أحتاج إلى العمل ساعات إضافية
I need to work overtime
Literalmente: Needing to do overtime
Use this phrase to explain you're staying late at work in a modern, relatable way.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to express staying late at work for extra tasks.
- Combines the Arabic 'I need' with the English 'overtime'.
- Commonly used in offices, texts, and casual professional talk.
Significado
This phrase is used to say you need to work extra hours beyond your normal shift. It is a perfect blend of Arabic and English that everyone in the Middle East understands immediately.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Explaining to a spouse why you're late
حبيبتي، معلش هتأخر، محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم النهاردة.
My dear, sorry I'll be late, I need to work overtime today.
In a formal meeting with a manager
لو عايزين نخلص المشروع، محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم.
If we want to finish the project, I need to work overtime.
Texting a friend to cancel plans
مش هقدر أخرج، محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم للأسف.
I can't go out, I need to work overtime unfortunately.
Contexto cultural
This phrase reflects the 'Arabish' phenomenon where English technical terms are integrated into Arabic grammar. It became popular with the rise of multinational corporations in the Middle East. While traditional Arabic has its own terms, 'overtime' is now the standard in most white-collar environments.
The 'Arabish' Secret
Don't be afraid to use English words like 'overtime' or 'meeting' in Arabic. It actually makes you sound more like a native speaker in modern cities!
Gender Matters
Remember to add the 'ah' sound at the end of 'mehtaj' if you are a woman. Say 'mehtaja' instead.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to express staying late at work for extra tasks.
- Combines the Arabic 'I need' with the English 'overtime'.
- Commonly used in offices, texts, and casual professional talk.
What It Means
محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم (Mehtaj a'mel overtime) is your go-to phrase for staying late at the office. The word محتاج means 'I need.' The verb أعمل means 'to do' or 'to make.' Then you have the star of the show: أوفرتايم. Yes, it is just the English word 'overtime' written in Arabic script. It is a classic example of 'Arabish.' It sounds natural and modern. You are essentially telling someone your schedule is packed.
How To Use It
Use this phrase when your boss drops a deadline on your desk at 4:55 PM. You can also use it when talking to your spouse about why you will be late for dinner. It functions as both a statement of fact and a polite excuse. To make it feminine, just say محتاجة أعمل أوفرتايم. If you want to say 'We need,' change it to محتاجين نعمل أوفرتايم. It is very flexible.
When To Use It
Use it in any professional setting across the Arab world. It works in Egypt, the Gulf, and the Levant. Use it when you are actually working for extra pay. Or use it when you are just overwhelmed with tasks. It is great for setting boundaries with friends who want to hang out. It sounds more 'official' than just saying 'I am busy.' It implies you are being productive and hardworking.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a very traditional or hyper-formal academic setting. If you are writing a formal letter to a government ministry, use ساعات عمل إضافية. Avoid using it if you are just staying late for fun. It specifically refers to the burden of work. Also, do not use it if you are the boss giving orders. It sounds a bit too casual for a command. In that case, use 'We have a lot of work.'
Cultural Background
English business terms have heavily influenced Arabic over the last few decades. Words like 'meeting,' 'manager,' and 'overtime' are now part of the daily street language. In many Arab cultures, working hard is highly respected. Using this phrase shows you are a 'mujtahid' (diligent person). It also reflects the modern, globalized nature of the Arab workforce. You will hear this in skyscrapers in Dubai and small offices in Cairo alike.
Common Variations
عندي أوفرتايم(I have overtime): A slightly more passive way to say it.شغال أوفرتايم(Working overtime): Use this if someone calls you while you are at your desk.مجبور أعمل أوفرتايم(Forced to do overtime): Use this when you want to complain a little bit. It adds a touch of 'it is not my choice' to the conversation.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral to informal. It is the standard way to discuss extra hours in a modern office. Avoid it only in extremely formal legal or literary contexts.
The 'Arabish' Secret
Don't be afraid to use English words like 'overtime' or 'meeting' in Arabic. It actually makes you sound more like a native speaker in modern cities!
Gender Matters
Remember to add the 'ah' sound at the end of 'mehtaj' if you are a woman. Say 'mehtaja' instead.
The 'Insha'Allah' Factor
If someone tells you they are doing overtime, it's polite to say 'Allah ya'teek al-afiya' (May God give you health/strength).
Exemplos
6حبيبتي، معلش هتأخر، محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم النهاردة.
My dear, sorry I'll be late, I need to work overtime today.
A very common domestic use of the phrase.
لو عايزين نخلص المشروع، محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم.
If we want to finish the project, I need to work overtime.
Shows initiative and dedication to the job.
مش هقدر أخرج، محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم للأسف.
I can't go out, I need to work overtime unfortunately.
A polite way to decline an invitation.
كل يوم محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم، أنا تعبت!
Every day I need to work overtime, I'm tired!
Expressing frustration about a heavy workload.
البيت مكركب، شكلي محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم في التنظيف.
The house is a mess, looks like I need to do overtime in cleaning.
Using work terminology for household tasks for comedic effect.
هل ممكن أعمل أوفرتايم الأسبوع ده؟
Is it possible for me to work overtime this week?
A direct request for more hours (and pay).
Teste-se
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for a female speaker.
أنا ___ أعمل أوفرتايم عشان أخلص الشغل.
The feminine form of 'need' is 'mehtaja' (محتاجة).
What is the verb used to mean 'to do' or 'to work' in this phrase?
محتاج ___ أوفرتايم.
The verb 'a'mel' (أعمل) means to do/make/work in this context.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Spectrum of 'Working Late'
Slang or very casual talk with close friends.
سهران في الشغل
The phrase 'محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم' used in most offices.
محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم
Official documents or high-level corporate speech.
العمل لساعات إضافية
Where to use 'Overtime'
At the office
Talking to your boss about a deadline.
On the phone
Telling your mom why you're late for dinner.
In a taxi
Explaining to the driver why you're leaving late.
With friends
Explaining why you can't go to the cafe.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it is borrowed from English, but it is used so frequently in Arabic offices that it is considered part of the modern dialect.
Yes! Whether you are in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, or Lebanon, people will understand أوفرتايم perfectly.
Just add 'mish' at the beginning: مش محتاج أعمل أوفرتايم or مش عايز أعمل أوفرتايم.
Yes, you can say عمل إضافي (Amal idafi), which literally means 'additional work.'
Usually, yes. Just like in English, it implies 'paid overtime,' but it can also just mean staying late to finish a task.
Technically no, but people sometimes use it jokingly for chores, like أوفرتايم في المطبخ (overtime in the kitchen).
If a group is speaking, say محتاجين نعمل أوفرتايم (Mehtajeen na'mel overtime).
Yes, it is a neutral and professional phrase that is perfectly acceptable for a manager.
You can say عندي أوفرتايم كتير (Andi overtime kteer).
A common mistake is forgetting to conjugate the verb. Make sure it is أعمل (I do) and not يعمل (he does).
Frases relacionadas
شغل كتير
A lot of work
ساعة إضافية
An extra hour
ضغط شغل
Work pressure / busy period
خلصت دوام
I finished my shift
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