At the A1 level, 'متى ما' (Mataa maa) is introduced as a simple way to say 'whenever' in a future context. You can think of it as a more flexible version of 'when.' Beginners use it to express that an action is not tied to a specific time, but rather to a condition. For instance, 'Whenever you want' (متى ما تريد) is a very useful phrase for social interactions. At this stage, learners should focus on recognizing the word and understanding that the 'maa' at the end changes the meaning from a question ('When?') to a statement ('Whenever'). You will mostly see it followed by common verbs like 'want' (تريد), 'come' (تأتي), or 'finish' (تنتهي). It helps you sound more polite and accommodating when making plans with friends. Don't worry about complex grammar rules yet; just treat it as a fixed phrase that means 'at any time that.' It’s a great way to show you are open to different timings. You might hear it in simple classroom instructions like 'Raise your hand whenever you have a question.' Learning this word early on gives you a tool to handle uncertainty in time without needing to know specific hours or days. It is a foundational block for building more complex conditional sentences later in your Arabic journey. Remember, the key at A1 is to use it to offer choices to others, which is a big part of Arabic hospitality and culture. Practice saying 'متى ما شئت' (whenever you wish) to sound like a natural and polite beginner.
At the A2 level, you start to see how 'متى ما' functions within a full sentence structure. You will learn that it connects two parts: the condition and the result. For example, 'Whenever you arrive, call me.' You'll notice that it is often followed by a verb in the past tense (متى ما وصلتَ) or the present tense. At this level, you should begin to distinguish between 'متى' as a question and 'متى ما' as a connector. You will also start using it in more varied contexts, like describing simple routines or making promises. It's important to start noticing the 'fa-' particle that sometimes appears in the second half of the sentence, especially if the second half starts with 'I am' or 'you are.' For example, 'Whenever you need me, I am here' (متى ما احتجتني فأنا هنا). This 'fa-' is like a bridge. You'll also encounter 'متى ما' in simple stories or instructions. It allows you to move beyond fixed schedules and talk about possibilities. A2 learners should practice using it with a variety of verbs to gain confidence in how it sounds. You might also start hearing dialectal variations, but focusing on the MSA 'متى ما' will give you a strong foundation. It is a step up from 'when' because it introduces the idea of a 'trigger' for an action. This is the beginning of your journey into Arabic conditional logic, which is a very expressive part of the language.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'متى ما' in both spoken and written Modern Standard Arabic. You will understand that it is a 'conditional tool' (أداة شرط) and you'll start to pay more attention to the verb moods that follow it. In formal writing, 'متى ما' can make the following present tense verbs 'majzum' (jussive). This means you might see 'متى ما تذهبْ' instead of 'تذهبُ'. B1 learners should also be able to explain the difference between 'متى ما' and 'كلما'. You'll use 'متى ما' for specific conditions (Whenever the rain stops, we will go) and 'كلما' for repetitive ones (Whenever I see him, he is smiling). This level requires you to use the word in more professional or academic contexts, such as explaining a process or a rule. You might use it in a presentation to say, 'Whenever the pressure increases, the valve opens.' You are also expected to use the 'fa-' particle correctly in the response clause. Your sentences will become more complex, perhaps including multiple conditions. You'll also start to appreciate the nuance it brings to literature, where it can create a sense of inevitable timing. Practice writing short paragraphs where you set conditions for different outcomes using 'متى ما'. This will help you master the logical flow of Arabic sentences. You'll also encounter it in news reports about international agreements and triggers for political actions, which are common topics for B1 learners.
As a B2 learner, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'متى ما' and its place among other temporal and conditional particles. You can use it fluently to express complex, hypothetical, or legalistic conditions. You should be aware of its historical roots and how it differs from 'أيان' (Ayyaana) or 'حينما' (Heenamaa). At this level, you can use 'متى ما' to create sophisticated arguments, such as 'Whenever the state fails to provide services, social unrest increases.' You are expected to have perfect control over the jussive mood if you choose to use it, and you should intuitively know when to use the 'fa-' particle in the response. You will also be able to recognize 'متى ما' in more dense literary texts, such as modern novels or classical essays, and understand the specific tone it conveys—one of formal, indefinite temporal conditionality. You should be able to debate the merits of different conditional tools and why a writer might choose 'متى ما' over 'إذا' or 'إن'. Your speaking should reflect this as well; you can use it to set terms in a negotiation or to express a philosophical point about time. You might also explore how 'متى ما' is used in different Arabic dialects and how the 'maa' is sometimes dropped or modified, while still maintaining the MSA standard in your own formal production. This level is about precision and style, using the word not just for its meaning but for its formal weight.
At the C1 level, your mastery of 'متى ما' involves a deep understanding of its grammatical classification as an 'adverb of time used for condition' (ظرف زمان متضمن معنى الشرط). You can analyze its use in classical texts, including the Quran and Hadith, and understand the subtle rhetorical effects it produces. You should be able to use it in high-level academic writing, such as a thesis or a legal brief, where temporal triggers must be defined with absolute clarity. You will understand the debate among grammarians about the 'augmenting maa' (ما الزائدة) and its role in broadening the scope of the adverb. You can effortlessly switch between different conditional structures to vary your style, using 'متى ما' when you want to emphasize the indefiniteness of time. You are also sensitive to the rhythmic and prosodic qualities of the phrase in poetry. In professional settings, you use it to stipulate complex contractual obligations. Your understanding of the word is now integrated with a broad knowledge of Arabic syntax and semantics, allowing you to interpret the slightest shifts in meaning when 'متى ما' is used instead of its synonyms. You can also provide detailed explanations of its usage to lower-level learners, demonstrating a meta-linguistic awareness. At this stage, the word is a flexible tool in your vast linguistic arsenal, used with precision, elegance, and a full understanding of its historical and grammatical weight.
At the C2 level, 'متى ما' is used with the effortless precision of a highly educated native speaker or a scholar of the language. You possess an exhaustive understanding of its syntactic behavior across all historical stages of Arabic, from Pre-Islamic poetry to contemporary legal and philosophical discourse. You can identify and employ the most subtle nuances, such as using 'متى ما' to evoke a specific classical style or to meet strict formal requirements in constitutional law. Your grasp of the jussive mood and the 'fa-' of response is instinctive and flawless, even in the most convoluted sentence structures. You can engage in high-level linguistic analysis of the particle 'maa' and its various functions when attached to temporal adverbs. In your own creative or academic writing, you use 'متى ما' to orchestrate complex temporal relationships, showing a masterly control over the language's logical and rhetorical structures. You are also aware of the most obscure synonyms and archaic variants of the phrase. Whether you are interpreting a difficult classical text or drafting a high-stakes diplomatic document, your use of 'متى ما' reflects a profound immersion in the Arabic linguistic tradition. You can move between registers with ease, knowing exactly when 'متى ما' is the most effective choice to achieve a specific communicative goal. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a reflection of your complete command over the architecture of the Arabic language.

متى ما 30秒了解

  • A compound phrase used to mean 'whenever' in Arabic.
  • Functions as a conditional tool connecting a time trigger to a result.
  • Commonly used in both formal Modern Standard Arabic and daily conversation.
  • Often requires the 'fa-' particle if the response is a noun phrase.
The Arabic phrase متى ما (Mataa maa) is a powerful and versatile temporal conditional tool used to express the concept of 'whenever' or 'at whatever time.' Linguistically, it is a compound formed by the interrogative adverb متى (when) and the generalizing particle ما (maa). In Arabic grammar, this ما is often referred to as ما الزائدة (the extra or augmenting 'maa') or ما الشرطية (the conditional 'maa'), which serves to broaden the scope of the time being referred to from a specific point to any indefinite point in the future or past that meets a certain condition. When an Arabic speaker uses متى ما, they are creating a conditional relationship between two actions: the first action (the condition) and the second action (the result). For example, in the sentence 'Whenever you arrive, we will start,' the act of starting is entirely dependent on the timing of the arrival, regardless of when that might be. This flexibility makes it an essential tool for daily conversation, formal agreements, and literary expressions.
Grammatical Function
It acts as a conditional instrument (أداة شرط) that typically introduces a conditional sentence requiring a verb of condition and a verb of response.

سأكون جاهزاً متى ما اتصلت بي. (I will be ready whenever you call me.)

In social contexts, this phrase is used to show hospitality and flexibility. If a host says 'Visit us whenever you want,' using متى ما, it removes the pressure of a specific appointment, signaling an open-door policy. Historically, in Classical Arabic, this structure was used to define laws and logical premises where a result follows a temporal trigger. It is found in legal texts to define the timing of obligations.
Semantic Range
It spans from casual everyday promises to strict legal conditions, always maintaining the core meaning of temporal indefiniteness.

متى ما تذاكر تنجح. (Whenever you study, you succeed.)

يمكنك البدء متى ما شئت. (You can start whenever you wish.)

Common Pairing
Often paired with verbs like 'shaa'a' (to wish) or 'arada' (to want) to give agency to the listener.

اخبرني متى ما انتهيت. (Tell me whenever you have finished.)

نحن هنا متى ما احتجت إلينا. (We are here whenever you need us.)

Understanding how to construct sentences with متى ما requires a grasp of Arabic conditional structures. While it is categorized as an adverbial phrase, its behavior is governed by the rules of الشرط (the condition). In formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), متى ما can act as a جازم (jussive trigger), meaning it can place the following verbs in the jussive mood. However, in contemporary usage and across many literary contexts, it is frequently followed by the past tense verb to indicate a condition, or the present tense in the indicative mood for simplicity. The structure usually follows the pattern: [Mataa maa] + [Verb 1 (Condition)] + [Verb 2 (Result/Response)]. If the response is a nominal sentence (starting with a noun), it must be preceded by the particle فـ (fa-). This 'fa-' acts as a bridge between the time condition and the resulting state.
Sentence Structure 1
Conditional Verb + Result Verb: متى ما تزرني أكرمك (Whenever you visit me, I will honor you).

متى ما تطلب المساعدة، تجدني بجانبك. (Whenever you ask for help, you find me by your side.)

When using متى ما in the middle of a sentence, it often functions as a relative adverb. For instance, 'I will leave whenever the rain stops.' Here, it connects the main clause to a temporal condition. It is important to distinguish this from كلما (kullamaa). While both can mean 'whenever,' كلما implies a repetitive or progressive correlation (the more... the more), whereas متى ما is purely about the timing of a single or general occurrence.
Sentence Structure 2
Main Clause + [Mataa maa] + Condition: سنسافر متى ما سمح الوقت (We will travel whenever time allows).

اتصل بي متى ما وصلت إلى الفندق. (Call me whenever you reach the hotel.)

متى ما كانت الفرصة متاحة، سنبدأ المشروع. (Whenever the opportunity is available, we will start the project.)

The Role of 'Maa'
The 'maa' removes the specific 'when' question and turns it into an indefinite temporal condition.

سأدفع لك متى ما استلمت راتبي. (I will pay you whenever I receive my salary.)

متى ما نضجت الثمار، حان وقت الحصاد. (Whenever the fruits ripen, it is time for harvest.)

In the modern Arab world, متى ما is a staple of news broadcasts, professional emails, and formal speeches. You will hear it in the opening statements of diplomatic meetings, where a leader might say, 'We are ready for peace whenever the other side is.' It conveys a sense of readiness and lack of temporal restriction. In business, it is used to discuss deliverables: 'The report will be sent whenever the data is finalized.' This usage is preferred in professional settings because it sounds more precise and sophisticated than the colloquial alternatives. However, do not think it is restricted to the elite; you will hear it in moderately formal social gatherings or when someone is trying to be very clear about a condition. For example, a teacher explaining a rule to students will use متى ما to ensure the rule is understood as a universal temporal condition.
News Context
Often used to describe political triggers: 'The sanctions will be lifted whenever the conditions are met.'

ستفتح الحدود متى ما استقرت الأوضاع الأمنية. (The borders will open whenever the security situation stabilizes.)

In literature and poetry, متى ما is used to create a sense of timelessness or inevitable consequence. A poet might use it to describe the arrival of spring or the return of a loved one. In Islamic scholarship and legal jurisprudence (Fiqh), this phrase is crucial for defining the timing of religious duties. For instance, 'Whenever the sun sets, the fast is broken.' Here, متى ما provides the legal trigger for the action.
Legal Context
Used to stipulate contract terms: 'Payment is due whenever the goods are delivered.'

يستحق الموظف المكافأة متى ما حقق الأهداف المطلوبة. (The employee is entitled to the bonus whenever they achieve the required goals.)

متى ما توفرت الأدلة، ستبدأ المحاكمة. (Whenever the evidence is available, the trial will begin.)

Social Context
Expressing hospitality: 'Our house is yours whenever you visit the city.'

سنخرج للتنزه متى ما تحسن الجو. (We will go for a walk whenever the weather improves.)

اتصل بي متى ما شعرت بالوحدة. (Call me whenever you feel lonely.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing متى ما with the simple interrogative متى. If you are asking a question like 'When is the meeting?', you must only use متى. Adding the ما turns it into a statement or a condition, not a question. Another common pitfall is the confusion with كلما. While English often translates both as 'whenever,' they are not interchangeable in Arabic. كلما is used for progressive correlation (e.g., 'The more I study, the more I learn'), whereas متى ما is for a specific but indefinite time trigger. Using متى ما in a progressive context sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Mistake 1: Questioning
Incorrect: متى ما الاجتماع؟ (Whenever is the meeting?) Correct: متى الاجتماع؟ (When is the meeting?)

تجنب استخدام متى ما في الأسئلة المباشرة. (Avoid using 'Mataa maa' in direct questions.)

Grammatically, learners often forget the 'fa-' particle when the response is a noun phrase. For example, 'Whenever you come, you are welcome' should be 'متى ما جئت فـأنت مرحب بك'. Omitting the 'fa-' is a common stylistic error that affects the flow and grammatical correctness in formal writing. Additionally, be careful with the verb moods. In high-level MSA, if you use a present tense verb after متى ما, it should technically be in the jussive (majzum) mood, which might involve dropping the final vowel or a weak letter.
Mistake 2: Missing 'Fa-'
Incorrect: متى ما احتجتني أنا هنا. Correct: متى ما احتجتني فأنا هنا.

لا تنسَ حرف الفاء قبل الجملة الاسمية في الجواب. (Don't forget the letter 'Fa' before a nominal sentence in the response.)

استخدم كلما للتكرار والاستمرار، وليس متى ما. (Use 'Kullamaa' for repetition and continuity, not 'Mataa maa'.)

Mistake 3: Tense Confusion
Using it for past habits instead of future conditions. It is primarily for future-oriented or general conditional time.

متى ما تذهب أذهب معك. (Whenever you go, I go with you - correctly using jussive/present.)

متى ما غابت الشمس، يحل الظلام. (Whenever the sun sets, darkness falls - general truth.)

Arabic offers several ways to express time-based conditions, and choosing the right one depends on the nuance you wish to convey. The most direct alternative to متى ما is أيان (Ayyaana), which is a more poetic and emphatic version of 'when/whenever,' often used in the Quran to refer to the Day of Judgment. However, أيان is rarely used in modern conversation. Another close relative is حينما (Heenamaa), which means 'at the time when.' While حينما can often be translated as whenever, it focuses more on the specific moment of occurrence rather than the conditional aspect. Then there is كلما (Kullamaa), which is frequently confused with متى ما. The key difference is that كلما implies a repetitive action or a proportional increase, whereas متى ما simply sets a temporal condition.
Comparison: Mataa maa vs. Kullamaa
Mataa maa = 'At whatever time' (Conditional). Kullamaa = 'Every time that' or 'The more... the more' (Repetitive/Proportional).

حينما تشرق الشمس، يستيقظ الناس. (When the sun rises, people wake up - focus on the point in time.)

For very casual settings, speakers often use وقت ما (Waqt maa) or ساعة ما (Sa'at maa), which literally mean 'the time that' or 'the hour that.' These are very common in Egyptian and Levantine dialects. In legal or highly formal MSA, you might see في حال (Fee haal), which means 'in the event that,' though this is more about the situation than the specific timing. Understanding these nuances allows you to transition from a basic learner to a more sophisticated speaker who can match their vocabulary to the context.
Comparison: Mataa maa vs. In
Mataa maa focuses on the timing (Whenever). 'In' (إن) focuses on the possibility (If).

وقت ما تحب، أنا موجود. (Dialect: Whenever you like, I'm here.)

كلما قرأت أكثر، عرفت أكثر. (The more you read, the more you know.)

Summary Table
Mataa maa: Temporal Condition | Kullamaa: Temporal Repetition | Heenamaa: Temporal Point | In: Logical Condition.

سأصل متى ما استطعت. (I will arrive whenever I can.)

كن حذراً حينما تعبر الطريق. (Be careful when you cross the road.)

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The 'maa' in 'mataa maa' is called 'maa al-za'ida' by grammarians, but its function is far from 'extra'—it is what gives the word its conditional power.

发音指南

UK /ˈmætə mɑː/
US /ˈmætə mɑ/
Stress is evenly distributed, but slightly more on the first syllable of 'Mataa' and the long vowel of 'maa'.
押韵词
Hataa (until) Lamaa (when - poetic) Ramaa (threw) Samaa (sky) Namaa (grew) Damaa (bloodied) Ham maa (concerned) Kam maa (how much - dialect)
常见错误
  • Pronouncing 'Mataa' as 'Ma-tay'. It should be 'Ma-taa'.
  • Shortening the final 'maa' to a quick 'ma'. It must be long.
  • Merging the two words into one sound without a slight break.
  • Confusing the 't' sound with a 'th' sound.
  • Failing to emphasize the glottal stop if present in certain dialects.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the compound is learned.

写作 4/5

Challenging due to the 'fa-' particle and jussive mood requirements.

口语 3/5

Easy to use in fixed phrases, harder in complex conditions.

听力 2/5

Clear pronunciation and distinct from other particles.

接下来学什么

前置知识

متى ما إذا وقت كان

接下来学习

كلما حينما أيان أدوات الشرط الجزم

高级

أيان حيثما كيفما أنى لو

需要掌握的语法

Conditional Instruments (أدوات الشرط)

متى ما تذاكر تنجح.

The Jussive Mood (الجزم)

متى ما يأتِ (dropping the weak letter).

The Particle 'Fa' in Response (الفاء الرابطة لجواب الشرط)

متى ما جئت فأنت ضيفي.

Augmenting 'Maa' (ما الزائدة)

The 'maa' in 'mataa maa' or 'aynamaa'.

Temporal Adverbs (ظروف الزمان)

Usage of 'mataa' as a time indicator.

按水平分级的例句

1

متى ما تريد، اتصل بي.

Whenever you want, call me.

Simple use of 'whenever' with a common verb.

2

متى ما تأتي، نحن هنا.

Whenever you come, we are here.

Shows hospitality using 'whenever'.

3

متى ما نأكل؟

When do we eat? (Wait, this is wrong - should be 'متى نأكل')

Common mistake: using 'maa' in a question.

4

متى ما تنتهي، أخبرني.

Whenever you finish, tell me.

Using 'whenever' for a future completion.

5

متى ما تذهب، أذهب معك.

Whenever you go, I go with you.

Simple conditional relationship.

6

متى ما تشرق الشمس، أستيقظ.

Whenever the sun rises, I wake up.

Expressing a general temporal condition.

7

متى ما تشعر بالتعب، ارتح.

Whenever you feel tired, rest.

Giving advice based on a condition.

8

متى ما كنت جاهزاً، سنبدأ.

Whenever you are ready, we will start.

Conditional 'whenever' with 'to be'.

1

متى ما وصلتَ إلى البيت، فأرسل رسالة.

Whenever you reach home, send a message.

Note the use of 'fa-' before the imperative.

2

متى ما احتجتَ مساعدة، فأنا موجود.

Whenever you need help, I am here.

Using 'fa-' before a nominal sentence.

3

متى ما قرأتَ الكتاب، ستفهم الدرس.

Whenever you read the book, you will understand the lesson.

Past tense verb used for a future condition.

4

متى ما رأيتَ علي، سلمه على أهله.

Whenever you see Ali, greet his family for me.

Imperative response to a temporal condition.

5

متى ما نزل المطر، نمت الأشجار.

Whenever the rain falls, the trees grow.

General truth expressed with past tense verbs.

6

متى ما كان عندك وقت، زرنا.

Whenever you have time, visit us.

Conditional 'whenever' with 'kaana'.

7

متى ما طلبتَ العلم، نلتَ النجاح.

Whenever you seek knowledge, you attain success.

Formal conditional structure.

8

متى ما سافرتَ، خذ معك معطفاً.

Whenever you travel, take a coat with you.

Giving advice for a future event.

1

متى ما تذاكرْ دروسك، تنجحْ في الامتحان.

Whenever you study your lessons, you succeed in the exam.

Use of the jussive mood (majzum) in formal MSA.

2

متى ما تحترمِ الناس، يحترموك.

Whenever you respect people, they respect you.

Jussive mood with a plural verb (dropping the 'noon').

3

متى ما يأتِ الربيع، تتفتحِ الزهور.

Whenever spring comes, the flowers bloom.

Jussive mood with a weak-ended verb (dropping the 'ya').

4

متى ما تتوفرِ الإرادة، تذللِ الصعاب.

Whenever will is present, difficulties are overcome.

Abstract conditional using formal vocabulary.

5

متى ما التزمتَ بالقوانين، فأنت مواطن صالح.

Whenever you abide by the laws, you are a good citizen.

Nominal sentence response with 'fa-'.

6

متى ما غاب القط، لعب الفار.

Whenever the cat is away, the mouse plays.

Proverbial usage of 'mataa maa'.

7

متى ما استقرتِ الأسعار، انتعش السوق.

Whenever prices stabilize, the market recovers.

Business/Economic context.

8

متى ما وجدتم أي خطأ، فأخبرونا فوراً.

Whenever you find any error, tell us immediately.

Formal plural address with imperative response.

1

متى ما استمسكتِ الأمة بقيمها، سادت العالم.

Whenever the nation holds fast to its values, it leads the world.

High-level literary and political discourse.

2

متى ما أدركتَ الحقيقة، فستتغير نظرتك للحياة.

Whenever you realize the truth, your outlook on life will change.

Philosophical context with 'fa-' and 'sa-' for future.

3

متى ما اختلفَ الشركاء، انهارَ المشروع.

Whenever partners disagree, the project collapses.

Stating a general principle with past tense verbs.

4

متى ما تمَّ الاتفاق، سيتم توقيع العقد.

Whenever the agreement is finalized, the contract will be signed.

Legal/Professional trigger condition.

5

متى ما نضجَ الوعي، تلاشتِ الأوهام.

Whenever consciousness matures, illusions fade away.

Abstract/Intellectual context.

6

متى ما كانتِ الظروف مواتية، سنقوم بالرحلة.

Whenever conditions are favorable, we will undertake the journey.

Using 'kaana' in a conditional temporal sense.

7

متى ما انطلقتِ الرصاصة، فلا يمكن استعادتها.

Whenever the bullet is fired, it cannot be brought back.

Expressing irreversibility with 'fa-' and 'la'.

8

متى ما أخلصتَ في عملك، فسينعكس ذلك على نجاحك.

Whenever you are sincere in your work, that will reflect on your success.

Moral/Professional advice.

1

متى ما استبدَّ الحاكم، ضاعت حقوق الرعية.

Whenever the ruler becomes tyrannical, the rights of the subjects are lost.

Political philosophy using classical vocabulary.

2

متى ما تجردَ الباحثُ عن الهوى، أصابَ كبدَ الحقيقة.

Whenever the researcher strips away bias, they hit the heart of the truth.

Academic/Scientific context with metaphorical language.

3

متى ما طغتِ الماديات، ذبلتِ الروح.

Whenever materialism prevails, the spirit withers.

Spiritual/Philosophical discourse.

4

متى ما استوفى الطلبُ الشروطَ، فسيتمُّ البتُّ فيه.

Whenever the application meets the requirements, a decision will be made on it.

Formal administrative language.

5

متى ما تلاقتِ الأفكار، وُلدَ الإبداع.

Whenever ideas meet, creativity is born.

Poetic expression of a concept.

6

متى ما أُهملتِ الصيانة، تدهورتِ البنية التحتية.

Whenever maintenance is neglected, the infrastructure deteriorates.

Technical/Urban planning context.

7

متى ما تيقنَ المرءُ من هدفه، هانت عليه الصعاب.

Whenever one becomes certain of their goal, difficulties become easy for them.

Psychological/Motivational context.

8

متى ما فُتحَ بابُ الحوار، أُغلقَ بابُ النزاع.

Whenever the door of dialogue is opened, the door of conflict is closed.

Diplomatic/Rhetorical usage.

1

متى ما استقرأنا التاريخ، وجدنا سنناً لا تتبدل.

Whenever we scrutinize history, we find laws that do not change.

Historiographical analysis using high-level verbs.

2

متى ما تماهتِ الذاتُ مع الآخر، انصهرتِ الفوارق.

Whenever the self identifies with the other, differences melt away.

Sociological/Philosophical abstraction.

3

متى ما اشرأبتِ النفوسُ إلى المعالي، لم يثنها عائق.

Whenever souls aspire to greatness, no obstacle can deter them.

Classical poetic style and vocabulary.

4

متى ما استشرى الفسادُ في مفاصل الدولة، آذنتْ بالزوال.

Whenever corruption spreads through the joints of the state, it signals its demise.

Political science context with metaphorical imagery.

5

متى ما تجلى الحقُّ ببهائه، زهقَ الباطلُ تلقائياً.

Whenever truth manifests in its splendor, falsehood automatically vanishes.

Theological/Metaphysical discourse.

6

متى ما استنطقنا النصوص، كشفت لنا عن مكنوناتها.

Whenever we interrogate texts, they reveal their hidden meanings to us.

Literary criticism/Hermeneutics.

7

متى ما ارتقى الفكرُ الإنساني، تراجعت حدةُ التعصب.

Whenever human thought elevates, the intensity of fanaticism recedes.

Social evolution and intellectual history.

8

متى ما تضافرتِ الجهودُ الدولية، أمكنَ القضاءُ على الفقر.

Whenever international efforts combine, it becomes possible to eliminate poverty.

Global policy and humanitarian discourse.

常见搭配

متى ما شئت
متى ما أردت
متى ما توفرت
متى ما سمحت الظروف
متى ما انتهيت من
متى ما حان الوقت
متى ما وجدتم
متى ما استطعت
متى ما كنت جاهزاً
متى ما غابت

常用短语

متى ما شئت

— Whenever you wish. Used to give someone full freedom of timing.

تفضل بزيارتنا متى ما شئت.

متى ما تيسر

— Whenever it becomes easy/possible. Used for non-urgent tasks.

ادفع لي متى ما تيسر لك.

متى ما لزم الأمر

— Whenever necessary. Used in professional contexts.

سنتدخل متى ما لزم الأمر.

متى ما سمح الوقت

— Whenever time permits. A polite way to defer an action.

سأقرأ كتابك متى ما سمح الوقت.

متى ما كنت في الجوار

— Whenever you are in the neighborhood. An invitation.

مر علي متى ما كنت في الجوار.

متى ما سنحت الفرصة

— Whenever the opportunity arises.

سأخبره متى ما سنحت الفرصة.

متى ما اتفقنا

— Whenever we agree. Used in negotiations.

سنوقع العقد متى ما اتفقنا.

متى ما وصلت

— Whenever you arrive.

اتصل بي متى ما وصلت.

متى ما رأيت

— Whenever you see (it/him).

أخبرني متى ما رأيت أي تغيير.

متى ما احتجت

— Whenever you need (it).

اطلب المساعدة متى ما احتجت.

容易混淆的词

متى ما vs متى

A simple question 'When?'. 'متى ما' is a statement 'Whenever'.

متى ما vs كلما

Used for repeated actions or 'the more... the more'. 'متى ما' is for a single temporal condition.

متى ما vs عندما

Means 'when' (a specific time). 'متى ما' is 'whenever' (any time).

习语与表达

"متى ما غاب القط لعب الفار"

— When the cat is away, the mice will play. Refers to people misbehaving when authority is absent.

الموظفون يتكاسلون في غياب المدير؛ متى ما غاب القط لعب الفار.

Common/Proverbial
"متى ما كبر ابنك خاويه"

— When your son grows up, treat him as a brother. Advice on changing parenting styles.

نصيحة للأب: متى ما كبر ابنك خاويه.

Social/Traditional
"متى ما تم العقل نقص الكلام"

— When the mind is complete, speech decreases. Wisdom about silence and maturity.

الحكيم صامت دائماً؛ متى ما تم العقل نقص الكلام.

Literary/Philosophical
"متى ما صفا القلب صفا العمل"

— Whenever the heart is pure, the work is pure. About sincerity.

الإخلاص أساس النجاح؛ متى ما صفا القلب صفا العمل.

Religious/Moral
"متى ما ضاقت انفرجت"

— Whenever things get tight, they open up. Meaning relief comes after hardship.

لا تيأس من رحمة الله؛ متى ما ضاقت انفرجت.

Spiritual/Optimistic
"متى ما عرف السبب بطل العجب"

— Whenever the reason is known, the wonder ceases. About solving mysteries.

الآن فهمت لماذا فعل ذلك؛ متى ما عرف السبب بطل العجب.

Common/Logical
"متى ما استقام العود استقام الظل"

— Whenever the branch is straight, the shadow is straight. About integrity and its effects.

كن قدوة حسنة؛ متى ما استقام العود استقام الظل.

Literary/Moral
"متى ما زاد الشيء عن حده انقلب لضده"

— Whenever something exceeds its limit, it turns into its opposite. About moderation.

لا تبالغ في التدليل؛ متى ما زاد الشيء عن حده انقلب لضده.

Common/Wisdom
"متى ما نضجت الثمرة سقطت"

— Whenever the fruit ripens, it falls. About things happening at their natural time.

لا تستعجل الأمور؛ متى ما نضجت الثمرة سقطت.

Metaphorical
"متى ما صح العزم وضح السبيل"

— Whenever the resolve is sound, the path becomes clear. About determination.

عليك بالإرادة؛ متى ما صح العزم وضح السبيل.

Motivational

容易混淆

متى ما vs حينما

Both translate as 'when' or 'whenever'.

Heenamaa focuses on the specific point in time, while Mataa maa emphasizes the conditional nature of the timing.

حينما تشرق الشمس (at that moment) vs متى ما تشرق الشمس (whenever it happens).

متى ما vs أيان

Both are conditional time tools.

Ayyaana is archaic, poetic, and often refers to grand or terrifying future events like the Day of Judgment.

أيان يوم الدين؟ (When is the Day of Judgment?)

متى ما vs لما

Both relate to 'when'.

Lammaa is used for past events ('when it happened'). Mataa maa is for future or general conditions.

لما جاء (when he came) vs متى ما جاء (whenever he comes).

متى ما vs إذا

Both are conditional.

Idha is a general 'if/when' for certain future events. Mataa maa specifically highlights the 'any time' aspect.

إذا جاء نصر الله vs متى ما جاء نصر الله.

متى ما vs إن

Both are conditional.

In is purely logical 'if' (possibility). Mataa maa is temporal 'whenever'.

إن تدرس تنجح vs متى ما تدرس تنجح.

句型

A1

متى ما + [verb], [verb].

متى ما تريد، نذهب.

A2

متى ما + [past verb], فـ + [nominal sentence].

متى ما وصلت فأنا هنا.

B1

متى ما + [jussive verb], [jussive verb].

متى ما تزرني أكرمك.

B2

متى ما + [past verb], [future verb].

متى ما انتهيت سأتصل بك.

C1

متى ما + [complex noun phrase condition], [result].

متى ما استوفيت الشروط نلت المنحة.

C2

متى ما + [passive verb condition], [result].

متى ما أُعلن القرار بدأت الإجراءات.

General

[main clause] متى ما [condition].

سأحضر متى ما استطعت.

Polite

متى ما شئت / أردت.

تفضل متى ما شئت.

词族

名词

متى (The 'when' - rarely used as a noun)
توقيت (Timing)
وقت (Time)

动词

وقت (To time - rarely used from this root)
واقت (To coincide)

形容词

مؤقت (Temporary)
وقتي (Temporal)

相关

كلما
حينما
عندما
لما
إذا

如何使用

frequency

High in formal speech and writing; medium in casual conversation.

常见错误
  • متى ما الاجتماع؟ متى الاجتماع؟

    You cannot use 'maa' in a direct question. 'Mataa' is for questions; 'Mataa maa' is for conditions.

  • متى ما جئت أنا هنا. متى ما جئت فأنا هنا.

    Missing the 'fa-' particle before a nominal sentence response. It's grammatically required in formal Arabic.

  • متى ما أقرأ أكثر، أعرف أكثر. كلما قرأت أكثر، عرفت أكثر.

    Using 'Mataa maa' for a progressive/repetitive correlation instead of 'Kullamaa'.

  • متى ما كنت صغيراً كنت ألعب. عندما كنت صغيراً كنت ألعب.

    Using 'Mataa maa' for a past habit. It should be 'Indama' or 'Lamma'.

  • متى ما يأتي الربيع تفتح الزهور. متى ما يأتِ الربيع تتفتح الزهور.

    Failing to use the jussive mood (dropping the weak letter) in a formal conditional sentence.

小贴士

The Bridge Particle

Always remember the 'fa-' (فـ) if your answer starts with a noun. It's the most common mistake for learners. Think of it as a bridge between the time and the result.

Showing Flexibility

Use 'متى ما شئت' to show you are a polite and flexible person. It's one of the most useful social phrases in Arabic.

Don't Repeat

If you are describing a repeated action that always happens, 'كلما' is your friend. If you are describing a future possibility, stick to 'متى ما'.

Long Vowels Matter

Make sure to pronounce the 'aa' at the end of 'maa' clearly. If you cut it short, it might sound like a different particle.

Jussive Power

In very formal essays, using the jussive mood after 'متى ما' will make your Arabic sound highly professional and sophisticated.

Context Clues

If you hear 'متى' at the start of a sentence and the voice doesn't go up at the end, expect a 'maa' to follow—it's likely a condition, not a question.

Dialect Bridge

Learning 'متى ما' in MSA is great because even if you speak a dialect, using this phrase makes you sound educated and clear.

Past for Future

Don't be confused if you see a past tense verb after 'متى ما' referring to the future. This is a standard feature of Arabic conditional sentences.

Poetic Touch

In creative writing, use 'متى ما' to create a sense of inevitable timing or a timeless truth.

The 'Ever' Particle

Equate 'maa' with '-ever'. Mataa (When) + Maa (-ever) = Whenever.

记住它

记忆技巧

Mataa is 'When'. Maa is 'Whatever'. Put them together to get 'When-ever'.

视觉联想

Imagine a clock with no hands. It represents 'any time' or 'whenever'. Label it 'متى ما'.

Word Web

Time Condition Future Flexibility Trigger Indefinite Wait Response

挑战

Try to use 'متى ما' in three different sentences today: one social, one professional, and one about nature.

词源

From the Classical Arabic interrogative 'Mataa' (when) combined with the augmenting 'Maa'. This structure has existed since the earliest recorded Arabic to provide a conditional temporal sense.

原始含义: At whatever time.

Semitic (Arabic)

文化背景

No specific sensitivities, but ensure you use 'fa-' in formal responses to avoid sounding uneducated.

English speakers often use 'whenever' to mean 'at any time' or 'every time'. Arabic 'متى ما' is closer to 'at any time that'.

Classical poetry often uses 'mataa' in conditional structures. Legal documents in the Arab world use it to define triggers. Modern Arabic songs use it to express longing and flexible return.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Hospitality

  • متى ما زرتنا
  • متى ما شئت
  • البيت بيتك متى ما جئت
  • متى ما كنت في المدينة

Professional

  • متى ما توفرت البيانات
  • متى ما تم الاتفاق
  • متى ما لزم الأمر
  • متى ما انتهى المشروع

Nature/General Truths

  • متى ما نزل المطر
  • متى ما غابت الشمس
  • متى ما طلع الفجر
  • متى ما هبت الريح

Education

  • متى ما درست نجحت
  • متى ما سألت تعلمت
  • متى ما قرأت فهمت
  • متى ما التزمت تفوقت

Travel

  • متى ما حجزت التذكرة
  • متى ما وصلت للفندق
  • متى ما بدأ الموسم
  • متى ما كان الجو جميلاً

对话开场白

"متى ما سافرت إلى الخارج، ما هو أول شيء ستفعله؟"

"متى ما كان عندك وقت فراغ، كيف تقضيه عادة؟"

"متى ما قررت تعلم لغة جديدة، ما هي نصيحتك للآخرين؟"

"متى ما شعرت بالتوتر، ما هي طريقتك في الاسترخاء؟"

"متى ما زرت بلدي، ما هي الأماكن التي تحب رؤيتها؟"

日记主题

اكتب عن قاعدة في حياتك تتبعها 'متى ما' شعرت بالحزن أو الفرح.

تخيل أنك تملك كل الوقت في العالم؛ ماذا ستفعل 'متى ما' شئت؟

صف شعورك 'متى ما' حققت هدفاً كبيراً في حياتك المهنية أو الدراسية.

اكتب رسالة لصديق تدعوه لزيارتك 'متى ما' سنحت له الفرصة.

ناقش كيف تتغير تصرفات الناس 'متى ما' شعروا بالمسؤولية تجاه مجتمعهم.

常见问题

10 个问题

No, 'متى ما' is used for statements and conditions. To ask 'When?', you must only use 'متى'. For example, 'متى الاجتماع؟' is correct, but 'متى ما الاجتماع؟' is wrong.

'متى ما' means 'whenever' as in 'at any time that.' 'كلما' means 'whenever' as in 'every time that' or 'the more... the more.' Use 'كلما' for repeated habits and 'متى ما' for future conditions.

You only need 'fa-' if the response clause is a nominal sentence (starts with a noun/pronoun), starts with 'qad', 'sa-', 'sawfa', or is an imperative (command). For simple verbs, it's not required.

While 'متى ما' is Modern Standard Arabic, dialects use variations. For example, in Levantine, you might hear 'Aymta ma', and in Egyptian, 'Waqt ma'. However, 'متى ما' is understood everywhere.

Generally, no. For past events ('When I was young...'), use 'عندما' or 'لما'. 'متى ما' is for future possibilities or general truths that haven't happened yet.

In formal Arabic, yes, it can make the present tense verb jussive (majzum). For example, 'متى ما تذهبْ' (ending with sukun). In casual MSA, people often ignore this.

In Classical Arabic, both could be used conditionally. However, in Modern Standard Arabic, adding 'ما' is the standard way to make it 'whenever' and distinguish it from the question 'when'.

Yes, it's very common. 'متى ما أراد الله' (Whenever God wills) is a frequent phrase expressing that the timing is in God's hands.

In this context, 'ما' is a particle that adds 'indefiniteness' or 'generality' to the time. It's called 'Maa al-Zaidah' (The Extra Maa) or 'Maa al-Shartiyya' (The Conditional Maa).

Both are formal, but 'إذا' is more common for general 'if/when' conditions. 'متى ما' is more specific about the 'any time' aspect of the condition.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Whenever you want, we can go.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Whenever you reach the airport, call me.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Whenever you need help, I am here.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Whenever the sun sets, it gets dark.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Whenever you study, you will succeed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Whenever the opportunity arises, we will travel.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Whenever the conditions are met, the contract is valid.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'متى ما شئت'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'متى ما' and 'فـ'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever you see him, give him this letter.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever the rain falls, the flowers grow.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever you finish your work, you can leave.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever you are in London, visit me.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever justice prevails, people are happy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever corruption spreads, the nation fails.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever you find a mistake, correct it.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever you are ready, I am ready too.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever the results are announced, I will tell you.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever the heart is pure, the action is good.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Whenever the truth appears, falsehood disappears.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whenever you want' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Invite someone to visit you 'whenever they are in town'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell your boss 'I will finish the report whenever the data is ready'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'متى ما شئت' in a polite response.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain a general rule using 'متى ما'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Promise to help a friend 'whenever they need you'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask a friend to call you 'whenever they arrive'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

State a business condition: 'Whenever we agree on the price, we sign'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'متى ما' to describe a natural event.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell someone to rest 'whenever they feel tired'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'متى ما' in a sentence about learning.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whenever you have time, let's go out'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain the proverb 'متى ما غاب القط لعب الفار'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'متى ما' to express readiness.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe a legal trigger using 'متى ما'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whenever the sun rises, a new day begins'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell someone to take a coat 'whenever they travel'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'متى ما' to talk about a future plan.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'متى ما' in a philosophical way.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whenever you are ready, we will start the meeting'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

What word follows 'متى' to make it 'whenever'?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

In the sentence 'متى ما وصلت اتصل بي'، what is the verb of condition?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen for the particle at the start of 'فأنا هنا'. What is it?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Is 'متى ما' used for questions or statements?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Does the speaker say 'Mataa' or 'Mataa maa' when they say 'Whenever you want'?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the result in: 'متى ما نزل المطر، نمت الأشجار.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Which tense is used in 'متى ما غابت الشمس'?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the phrase 'متى ما شئت'. What does it mean?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

In 'متى ما تيسر'، what is the root of the second word?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Does 'متى ما' sound more formal than 'وقت ما'?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the condition in: 'متى ما قرأت الكتاب ستفهم.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen for the jussive ending in 'متى ما تذاكرْ'. What is it?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Is 'أيان' used for daily conversation or poetry?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

What is the English equivalent of 'متى ما'?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

In 'متى ما حان الوقت'، what is being referred to?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 200 correct

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