Meaning
A request to hurry up or not delay, implying impatience or a need for promptness.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, people often use the word 'natar' (نطر) instead of 'intazar'. You will hear 'La tkhallini ontor'. It sounds softer and more melodic. Egyptians are famous for their sense of humor regarding time. They might say 'Ma tkhallinish astanna' but follow it with a joke if you are late. In the Gulf, punctuality in business is highly valued, but social time is flexible. Using 'La tada'ni antazir' in a business text is a firm way to show you are serious about a deadline. In Morocco, you might hear 'Ma tkhallinish ntsanna'. The verb 'tsanna' is the local variation of 'intazar'.
Soften with 'Please'
Always add 'min fadlak' or 'lutfan' if you aren't 100% sure of the intimacy level with the person.
Gender Matters
Don't forget to use 'tada'ini' for women. Using the masculine form for a woman can sound robotic or uneducated.
Meaning
A request to hurry up or not delay, implying impatience or a need for promptness.
Soften with 'Please'
Always add 'min fadlak' or 'lutfan' if you aren't 100% sure of the intimacy level with the person.
Gender Matters
Don't forget to use 'tada'ini' for women. Using the masculine form for a woman can sound robotic or uneducated.
Use it for suspense
If someone says 'I have a surprise for you,' use this phrase to show you are excited and want to know now!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'tada'' for a female friend.
يا ليلى، من فضلك لا _______ أنتظر طويلاً.
When speaking to a female (Layla), you must add the 'ya' of the feminine second person, which becomes 'tada'ini' when the 'ni' pronoun is attached.
Which phrase is the most appropriate for a business email to a client?
How do you politely ask a client not to delay their response?
Adding 'أرجو' (I hope/request) and 'مع الشكر' (with thanks) makes the phrase professional and polite.
Match the Arabic phrase to the correct situation.
1. لا تدعني أنتظر (To a friend) 2. لا تدعوني أنتظر (To a group) 3. لا تدعيني أنتظر (To a sister)
1 is masculine singular, 2 is plural, 3 is feminine singular.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
أحمد: أنا في الطريق، سأصل بعد دقيقة. سارة: حسناً، الجو بارد جداً هنا، لذا _______.
Sara is emphasizing that she is cold and wants Ahmad to hurry, making 'don't keep me waiting' the logical choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesيا ليلى، من فضلك لا _______ أنتظر طويلاً.
When speaking to a female (Layla), you must add the 'ya' of the feminine second person, which becomes 'tada'ini' when the 'ni' pronoun is attached.
How do you politely ask a client not to delay their response?
Adding 'أرجو' (I hope/request) and 'مع الشكر' (with thanks) makes the phrase professional and polite.
1. لا تدعني أنتظر (To a friend) 2. لا تدعوني أنتظر (To a group) 3. لا تدعيني أنتظر (To a sister)
1 is masculine singular, 2 is plural, 3 is feminine singular.
أحمد: أنا في الطريق، سأصل بعد دقيقة. سارة: حسناً، الجو بارد جداً هنا، لذا _______.
Sara is emphasizing that she is cold and wants Ahmad to hurry, making 'don't keep me waiting' the logical choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot inherently. It depends on your tone. With friends, it's normal. With strangers, add 'please' to be safe.
Yes, especially in follow-up emails where you need a quick answer to move forward with a project.
'Tada'ni' is more about 'letting' a situation happen, while 'taturkni' is more about 'abandoning' someone. Use 'tada'ni' for waiting.
Use: 'أرجو ألا تدعني أنتظر الرد طويلاً' (I hope you don't keep me waiting for the reply for long).
Related Phrases
على أحر من الجمر
similarOn hot coals (waiting very impatiently)
لا تتأخر
synonymDon't be late
عجّل
specialized formHurry up!
أنا بانتظارك
similarI am waiting for you
