Language/Standard-arabic/Grammar/How-to-Use-be
Hi Standard Arabic learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "be" in Standard Arabic. We will look at the different forms of the verb and how to use them in sentences. We will also look at some examples of how to use the verb in context.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Formation and placement & Conjugation of the verb to write in the imperfect.
Rules[edit | edit source]
The verb "be" is used to express existence, identity, or location. In Standard Arabic, the verb "be" is conjugated differently depending on the subject of the sentence. The verb "be" is conjugated as follows:
| Subject | Verb |
|---|---|
| I | أنا |
| You (singular) | أنت |
| He/She/It | هو/هي/إنه |
| We | نحن |
| You (plural) | أنتم |
| They | هم |
For example, if the subject of the sentence is "I", the verb "be" would be conjugated as "أنا".
Examples[edit | edit source]
Here are some examples of how to use the verb "be" in Standard Arabic:
| Standard Arabic | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| أنا مدرس | Anaa mudarris | I am a teacher |
| أنت طالب | Anta taalib | You are a student |
| هو طبيب | Huwa tabib | He is a doctor |
| هي عالمة | Hiya alimah | She is a scientist |
| نحن أصدقاء | Nahnu asdiqa' | We are friends |
| أنتم بائعون | Antum bi'a'un | You are sellers |
| هم طلاب | Hum talaab | They are students |
Here is an example of how to use the verb "be" in a dialogue:
- Person 1: من أنت؟ (Mun ant?) - Who are you?
- Person 2: أنا طالبة (Anaa taalibah) - I am a student.
Quiz[edit | edit source]
Test your knowledge of the verb "be" in Standard Arabic with this quiz:
1. How do you say "We are teachers" in Standard Arabic? A. نحن طلاب B. نحن مدرسون C. نحن عالمون D. نحن بائعون
2. How do you say "You are a doctor" in Standard Arabic? A. أنت طالب B. أنت مدرس C. أنت عالم D. أنت طبيب
3. How do you say "They are scientists" in Standard Arabic? A. هم طلاب B. هم مدرسون C. هم عالمون D. هم بائعون
Answers: 1. B, 2. D, 3. C
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Negations
- Be Polite
- THE USE OF THE AFFIXED PERSONAL PRONOUNS
- Conjugation of the verb to write in the perfect
- Apologies
- THE CASES OR DECLENSION OF NOUNS (Subjet, Direct and Indirec objects)
- Word order
- Pronouns
- Conjugation of the verb to write in the imperfect