متى سنبدأ؟
mata sanabda'?
When will we start?
Literally: ha (future marker) + nibda' (we start) + emta (when)
In 15 Seconds
- Standard Egyptian phrase for 'When do we start?'
- Uses the future prefix 'ha-' with the verb 'nibda'.
- Useful for work, social events, and daily errands.
Meaning
This is the go-to phrase for asking when an event, meeting, or activity is going to kick off. It’s direct, friendly, and used constantly in daily life to get things moving.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
يا جماعة، هنبدأ امتى؟
Guys, when will we start?
Waiting for a movie with friends
الفيلم هيبدأ امتى؟
When will the movie start?
Texting a friend about a hang out
أنا جاهز، هنبدأ امتى؟
I'm ready, when are we starting?
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Inshallah' (God willing) is almost always attached to future plans. Even if a specific time is given, it is understood that the ultimate start time is in God's hands. In social settings, 'Mata sanabda' is often replaced by 'Emta rah nballesh'. The verb 'ballesh' is the go-to informal word for starting. Egyptians often use 'Hanebda' (we will start) with the 'ha-' prefix. Punctuality can be flexible in social gatherings, often referred to as 'Egyptian time'. In professional settings in the Gulf, there is a high value on Modern Standard Arabic for formal meetings, so 'متى سنبدأ؟' is very common in offices.
The 'Sa' Shortcut
Always remember that 'sa-' is your best friend for the near future. It's shorter and more common than 'sawfa'.
The Hamza Stop
Don't forget the sharp stop at the end of 'nabda'. If you omit it, the word sounds incomplete to native ears.
In 15 Seconds
- Standard Egyptian phrase for 'When do we start?'
- Uses the future prefix 'ha-' with the verb 'nibda'.
- Useful for work, social events, and daily errands.
What It Means
هنبدأ امتى؟ is the Egyptian way of saying "When will we start?" It is composed of the future prefix هـ (ha), the verb نبدأ (nibda' - we start), and the question word امتى (emta - when). It is simple and effective. You are asking for a specific time or a signal to begin. It is the verbal equivalent of tapping your watch.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a standalone question. It is very flexible. You don't need to change much to sound like a local. If you want to ask about a specific thing, just add it after. For example, هنبدأ الاجتماع امتى؟ (When will we start the meeting?). The هـ at the beginning is your magic future marker. It turns any present verb into the future tense instantly.
When To Use It
Use it when you are sitting in a meeting room and the boss is late. Use it when you are at a restaurant and the food is taking forever. It is perfect for group chats when everyone is lagging. Use it at the gym with your trainer. If you are waiting for a movie to start, this is your phrase. It shows you are ready and eager to get going.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in extremely formal written letters. In those cases, Modern Standard Arabic is better. Don't use it if someone is clearly in the middle of a crisis. It might sound impatient or rude then. Also, if you are the one in charge, it sounds a bit weird. You should be the one telling others when to start!
Cultural Background
In Egypt, time is often seen as a suggestion rather than a rule. You might hear the phrase "Egyptian time," which usually means 30 minutes late. Asking هنبدأ امتى؟ is often a polite nudge. It reminds people that time is passing. You will likely get the answer "Inshallah" (God willing). This is the classic cultural response to any future plan.
Common Variations
You might hear هنبتدي امتى؟ (hanibtedi emta?). This uses the verb نبتدي, which also means "to start." They are interchangeable. Some people put the امتى at the beginning: امتى هنبدأ؟. Both are perfectly fine and natural. If you are in a rush, you can just say يلا؟ (Yalla?) with a questioning tone. It means "Shall we?"
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral-to-informal. It is safe for 95% of daily interactions in Egypt. The only 'gotcha' is the verb conjugation; ensure you use the 'n' prefix for 'we' and the 'y' prefix for 'it/he'.
The 'Sa' Shortcut
Always remember that 'sa-' is your best friend for the near future. It's shorter and more common than 'sawfa'.
The Hamza Stop
Don't forget the sharp stop at the end of 'nabda'. If you omit it, the word sounds incomplete to native ears.
The Inshallah Factor
If someone answers 'Inshallah', don't get frustrated. It's a standard polite way of saying 'hopefully at that time'.
Dialect Awareness
If you are in Egypt, try saying 'Emta hanebda' to sound more like a local, but keep 'Mata sanabda' for your emails.
Examples
6يا جماعة، هنبدأ امتى؟
Guys, when will we start?
A common way to get a meeting focused and moving.
الفيلم هيبدأ امتى؟
When will the movie start?
Notice how 'nibda' changes to 'yebda' for the movie (it).
أنا جاهز، هنبدأ امتى؟
I'm ready, when are we starting?
Shows readiness and prompts the other person to move.
التمرين هيبدأ امتى يا كوتش؟
When will the workout start, coach?
Using 'coach' adds a friendly, local touch.
الأكل ريحته تحفة، هنبدأ امتى؟
The food smells amazing, when do we start?
A polite, hungry compliment to the host.
أنا مش قادر أستنى، هنبدأ الرحلة امتى؟
I can't wait, when will we start the trip?
Expresses excitement and anticipation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing future prefix for 'we start'.
متى ___نبدأ؟
The prefix 'سـ' (sa-) is used to indicate the future tense in Arabic.
Which sentence means 'When will we start the meeting?'
Choose the correct translation:
'Mata' means when, and 'sanabda' means we will start.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
أحمد: أنا جاهز وكل شيء معدّ. سارة: ________؟ أحمد: سنبدأ الآن.
Sara is asking for the start time after Ahmed says he is ready.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: You are at the cinema and the screen is dark.
In a cinema, you are waiting for the movie (الفيلم) to start.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Future Prefixes
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمتى ___نبدأ؟
The prefix 'سـ' (sa-) is used to indicate the future tense in Arabic.
Choose the correct translation:
'Mata' means when, and 'sanabda' means we will start.
أحمد: أنا جاهز وكل شيء معدّ. سارة: ________؟ أحمد: سنبدأ الآن.
Sara is asking for the start time after Ahmed says he is ready.
Context: You are at the cinema and the screen is dark.
In a cinema, you are waiting for the movie (الفيلم) to start.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is slightly formal (MSA), but perfectly acceptable. Your friends will understand you are practicing standard Arabic.
'sa-' is for the near future (minutes, hours, days), while 'sawfa' is for the distant future (months, years).
You can say 'سنبدأ الآن' (We will start now) or 'سنبدأ في الساعة...' (We will start at... o'clock).
Yes, but it's more common to ask 'متى يبدأ الفيلم؟' (When does the movie start?) since 'we' aren't the ones starting the movie.
That is a Hamza (أ). It represents a glottal stop, like the sound in the middle of 'uh-oh'.
Yes, 'Mata' is the universal word for 'When' in questions in Modern Standard Arabic.
Change the 'n' to a 'y': 'متى سيبدأون؟' (Mata sayabda'un).
The words 'Mata' and 'Bada'a' are used, but this specific future construction is more typical of Modern Standard Arabic.
Absolutely. It's very common in work-related WhatsApp or Slack messages.
The opposite is 'nantahi' (we finish). 'متى سننتهي؟' (When will we finish?)
Related Phrases
هيا بنا
builds onLet's go / Let's start
في أي وقت؟
similarAt what time?
حان الوقت
contrastThe time has come
من البداية
specialized formFrom the beginning
