كنت قلقان

Using this phrase is quite simple. If you are a man, you say كنت قلقان (kunt qalqan). If you are a woman, you add a 't' sound at the end: كنت قلقانة (kunt qalqana). You usually follow it with the preposition على (on/about) if you're worried about a person. For example, كنت قلقان عليك means 'I was worried about you.' If you're worried about a situation, like an exam, you might use من (from/about). It’s like a verbal sigh of relief once the tension breaks.

Use this when a friend shows up an hour late to dinner. Use it when your sibling doesn't answer their phone for three days. It’s perfect for texting someone after a long silence. In a professional setting, you can use it to show you were concerned about a project deadline. It shows you are invested. It’s a warm phrase that proves you weren't just indifferent while waiting.

Don't use this if you were actually 'scared' or 'terrified.' For that, use كنت خايف. قلقان is more about mental unease than physical fear. Also, avoid using it for trivial things where 'annoyed' fits better. If someone forgot to buy milk, you aren't قلقان; you're probably just متضايق (annoyed). Don't over-use it for minor delays, or you might seem a bit over-sensitive!

In Arab culture, expressing worry is a major sign of affection. It’s not seen as being 'clingy' or 'intrusive.' Instead, it shows that the person is part of your 'inner circle.' If an Arab mother or friend says they were قلقان, they are basically saying 'I love you and your safety matters to me.' It’s a social glue that reinforces community bonds. It's common to hear this phrase followed by a prayer for safety.

In Egyptian Arabic, you’ll hear كنت قلقان exactly like this. In more formal Modern Standard Arabic, it becomes كنت قلقاً. Some people might say بالي كان مشغول which literally means 'my mind was busy' (with thought of you). Another common one is نشفت ريقي, which is a humorous way to say 'you made my throat dry' from all the worrying and shouting!