Meaning
Used to indicate repetition.
Cultural Background
Repetition is a sign of generosity. If you are offered food 'Marra ukhra,' it is a compliment to your presence. In these regions, 'Kaman marra' is much more common in daily life, but 'Marra ukhra' is used to show respect or in formal education. Egyptians often use 'Tani' (ثاني) for 'again.' If you use 'Marra ukhra' in a Cairo market, you will sound like a very polite student of literature. In North Africa, the phrase is well-understood, but local Darija might use 'Awd' or 'Marra khor.' 'Marra ukhra' remains the bridge for communication with other Arabs.
The 'Feminine' Rule
Always remember that 'Marra' is a girl! She only hangs out with 'Ukhra', never 'Akhar'.
Don't over-formalize
In a very casual setting with friends, 'Marra ukhra' might sound a bit like a textbook. Use 'Kaman marra' to sound more 'street'.
Meaning
Used to indicate repetition.
The 'Feminine' Rule
Always remember that 'Marra' is a girl! She only hangs out with 'Ukhra', never 'Akhar'.
Don't over-formalize
In a very casual setting with friends, 'Marra ukhra' might sound a bit like a textbook. Use 'Kaman marra' to sound more 'street'.
The Tanween Trick
If you want to sound like a news anchor, pronounce the 'tanween' at the end of Marra: 'Marratan ukhra'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'another' to match 'Marra'.
أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَشْرَبَ الشَّايَ مَرَّةً _______.
'Marra' is feminine, so it requires the feminine adjective 'Ukhra'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a teacher to repeat a word?
How do you say 'Say the word again'?
This follows the correct Verb-Object-Adverbial order and gender agreement.
Complete the dialogue.
A: هَلْ فَهِمْتَ الدَّرْسَ؟ B: لا، هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ شَرْحُهُ _______؟
The context of not understanding (لا، هل يمكنك...) suggests a request for repetition.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesأُرِيدُ أَنْ أَشْرَبَ الشَّايَ مَرَّةً _______.
'Marra' is feminine, so it requires the feminine adjective 'Ukhra'.
How do you say 'Say the word again'?
This follows the correct Verb-Object-Adverbial order and gender agreement.
A: هَلْ فَهِمْتَ الدَّرْسَ؟ B: لا، هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ شَرْحُهُ _______؟
The context of not understanding (لا، هل يمكنك...) suggests a request for repetition.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is Modern Standard Arabic and is understood everywhere, though local dialects have their own versions.
Not really. It usually means 'one more time' or 'again' (repetition). For 'next time,' use 'Al-marra al-qadima.'
'Marra ukhra' is more common in speech, while 'Mujaddadan' is more common in formal writing and literature.
Because 'Marra' is a feminine noun, and in Arabic, adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe.
Yes, 'Marra thaniya' (a second time) is a very common and correct alternative.
Related Phrases
مُجَدَّداً
synonymAnew / Again
مِنْ جَدِيد
similarFrom scratch / Over again
كَمَان مَرَّة
specialized formOne more time
تِكْرَاراً
builds onRepeatedly
