Meaning
To arrive just before a deadline or scheduled event.
Cultural Background
Punctuality in social settings can be fluid, but 'Adraka al-waqt' is the language of the 'official' world—banks, government, and airlines. Egyptians often use the word 'Laha' (لحق) in daily life, but you will see 'Adraka' in every newspaper headline. In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is used in formal education settings to encourage students to manage their exam time. With the fast-paced development in cities like Dubai, 'Adraka al-waqt' is increasingly used in corporate culture.
Use it for drama
If you want to sound like you worked hard to be on time, use 'Adraktu' instead of 'Wasaltu'.
Watch the case
Remember it's 'al-waqta' (fatha) because it's the object.
Meaning
To arrive just before a deadline or scheduled event.
Use it for drama
If you want to sound like you worked hard to be on time, use 'Adraktu' instead of 'Wasaltu'.
Watch the case
Remember it's 'al-waqta' (fatha) because it's the object.
News Reading
Look for this phrase in Al-Jazeera headlines to see it in action.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Adraka'.
ركضتُ بسرعة و_______ الوقت قبل إغلاق الباب.
The sentence is in the first person singular ('I ran'), so the verb must be 'Adraktu'.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase?
Select the best option:
This sentence provides the correct context: catching a deadline for a research paper.
Match the situation to the response.
Situation: You arrived at the airport 5 minutes before the gate closed.
'I made it with difficulty' is the perfect response for a narrow escape.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesركضتُ بسرعة و_______ الوقت قبل إغلاق الباب.
The sentence is in the first person singular ('I ran'), so the verb must be 'Adraktu'.
Select the best option:
This sentence provides the correct context: catching a deadline for a research paper.
Situation: You arrived at the airport 5 minutes before the gate closed.
'I made it with difficulty' is the perfect response for a narrow escape.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, 'أدركتُه' can mean 'I caught up with him'.
Yes, the root appears many times, often meaning 'to overtake'.
Yes, it is considered high-register MSA.
Related Phrases
تدارك الموقف
similarTo save the situation
فات الأوان
contrastIt's too late
سابق الزمن
builds onRacing against time
في الوقت المناسب
synonymIn the right time
