Days, months, and time words are essential for appointments, travel, and small talk. Note that Arabic-speaking countries use both the Gregorian months above (common in the Levant, Egypt, and Iraq) and the Islamic calendar for religious dates. Tap any word above to hear it.
Days of the week
The Arabic week begins on الأحد (Sunday). الجمعة (Friday) is the day of the communal prayer and the main weekend day, with السبت (Saturday) as the second day off in most countries.
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| الأحد | al-aḥad | Sunday |
| الاثنين | al-ithnayn | Monday |
| الثلاثاء | ath-thulathaa’ | Tuesday |
| الأربعاء | al-arbi3aa’ | Wednesday |
| الخميس | al-khamees | Thursday |
| الجمعة | al-jumu3a | Friday |
| السبت | as-sabt | Saturday |
Time expressions in sentences
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| اليوم هو الأحد | al-yawm huwa al-aḥad | today is Sunday |
| غدا الاثنين | ghadan al-ithnayn | tomorrow is Monday |
| أمس كان الجمعة | amsi kaana al-jumu3a | yesterday was Friday |
| في الصباح | fee aṣ-ṣabaah | in the morning |
| في المساء | fee al-masaa’ | in the evening |
| بعد الظهر | ba3da aẓ-ẓuhr | in the afternoon |
| الليلة | al-layla | tonight |
Telling the time
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| كم الساعة؟ | kam as-saa3a? | what time is it? |
| الساعة الواحدة | as-saa3a al-waaḥida | one o’clock |
| الساعة الثالثة | as-saa3a ath-thaalitha | three o’clock |
| الساعة الثالثة والنصف | as-saa3a ath-thaalitha wan-nuṣf | half past three |
| الساعة الرابعة والربع | as-saa3a ar-raabi3a war-rub3 | quarter past four |
| صباحا / مساء | ṣabaahan / masaa’an | in the morning / in the evening |
Cultural note
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Islamic months such as رمضان (Ramaḍaan) shift about eleven days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. In many Arab countries you will see both dates on official documents. Friday is a rest day across most of the region, so avoid scheduling business calls then.
Practice
How do you say 'Sunday' in Arabic?
hint: It is the first day of the Arabic week
What does 'غدا' mean?
hint: It is the opposite of 'أمس' (yesterday)
How do you ask 'what time is it?' in Arabic?
hint: Use 'الساعة' for 'the hour'
Match each pair — start with Arabic (left)
0 / 8Arabic
English
← Select an Arabic word, then tap its meaning →
Want time words in full sentences? Try the days and time lesson.
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