Browse Tag
broken plural
9 posts
The broken plural in Arabic (جمع التكسير) is a type of plural formation where the internal structure of the singular noun is altered, often involving vowel changes. Examples include كِتابٌ (book) becoming كُتُبٌ (books).
Lexicalization in Arabic: The Secret Life of Broken Plurals
Some Arabic words begin as tiny actions and end up as institutions. A scoop becomes a room (غُرْفَةٌ), a turn becomes a state (دَوْلَةٌ), a guest becomes a fixed social role (نَزِيلٌ). The clue is often hiding in the plural.
When the German Machines Run Over Elephants: Arabic Football Nicknames at the World Cup
Arabic football headlines do not always name the teams. Germany become machines, Côte d’Ivoire become elephants, Morocco roar as lions — and one verb, تَدْهَسُ, makes the match sound like a factory crashing into the pitch.
Why is شَمْسٌ (“sun”) Feminine? A Guide to Arabic Verb Agreement & Gender
Feminine subject, masculine verb? Yes, it happens in Arabic grammar. Learn the specific situations and types of feminine nouns where this unexpected agreement occurs.
The Number 8 in Arabic: Grammar and Spelling
The number 8 in Arabic is tricky! This article breaks down its special grammatical rules, including why the masculine form is unique, how to correctly use 18, and why 800 often sounds the same. Master this challenging area of Arabic numbers.
A Guide to Arabic Collective Nouns and Plurals (اسم الجنس)
The Arabic plural has many subtleties, including special collective forms. This article explains different plural categories and then focuses on collective nouns, like those for "camel." It also clarifies agreement rules in Arabic and compares them to English collective noun usage.
How to Form Plural Adjectives in Egyptian Arabic
Egyptian Arabic adjective plurals can be tricky. We analyze common patterns and show examples for both human and non-human nouns.
A Guide to the Arabic Broken Plural: Understanding its History and Function
The broken plural is a fascinating, unique feature of Arabic and South Semitic languages. This article covers its historical roots, formation patterns, and its grammatical role as a "collective noun."
The Plural of Kafir: Understanding the Difference Between Kafirun, Kuffar, and More
The plural forms of "Kafir" (كافِر) in Arabic, meaning "unbeliever," carry various nuances and can even be politically charged. This article breaks down the three main plural types (Kafirun/Kuffar, Kawafir/Kafirat, Kafara) and distinguishes them from intensifying forms like Kafur (كَفُور) and Kaffar (كَفّار), which express different degrees of ingratitude.
Why Do Some Arabic Nouns Have Two Plurals? The Minor and Major Plural Explained
Arabic features a special plural form called "minor plural" (جَمْع الْقِلّة), used for small numbers (3-10), contrasting with the "major plural" (جَمْع الْكَثْرة) for larger quantities. This article clarifies when to use forms like أَشْهُر vs. شُهُور for "months" and provides rules and examples for these distinct plural patterns, often overlooked but present in classical texts.
