in urgent scenarios or highly formal settings, as it can sound dismissive or unprofessional. Ensure your tone matches the meaning; deliver it calmly to effectively convey reassurance.

💡

The Magic Buffer

Use this phrase even if you aren't 100% sure you have time. It's a social way to show you are relaxed and welcoming.

⚠️

Don't Overuse with Bosses

If your boss gives you a deadline, saying 'عندنا وقت كفاية' too often might make you look like a procrastinator.

🎯

Dialect Hack

Drop the 'q' in 'waqt' to sound instantly more like a native speaker from Cairo or Beirut: 'wa't'.

💬

Pair with Insha'Allah

Adding 'إن شاء الله' at the end makes the phrase sound much more natural and culturally authentic.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend who is running late

لا تقلق بشأن التأخير، `عندنا وقت كفاية`.

Don't worry about being late, we have enough time.

Reassures the friend that their lateness isn't a problem.

#2 At a family gathering

لماذا أنت مستعجل؟ `عندنا وقت كفاية` لتناول العشاء.

Why are you in a hurry? We have enough time for dinner.

Calms down someone who seems anxious about the timing of the meal.

#3 Waiting for a delayed train

القطار متأخر قليلاً، لكن `عندنا وقت كفاية`.

The train is a bit delayed, but we have enough time.

Expresses a relaxed attitude towards the delay.

#4 Instagram caption for a lazy weekend photo

لا شيء على جدول أعمالنا اليوم سوى الاسترخاء. `عندنا وقت كفاية`!

Nothing on our agenda today but relaxation. We have enough time!

Adds a carefree vibe to a social media post.

#5 WhatsApp message to a group planning an outing

سنبدأ التحضير للسهرة بعد ساعة. `عندنا وقت كفاية`.

We'll start preparing for the evening in an hour. We have enough time.

Informs the group that there's no need to rush preparations.

#6 Professional email to a colleague about a project

بناءً على التقدم الحالي، أعتقد أن `عندنا وقت كفاية` لإكمال المرحلة الأولى.

Based on the current progress, I believe we have enough time to complete the first phase.

Provides a professional assessment of the project timeline.

#7 Job interview context (internal thought or casual remark)

المقابلة تبدو جيدة، و `عندنا وقت كفاية` لمناقشة كل النقاط.

The interview is going well, and we have enough time to discuss all points.

Indicates a comfortable pace during a formal meeting.

#8 Mistake: Using when already late

✗ لقد فاتنا القطار، لكن `عندنا وقت كفاية` للقطار التالي. → ✓ لقد فاتنا القطار، ولكن لا يزال لدينا متسع من الوقت للقطار التالي.

✗ We missed the train, but we have enough time for the next one. → ✓ We missed the train, but we still have plenty of time for the next one.

The original sentence implies the next train is not urgent, which is wrong if they are trying to catch it.

#9 Humorous situation: Friend is excessively early

وصلت مبكراً جداً! `عندنا وقت كفاية` لنشرب القهوة قبل بدء الاجتماع.

You arrived way too early! We have enough time to drink coffee before the meeting starts.

Gently teases the friend for being overly punctual.

#10 Emotional reassurance to a worried student

لا تقلق بشأن الامتحان، لقد درست جيداً و `عندنا وقت كفاية` للمراجعة النهائية.

Don't worry about the exam, you've studied well and we have enough time for final review.

Offers comfort and confidence regarding the upcoming exam.

#11 Mistake: Using in a highly urgent scenario

✗ الحريق في المبنى، لكن `عندنا وقت كفاية` للخروج. → ✓ الحريق في المبنى، يجب أن نخرج فوراً!

✗ There's a fire in the building, but we have enough time to get out. → ✓ There's a fire in the building, we must get out immediately!

This phrase is completely inappropriate and dangerous in an emergency.

#12 Ordering food delivery

تطبيق التوصيل يقول 45 دقيقة، لذا `عندنا وقت كفاية` قبل أن نجوع.

The delivery app says 45 minutes, so we have enough time before we get hungry.

Expresses a relaxed attitude about the delivery time.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct word to say 'We have enough time.'

عندنا ____ كفاية.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: وقت

'Waqt' means time. The other options are 'hour', 'day', and 'work'.

Which phrase is the most natural way to reassure a friend who is rushing?

صديقك مستعجل جداً. ماذا تقول؟

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندنا وقت كفاية.

This phrase is used specifically to calm someone down and indicate there is no rush.

Complete the dialogue.

أحمد: هل سنصل إلى السينما قبل بداية الفيلم؟ سارة: نعم، لا تقلق، ________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندنا وقت كفاية

Sarah is reassuring Ahmed that they will arrive on time.

Match the phrase to the correct situation.

Situation: You want to stay longer at a friend's house despite it being late.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندنا وقت كفاية للحديث.

Using the phrase with 'for talking' encourages the social interaction to continue.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct word to say 'We have enough time.' Fill Blank A1

عندنا ____ كفاية.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: وقت

'Waqt' means time. The other options are 'hour', 'day', and 'work'.

Which phrase is the most natural way to reassure a friend who is rushing? Choose A2

صديقك مستعجل جداً. ماذا تقول؟

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندنا وقت كفاية.

This phrase is used specifically to calm someone down and indicate there is no rush.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

أحمد: هل سنصل إلى السينما قبل بداية الفيلم؟ سارة: نعم، لا تقلق، ________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندنا وقت كفاية

Sarah is reassuring Ahmed that they will arrive on time.

Match the phrase to the correct situation. situation_matching B1

Situation: You want to stay longer at a friend's house despite it being late.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندنا وقت كفاية للحديث.

Using the phrase with 'for talking' encourages the social interaction to continue.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Kifaya' is much more common in spoken Arabic. 'Kafi' is more formal and requires tricky grammar (it's a defective noun).

Yes, if you are discussing a project timeline and want to show confidence. 'أعتقد أن عندنا وقت كفاية لإنجاز المهمة.'

Yes, when followed by a noun. Literally it means 'at us', but it's the standard way to express possession.

Just change the suffix: 'عندي وقت كفاية' (Indi waqt kifaya).

The words 'waqt' and 'kifaya' (as 'kafa') appear, but this specific three-word idiom is a later linguistic development.

Yes! 'عندنا فلوس كفاية' (We have enough money). The structure is the same.

No, it's usually seen as helpful and calming, unless you are being sarcastic.

Add 'Ma' at the beginning: 'ما عندنا وقت كفاية'.

It's a dialect difference. 'Andana' is MSA, 'Andina' is Egyptian/Levantine.

Yes, if you say it loudly on its own: 'كفاية!' means 'Enough!'.

Related Phrases

🔗

على مهلك

similar

At your own pace / Take your time.

🔗

الوقت بدري

similar

It's still early.

🔗

ما في داعي للعجلة

similar

There is no need for haste.

🔗

خلص الوقت

contrast

Time is up.

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