Meaning
Indicating regularity or recurrence of an event.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, people often say 'Kull marra' without the 'Fi'. It's used frequently in songs to express longing or recurring heartbreak. Egyptians might use 'Kull shwayya' (every little bit) if the frequency is very high and annoying, but 'Kull marra' remains the standard for 'every time'. In the Gulf, the phrase is often used in the context of hospitality. It's common to hear it when someone brings a gift or visits. In North Africa, 'Kull marra' is used, but you might also hear 'Kull weqt' used in a way that overlaps with 'every time' more than in the East.
The 'Fiha' Trick
In formal writing, add 'fiha' after the verb that follows 'Fi kull marrah' to sound like a pro. E.g., 'Fi kull marrah aktubu fiha...'
Avoid 'Kull Marrat'
Don't pluralize 'Marrah' to 'Marrat' here. 'Kull' followed by a singular noun means 'Every'. 'Kull' followed by a plural means 'All the times', which is less common in this specific expression.
Meaning
Indicating regularity or recurrence of an event.
The 'Fiha' Trick
In formal writing, add 'fiha' after the verb that follows 'Fi kull marrah' to sound like a pro. E.g., 'Fi kull marrah aktubu fiha...'
Avoid 'Kull Marrat'
Don't pluralize 'Marrah' to 'Marrat' here. 'Kull' followed by a singular noun means 'Every'. 'Kull' followed by a plural means 'All the times', which is less common in this specific expression.
Dialect Shortcut
In most dialects, you can just say 'Kull marra' and people will understand you perfectly. The 'Fi' is optional but adds a touch of class.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to say: 'Every time I eat spicy food, my stomach hurts.'
____ آكل طعاماً حاراً، تؤلمني معدتي.
'في كل مرة' is the only option that correctly establishes the 'trigger-result' relationship.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Every time we meet, we talk about work'?
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
The first option uses the correct phrase and proper preposition 'an' (about).
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: لماذا أنت غاضب من هذا التطبيق؟ سارة: لأنه يتوقف عن العمل ____ أحاول إرسال رسالة.
Sarah is describing a specific recurring trigger (trying to send a message).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Common Triggers
Tech
- • Opening an app
- • Logging in
- • Updating
Social
- • Meeting friends
- • Calling family
- • Visiting
Nature
- • Raining
- • Sunrise
- • Winter
Practice Bank
3 exercises____ آكل طعاماً حاراً، تؤلمني معدتي.
'في كل مرة' is the only option that correctly establishes the 'trigger-result' relationship.
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
The first option uses the correct phrase and proper preposition 'an' (about).
أحمد: لماذا أنت غاضب من هذا التطبيق؟ سارة: لأنه يتوقف عن العمل ____ أحاول إرسال رسالة.
Sarah is describing a specific recurring trigger (trying to send a message).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'Kullama' is much more formal. Use 'Fi kull marrah' for daily conversation.
Use the singular 'Marrah'. 'Kull marrah' = Every time. 'Kull marrat' = All times (rarely used this way).
Absolutely! 'Fi kull marrah dhahabtu...' (Every time I went...).
Similar structures are used, but 'Kullama' is more frequent in the Quranic text.
You can add 'wahida' for emphasis: 'Fi kull marrah wahida', but usually 'Fi kull marrah' is strong enough.
It's possible but rare. It usually starts the clause it modifies.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional contexts.
The opposite would be 'Wala marrah' (Not once/Never) or 'Nadiran' (Rarely).
'Kull ma' is a shortened, more casual version of 'Kullama' or 'Fi kull marrah' common in dialects.
Yes, Arabic 'r' (Ra) is always slightly rolled or tapped.
Related Phrases
كلما
similarWhenever / The more...
دائماً
synonymAlways
أحياناً
contrastSometimes
نادرًا
contrastRarely
مرة بعد مرة
builds onTime after time
