تمام، الساعة خمسة
Tamam, al-sa'a khamsa
Perfect, at five
Literally: Perfect, the hour five
In 15 Seconds
- A universal way to confirm a scheduled plan or meeting time.
- Combines 'perfect/okay' with a specific hour for clear communication.
- Works in both casual social settings and professional work environments.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for confirming a plan or appointment. It tells the other person that you agree with the time and everything is set.
Key Examples
3 of 6Confirming a coffee date with a friend
تمام، الساعة خمسة في الكافيه.
Perfect, at five at the cafe.
Texting a colleague about a quick call
تمام، الساعة خمسة بنحكي.
Perfect, we will talk at five.
A boss confirming a deadline with an employee
أريد التقرير جاهزاً. تمام، الساعة خمسة؟
I want the report ready. Perfect, at five?
Cultural Background
In Egypt, 'Tamam' is often followed by 'Ya basha' (boss) or 'Ya rayyes' (chief) to show a bit of friendly respect. People in Lebanon or Syria might swap 'Tamam' for 'Mashi' or 'Yalla', but 'Tamam' is widely used for firm agreements. In Saudi Arabia, 'Tamam' is very common, but you'll also hear 'Abshar' (with pleasure) as a more polite alternative. While 'Wakha' is the king of 'OK' in Morocco, 'Tamam' is understood due to the influence of Middle Eastern TV shows.
The 'Tamam' Nod
When saying 'Tamam', a slight single nod of the head makes you sound 100% more like a native speaker.
AM vs PM
Arabic usually doesn't use AM/PM in casual speech. Context usually implies PM for social plans. If you need to be sure, add 'masa'an' (evening).
In 15 Seconds
- A universal way to confirm a scheduled plan or meeting time.
- Combines 'perfect/okay' with a specific hour for clear communication.
- Works in both casual social settings and professional work environments.
What It Means
This phrase is the ultimate 'deal sealer' in Arabic. When you say تمام، الساعة خمسة, you are doing two things. First, you are expressing total agreement with تمام. Second, you are locking in the specific time. It is short, clear, and very satisfying to say. It feels like a verbal handshake. You are telling your friend or colleague that the plan is solid.
How To Use It
You use this phrase after someone suggests a time. If they say, 'Can we meet later?', you reply with this. You can also use it to start a suggestion. Just say the phrase and wait for a nod. The word تمام acts like a green light. The word الساعة simply means 'the hour' or 'o'clock'. Together, they make you sound decisive and organized. It works perfectly in person or over a quick text.
When To Use It
Use it when you are finishing a conversation about plans. It is great for meeting friends for a late afternoon coffee. Use it in the office when scheduling a quick sync-up. It is also perfect for confirming a delivery time with a courier. If you are texting, adding a thumbs-up emoji makes it even better. It shows you are reliable and ready to go.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are actually unsure about the time. In many Arabic-speaking cultures, being vague is common. If you say تمام, people will expect you to actually show up. Avoid using it in extremely formal legal settings. In a court of law, you would use more formal vocabulary. Also, do not use it if the time is actually 5:00 AM unless you are a morning person!
Cultural Background
Time in the Arab world can be a flexible concept. You might hear people joke about 'Arab time' being a bit late. However, using تمام shows a modern, punctual attitude. It is a very common word across almost all Arabic dialects. It comes from the root meaning 'complete' or 'full'. By saying this, you are saying the plan is now 'complete'. It bridges the gap between traditional hospitality and modern business needs.
Common Variations
You can swap تمام for ماشي (Mashi) which means 'walking' or 'okay'. In the Levant, you might hear طيب (Tayyib) which means 'good'. If you want to be more religious, add إن شاء الله (Insha'Allah) at the end. This adds a layer of cultural politeness to your confirmation. You can also change the number to any hour you need. For example, الساعة ستة for six o'clock.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social or professional situation. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it a safe choice for learners.
The 'Tamam' Nod
When saying 'Tamam', a slight single nod of the head makes you sound 100% more like a native speaker.
AM vs PM
Arabic usually doesn't use AM/PM in casual speech. Context usually implies PM for social plans. If you need to be sure, add 'masa'an' (evening).
The Insha'Allah Factor
Adding 'إن شاء الله' (Insha'Allah) after 'تمام، الساعة خمسة' is very common and adds a layer of cultural politeness.
Examples
6تمام، الساعة خمسة في الكافيه.
Perfect, at five at the cafe.
Adding the location makes the plan even more solid.
تمام، الساعة خمسة بنحكي.
Perfect, we will talk at five.
The word 'ben-haki' adds the action of talking/calling.
أريد التقرير جاهزاً. تمام، الساعة خمسة؟
I want the report ready. Perfect, at five?
Here, it is used as a question to ensure agreement.
قلت تمام، الساعة خمسة... مش ستة!
I said perfect, at five... not six!
A playful way to remind someone to be punctual.
أنا متشوق لرؤيتك. تمام، الساعة خمسة.
I am excited to see you. Perfect, at five.
Shows commitment to a meaningful reunion.
تمام، الساعة خمسة. لا تتأخر!
Perfect, at five. Don't be late!
A very common casual texting style.
Test Yourself
Complete the confirmation for 5:00.
____، الساعة خمسة.
'Tamam' is the correct word for 'OK/Great' in this context.
Which is the most natural way to confirm a 5:00 meeting in a text?
How do you say 'OK, 5:00'?
The word order is 'As-sa'a' then the number.
Complete the dialogue.
A: نلتقي بكرة؟ B: ماشي، أي ساعة؟ A: الساعة خمسة مناسب؟ B: ____.
The speaker is agreeing to the suggested time.
Match the response to the situation.
Your boss says: 'The meeting is at 5:00.'
This is a safe, professional-yet-friendly response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Time
Practice Bank
4 exercises____، الساعة خمسة.
'Tamam' is the correct word for 'OK/Great' in this context.
How do you say 'OK, 5:00'?
The word order is 'As-sa'a' then the number.
A: نلتقي بكرة؟ B: ماشي، أي ساعة؟ A: الساعة خمسة مناسب؟ B: ____.
The speaker is agreeing to the suggested time.
Your boss says: 'The meeting is at 5:00.'
This is a safe, professional-yet-friendly response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's considered 'White Arabic' or dialectal. In formal writing, use 'حسناً' or 'جيد'.
Technically yes, but people will assume 5:00 PM unless you are talking about a sunrise hike or a flight.
Say 'تمام، الساعة خمسة ونص' (Tamam, as-sa'a khamsa wa nuss).
Usually no, as long as your tone is respectful. It's very common in modern offices.
'Al-khamisa' is the ordinal 'fifth'. While correct, it sounds like a textbook. 'Khamsa' is what people actually say.
It means 'OK' or 'Agreed'. For a simple 'Yes', use 'Na'am' or 'Aywa'.
Yes! 'Tamam' on its own is a complete answer to almost any proposal.
The root is T-M-M (ت م م), which means to be complete or finished.
Yes, but 'Wakha' is more common there. Everyone will still understand 'Tamam'.
You can write it exactly as: تمام، الساعة ٥.
Related Phrases
ماشِي الحال
similarIt's going okay / Things are fine
على خيرة الله
specialized formBy the grace of God (let's do it)
اتفقنا
synonymWe agreed / Deal
تم
builds onDone / Confirmed
