كم الساعة قلنا؟
km alsaaa klna
What time did we say?
Literally: The hour how much we said?
In 15 Seconds
- Used to re-confirm a previously discussed meeting time.
- Very common in Egyptian dialect and casual settings.
- Friendly, informal, and implies a shared plan exists.
Meaning
This is a friendly way to double-check a time you previously agreed on. It's like saying, 'Remind me again, what time are we meeting?'
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a friend about dinner
يا صاحبي، الساعة كام قولنا النهاردة؟
My friend, what time did we say for today?
Confirming a meeting with a friendly coworker
يا محمد، الساعة كام قولنا الاجتماع؟
Mohamed, what time did we say the meeting is?
Realizing you are late
يا نهار أبيض! هي الساعة كام قولنا؟
Oh my god! What time did we say again?
Cultural Background
In the Levant, time is often seen as a suggestion. Using 'كم الساعة قلنا؟' is a way to gently 'tighten' a loose plan without being rude. Egyptians are famous for 'Egyptian Time' (Ma'at al-Qahira). The phrase 'قلنا الساعة كام؟' is often followed by a joke or a relaxed adjustment to the schedule. In the Gulf, hospitality is paramount. If you ask 'كم الساعة قلنا؟', the host might respond by saying 'Any time is good for you,' emphasizing your comfort over the clock. In Morocco, the concept of 'Insha'Allah' is deeply integrated into scheduling. Asking for the time is often a way to confirm the 'intent' of the meeting.
Use it for 'Soft' Reminders
If someone is late, instead of saying 'You are late!', ask 'كم الساعة قلنا؟'. It's a polite way to remind them of the agreement.
The Egyptian Flip
If you are in Cairo, say 'قلنا الساعة كام؟'. It will make you sound much more like a local.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to re-confirm a previously discussed meeting time.
- Very common in Egyptian dialect and casual settings.
- Friendly, informal, and implies a shared plan exists.
What It Means
Think of this as your social safety net. You use الساعة كام قولنا؟ when you’ve already made plans, but the details have slipped your mind. It’s not just asking for the time. It’s asking for a reminder of a shared decision. It implies that a conversation already happened. It’s warm, conversational, and very common in daily Egyptian life.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase almost anywhere in a sentence. Put it at the beginning to start a conversation. Or, tack it onto the end of a question. It’s short and punchy. You don’t need complex grammar to make it work. Just say it with a slightly rising intonation at the end. It shows you're engaged but just need a quick memory jog.
When To Use It
Use it when you're texting a group chat to confirm dinner. Use it at the office when a colleague mentions a meeting you forgot. It’s perfect for those 'Wait, did we say 7 or 8?' moments. It works great with friends, family, and even coworkers you’re comfortable with. It’s the ultimate 'oops, I forgot' phrase that doesn't sound rude.
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use this if you’re asking the time from a stranger on the street. They weren't part of your 'we,' so they won't know what you 'said.' Also, avoid it in high-stakes formal presentations. If you're speaking to a high-ranking official for the first time, stick to more formal structures. It’s a bit too 'chummy' for a first-time meeting with a CEO.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, especially Egypt, social plans are fluid. We call it 'rubber time' sometimes. Because plans change often, re-confirming is a cultural necessity. This phrase is the glue that keeps social schedules from falling apart. It reflects a culture that values verbal agreement over rigid written calendars. It’s about the connection between the people making the plan.
Common Variations
You might hear الساعة كام اتفقنا؟ which means 'What time did we agree?'. Some people might just shorten it to قولنا كام؟ (We said how much?). In more formal Arabic (MSA), it would be أي ساعة قلنا؟, but that sounds very stiff. In the streets of Cairo, الساعة كام قولنا؟ is the undisputed king of confirmation.
Usage Notes
This is a strictly colloquial phrase. It is perfect for B1 learners looking to sound more like a local. Avoid using it in academic writing or formal news-style reporting.
Use it for 'Soft' Reminders
If someone is late, instead of saying 'You are late!', ask 'كم الساعة قلنا؟'. It's a polite way to remind them of the agreement.
The Egyptian Flip
If you are in Cairo, say 'قلنا الساعة كام؟'. It will make you sound much more like a local.
Don't use with 'Mata'
Avoid saying 'Mata al-sa'a قلنا'. It's grammatically clunky. Stick to 'Kam'.
Examples
6يا صاحبي، الساعة كام قولنا النهاردة؟
My friend, what time did we say for today?
A very standard way to check plans via text.
يا محمد، الساعة كام قولنا الاجتماع؟
Mohamed, what time did we say the meeting is?
Professional but maintains a friendly, collaborative tone.
يا نهار أبيض! هي الساعة كام قولنا؟
Oh my god! What time did we say again?
Used when you're panicking because you forgot the time.
تاني؟ الساعة كام قولنا يا برنس؟
Again? What time did we say, prince?
Using 'prince' (berns) adds a humorous, sarcastic touch.
يا فندم، الساعة كام قولنا الحجز؟
Sir/Ma'am, what time did we say the reservation is?
Adding 'ya fandem' makes the informal phrase respectful.
ماما قالت الساعة كام قولنا؟
What time did Mom say we said?
A bit repetitive, but common in fast family talk.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to complete the phrase for 'What time did we say?'
كم الساعة ____؟
'قلنا' (qulna) is the 'we' form, which is used to show a shared agreement.
Fill in the missing word to ask for the time we agreed on.
كم ____ قلنا؟
'الساعة' means 'the hour' and is the standard word used with 'Kam' to ask for the time.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
أحمد: أنا جاهز للخروج. سارة: لحظة، ________؟ أنا لسا ما لبست.
Sarah is checking the agreed-upon time because she isn't ready yet.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'كم الساعة قلنا؟'?
This phrase is for confirming prior plans with people you know.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesكم الساعة ____؟
'قلنا' (qulna) is the 'we' form, which is used to show a shared agreement.
كم ____ قلنا؟
'الساعة' means 'the hour' and is the standard word used with 'Kam' to ask for the time.
أحمد: أنا جاهز للخروج. سارة: لحظة، ________؟ أنا لسا ما لبست.
Sarah is checking the agreed-upon time because she isn't ready yet.
When would you say 'كم الساعة قلنا؟'?
This phrase is for confirming prior plans with people you know.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's more common in spoken dialects. In very formal MSA, you might say 'في أي ساعة اتفقنا؟'.
Yes, if your relationship is friendly. If it's very formal, use 'متى الموعد المحدد؟'.
'Kam al-sa'a' asks for the time (e.g., 5:00). 'Kam sa'a' asks for a duration (e.g., 5 hours).
Yes, it is the past tense for 'we'.
It's a unique feature of the Egyptian dialect to move question words to the end of the sentence.
Not at all. Using 'qulna' makes it a shared memory issue, which is very polite in Arabic culture.
Simply state the time: 'قلنا الساعة سبعة' (We said seven o'clock).
Yes, as long as you have already discussed it once before.
You would say 'كم الساعة قلتَ؟' (to a male) or 'قلتِ؟' (to a female), but be careful as it can sound a bit direct.
Yes, though they might use 'Shhal' instead of 'Kam'.
Related Phrases
على الموعد
similarOn time / as scheduled
متى الموعد؟
similarWhen is the appointment?
تأخرنا
builds onWe are late
خلينا نأكد
similarLet's confirm
