Meaning
To arrive late for classes or educational activities.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, 'Al-Dirasah' is often synonymous with 'Al-Madrassa' (school) or 'Al-Dars' (private lesson). Private tutoring is huge in Egypt, and being late for a private tutor is often seen as more serious than being late for public school because of the direct cost involved. In Saudi schools, punctuality is strictly monitored with electronic attendance systems in many modern institutions. However, during the month of Ramadan, school timings change, and the phrase 'تأخر عن الدراسة' is heard more often as students struggle with shifted sleep schedules. There is a strong emphasis on 'Indibat' (discipline). Being late is often met with a 'Tahdhir' (warning). The phrase is used formally in student files. Due to the influence of the French educational system, punctuality is very formal. The Arabic phrase is used alongside the French 'en retard'.
The 'An' Rule
Always remember: Late FROM (an), not Late TO (ila). This is the hallmark of a good Arabic speaker.
Don't use for work
If you are at your job, swap 'Al-Dirasah' for 'Al-Amal'. Using 'study' at work sounds very strange!
Meaning
To arrive late for classes or educational activities.
The 'An' Rule
Always remember: Late FROM (an), not Late TO (ila). This is the hallmark of a good Arabic speaker.
Don't use for work
If you are at your job, swap 'Al-Dirasah' for 'Al-Amal'. Using 'study' at work sounds very strange!
Active Participle
Use 'Ana muta'akhkhir' (I am late) for a state, and 'Ta'akhkhartu' (I was late) for an action.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition.
تأخر الطالب ____ الدراسة.
The verb 'ta'akhkhara' always takes 'an' when referring to being late for an event.
Choose the correct present tense conjugation for 'We'.
نحن ____ عن الدراسة دائماً.
'Nata'akhkhar' is the first-person plural present tense form.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
المعلم: لماذا أنت متأخر؟ الطالب: أعتذر يا أستاذ، ____ بسبب الزحام.
The student is providing an excuse for their tardiness.
Match the sentence to the correct CEFR level.
Sentence: 'تعتبر ظاهرة التأخر عن الدراسة مؤشراً على ضعف الانضباط.'
The use of 'phenomenon' and 'indicator' marks this as advanced academic Arabic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesتأخر الطالب ____ الدراسة.
The verb 'ta'akhkhara' always takes 'an' when referring to being late for an event.
نحن ____ عن الدراسة دائماً.
'Nata'akhkhar' is the first-person plural present tense form.
المعلم: لماذا أنت متأخر؟ الطالب: أعتذر يا أستاذ، ____ بسبب الزحام.
The student is providing an excuse for their tardiness.
Sentence: 'تعتبر ظاهرة التأخر عن الدراسة مؤشراً على ضعف الانضباط.'
The use of 'phenomenon' and 'indicator' marks this as advanced academic Arabic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, although you might specifically say 'تأخر عن المحاضرة' (late for the lecture), 'تأخر عن الدراسة' is a perfect general term.
It is neutral. It is used in both daily speech and formal writing.
The opposite is 'حضر في الموعد' (attended on time) or 'جاء مبكراً' (came early).
'An' implies a distance or deviation from the start time. 'Fi' would imply being late while already inside the process.
Say: 'آسف على التأخير' (Sorry for the delay) or 'أعتذر لأنني تأخرت'.
In many dialects, people say 'إتأخرت' (It'akhart) without the rest of the phrase if the context is clear.
No, for late homework, use 'تأخر في تسليم الواجب' (late in submitting the homework).
Absolutely. It applies to any form of educational attendance.
It is the verbal noun for 'studying' or 'the study'.
Yes, it is a soft 't' as in 'tea'.
Related Phrases
فاتته الحصة
similarHe missed the class.
تخلف عن الحضور
specialized formFailed to attend.
التزم بالوقت
contrastTo be punctual / stick to the time.
تأخر عن العمل
similarTo be late for work.
