An ism makān names the place of an action, while an ism zamān names its time. Some Arabic morphological patterns can express either meaning; actual use and context decide which is intended.
For example, مَجْلِسٌ is used for a sitting place or gathering. Other nouns in the same broad formation may indicate the time of an activity. The pattern alone does not always settle the distinction.
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Place and time readings
Ism al-Ẓarf: Meaning, Patterns, Paradigm and Derivation
An ism makān names the place of an action, while an ism zamān names its time. Some Arabic morphological patterns can express either meaning; actual use and context decide which is intended.
For example, مَجْلِسٌ is used for a sitting place or gathering. Other nouns in the same broad formation may indicate the time of an activity. The pattern alone does not always settle the distinction.