In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for the end time of any shared activity.
- Very common in Egyptian dialect and understood across the Arab world.
- Can sound neutral or slightly impatient depending on your tone.
Meaning
This is the most common way to ask 'When are we finishing?' or 'When will we be done?' It is perfect for checking the end time of a meeting, a class, or even a long dinner with friends.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a long work meeting
يا جماعة، هنخلص امتى؟ ورايا ميعاد تاني.
Guys, when will we finish? I have another appointment.
Texting a friend who is at the gym
هنخلص امتى؟ أنا مستنيك في العربية.
When will we finish? I am waiting for you in the car.
Asking a teacher after a long class
يا دكتور، هنخلص امتى النهاردة؟
Doctor, when will we finish today?
Cultural Background
People often use 'بنخلص' instead of 'سننتهي'. Very similar to standard, but with a distinct accent.
Tone matters
Always smile when asking this to avoid sounding rude.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for the end time of any shared activity.
- Very common in Egyptian dialect and understood across the Arab world.
- Can sound neutral or slightly impatient depending on your tone.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to tool for managing your schedule. It literally asks for the end time of an ongoing activity. You use it when you are curious about when a task concludes. It is simple, direct, and very common in daily life.
How To Use It
You can drop this into almost any conversation. The word هنخلص starts with the future marker هـ. This tells everyone you are talking about the near future. Just add امتى at the end to turn it into a question. You do not need complex grammar to sound like a local here.
When To Use It
Use it during a long meeting at the office. Use it when you are at the gym with a trainer. Text it to a friend who is taking too long to get ready. It works perfectly when you are stuck in a boring lecture. It is great for planning your next move after the current task.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it with a very high-ranking boss if you look bored. It might sound like you are rushing them or being disrespectful. Do not use it during a romantic first date too early. It might imply you are not enjoying the person's company. Tone is everything when you ask this specific question.
Cultural Background
Time in the Middle East, especially Egypt, can be quite flexible. When you ask هنخلص امتى؟, you might hear كمان خمس دقائق (five more minutes). In reality, that could mean twenty minutes or an hour. This phrase is a polite way to nudge the 'Insha'Allah' clock forward. It reflects the social nature of doing things together until they are truly finished.
Common Variations
If you are asking about a specific person, say هتخلص امتى؟ for 'When will you finish?'. For a group of people you are not part of, use هيخلصوا امتى؟. If you want to sound more casual, just say خلصنا؟ which means 'Are we done?'. You can also add يا ترى at the start for a 'I wonder' vibe.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral but leans toward informal. In a professional setting, always pair it with a respectful address like 'Ya Gama'a' (Guys) or 'Ya Afandem' (Sir) to avoid sounding like you are rushing the speaker.
Tone matters
Always smile when asking this to avoid sounding rude.
Examples
6يا جماعة، هنخلص امتى؟ ورايا ميعاد تاني.
Guys, when will we finish? I have another appointment.
Adding a reason makes the question sound more professional and less impatient.
هنخلص امتى؟ أنا مستنيك في العربية.
When will we finish? I am waiting for you in the car.
Using 'we' even if only one person is working out is common among close friends.
يا دكتور، هنخلص امتى النهاردة؟
Doctor, when will we finish today?
Adding a title like 'Doctor' or 'Professor' keeps it respectful.
هنخلص امتى؟ أنا عايزة أنام!
When will we finish? I want to sleep!
A classic humorous complaint between couples at social events.
بجد هنخلص امتى الكلام ده؟
Seriously, when will we finish this talk?
The word 'begad' (seriously) adds a layer of emotional exhaustion.
هو إحنا هنخلص امتى؟ الأكل اتأخر قوي.
When are we going to be done? The food is very late.
Shows frustration about a delay in service.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct future tense.
متى ____ (ن-ه-ي)؟
The future tense requires the 'سـ' prefix.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'هنخلص امتى؟'
Texting a sibling or best friend.
هنخلص امتى؟ جعت!
Asking a colleague or a group of peers.
يا جماعة هنخلص امتى؟
Asking a supervisor (requires a title).
يا فندم هنخلص امتى؟
Where to use 'هنخلص امتى؟'
Office Meeting
When the agenda is too long.
Gym Session
Asking the coach about the last set.
Family Gathering
Checking when dinner will be served.
Study Group
Planning the end of a library session.
Practice Bank
1 exercisesمتى ____ (ن-ه-ي)؟
The future tense requires the 'سـ' prefix.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsOnly if you sound impatient.
Related Phrases
كم تبقى؟
similarHow much is left?
