متى يجب أن أُرجع الكتاب؟
mata yajib an urji' alkitab?
When do I need to return the book?
Literally: Necessary I return the book when?
In 15 Seconds
- Use 'laazim' to express a necessary obligation or requirement.
- Place 'imta' at the end for a natural, conversational flow.
- Swap 'al-kitaab' with any object you have borrowed from someone.
Meaning
This is how you ask for a deadline. It literally means 'When must I return the book?' but it works for anything you've borrowed.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a university library
لازم أرجع الكتاب إمتى؟
When do I need to return the book?
Borrowing a friend's charger
لازم أرجع الشاحن إمتى؟
When do I need to return the charger?
Asking a neighbor about a borrowed ladder
يا جار، لازم أرجع السلم إمتى؟
Neighbor, when should I return the ladder?
Cultural Background
Libraries (Maktabat) are historically revered. Asking for a return date is seen as a sign of a 'Talib 'Ilm' (seeker of knowledge) who respects the tools of learning. While MSA is used in writing, in person, an Egyptian might say 'Araga' el-ketab'. They are generally flexible with deadlines but appreciate the formal inquiry. In countries like Lebanon or Syria, borrowing books is a common social glue. Returning a book often comes with a verbal review or discussion of the content. Modern public libraries in cities like Dubai or Doha are highly automated. You might ask this to a digital kiosk or a staff member to ensure you understand the SMS alerts.
The 'An' Rule
Always remember that 'an' is the bridge between 'must' and the action. Without it, the sentence falls apart in MSA.
Don't say 'Ila'
Do not say 'Urji'a ila al-kitab'. Just say 'Urji'a al-kitab'. The book is the direct object.
In 15 Seconds
- Use 'laazim' to express a necessary obligation or requirement.
- Place 'imta' at the end for a natural, conversational flow.
- Swap 'al-kitaab' with any object you have borrowed from someone.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for checking deadlines. It uses the word laazim, which means 'must' or 'necessary'. It is a very common way to express obligation in spoken Arabic. You are basically asking for the 'due date' of an item. It is simple, direct, and very practical for daily life.
How To Use It
To use this, start with laazim. Then add the verb arja'a (I return). You can swap al-kitaab (the book) for anything else. Want to return a pen? Say al-qalam. Borrowed a car? Say al-sayyara. Put the question word imta (when) at the end. In Egyptian and Levantine Arabic, we love putting 'when' at the end of the sentence. It feels more natural and less like a textbook.
When To Use It
Use this at the library or with a friend. It is perfect when someone lends you something. It shows you are responsible and care about their stuff. You can also use it in a professional setting. If a boss gives you a file, this phrase works perfectly. It is a great way to clarify expectations immediately.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are giving something back. It is only for when you are holding the item. Also, don't use it for appointments. If you are asking when a meeting starts, use a different verb. Using arja'a implies a physical object is moving back to its owner. Don't use it for people unless you want to sound like a kidnapper!
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, borrowing is a sign of trust. People are often very generous with their belongings. However, there is a strong unspoken rule about returning things in good condition. Asking imta shows you respect the owner's time. In some circles, the owner might say 'keep it!' out of politeness. This is called 'karam' (generosity). If they do, you should still insist on a return date at least once.
Common Variations
You can change the verb slightly depending on the dialect. In some places, you might hear mita instead of imta. You can also say al-mafroud instead of laazim to sound a bit more 'should' than 'must'. If you are talking to a friend, you can just say arja'o imta? (Return it when?). This drops the 'must' part and sounds very casual. It’s like saying 'When's this due?' among buddies.
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly safe for A2 learners. It uses a standard 'Must + Verb + Object' structure that is easy to memorize and adapt.
The 'An' Rule
Always remember that 'an' is the bridge between 'must' and the action. Without it, the sentence falls apart in MSA.
Don't say 'Ila'
Do not say 'Urji'a ila al-kitab'. Just say 'Urji'a al-kitab'. The book is the direct object.
Politeness Matters
Start the phrase with 'Afwan' (Excuse me) or 'Law samaht' (If you please) when asking a librarian.
Examples
6لازم أرجع الكتاب إمتى؟
When do I need to return the book?
Standard use for a formal borrowing system.
لازم أرجع الشاحن إمتى؟
When do I need to return the charger?
Very common in daily life with electronics.
يا جار، لازم أرجع السلم إمتى؟
Neighbor, when should I return the ladder?
Friendly and respectful neighborly interaction.
لازم أرجع الكشكول إمتى؟
When do I need to return the notebook?
Short and direct for a quick text message.
لازم أرجع الساندوتش ده إمتى؟ هههه
When do I need to return this sandwich? Haha
A joke implying you won't return it because you'll eat it.
أنا عارف إنها غالية، لازم أرجعها إمتى؟
I know it's precious, when must I return it?
Shows care for an item with emotional value.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct word for 'must'.
متى ____ أن أُرجع الكتاب؟
'Yajibu' is the standard verb for 'must' or 'it is necessary' in this context.
Which of these is the correct formal way to ask for a return date?
Select the correct sentence:
This version includes the necessary particle 'an' and the correct verb form.
Match the Arabic word to its English function in the phrase.
Match the following:
Each word corresponds to its literal translation in the phrase.
Complete the dialogue at the library.
Librarian: تفضل، هذا هو كتابك. Learner: شكراً. ________؟ Librarian: بعد أسبوعين من الآن.
The librarian's answer 'After two weeks' indicates the question was about the deadline.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمتى ____ أن أُرجع الكتاب؟
'Yajibu' is the standard verb for 'must' or 'it is necessary' in this context.
Select the correct sentence:
This version includes the necessary particle 'an' and the correct verb form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each word corresponds to its literal translation in the phrase.
Librarian: تفضل، هذا هو كتابك. Learner: شكراً. ________؟ Librarian: بعد أسبوعين من الآن.
The librarian's answer 'After two weeks' indicates the question was about the deadline.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, in spoken Arabic 'Lazem' is much more common. However, in writing or formal exams, 'Yajibu' is preferred.
Because of the particle 'an', which puts the verb in the subjunctive mood.
Just swap 'Al-Kitab' with 'Al-Mafatih': متى يجب أن أُرجع المفاتيح؟
Yes, Modern Standard Arabic is the universal language of education and media across all 22 Arab nations.
Related Phrases
أريد أن أستعير هذا الكتاب
builds onI want to borrow this book
هل يمكنني تمديد الإعارة؟
similarCan I extend the loan?
أعدتُ الكتاب في الموعد
similarI returned the book on time
لقد تأخرتُ في إرجاع الكتاب
contrastI am late in returning the book
