Breakdown of كم الساعة؟ الساعة الثالثة.
الal
the
ساعةsâ'a
watch / hour
ثالثthâlith
third
كم الساعةkami s-sâ'atu
what time is it?
Questions & Answers about كم الساعة؟ الساعة الثالثة.
Why do we use كم to ask 'what time'?
The word كم usually means 'how much' or 'how many.' In Arabic, asking the time is literally asking 'How much is the hour?' or 'What is the number of the clock?'
Why do we say الثالثة (the third) instead of the normal number for three, ثلاثة?
In Arabic, we tell time using ordinal numbers (first, second, third) rather than normal counting numbers (one, two, three). So, three o'clock is literally expressed as 'the third hour' (الساعة الثالثة).
Why is there a taa marbuta (ة) at the end of الثالثة?
Because it is describing the word الساعة (the hour or clock), which is a feminine noun. In Arabic, adjectives must match the noun's gender, so the ordinal number takes the feminine ending ة.
Why do both words in الساعة الثالثة start with ال (al-)?
الثالثة acts as an adjective describing الساعة. Since الساعة is definite (it has ال for 'the'), the adjective must also be definite and take ال. Together, they mean 'the third hour.'
Where is the word 'is' in the question and the answer?
Arabic does not use a present tense word for 'is' or 'are.' You simply place the words next to each other. For example, الساعة الثالثة directly translates to 'The hour [is] the third.'
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