Language/Standard-arabic/Grammar/Arabic-consonants

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Standard Arabic Grammar → Introduction to Arabic script → Arabic consonants

As a Standard Arabic language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I understand that Arabic script may seem intimidating to beginners. However, the Arabic language is a rich and complex system of communication with a fascinating history and culture behind it. In this lesson, we will be exploring Arabic consonants, laying the foundation for a solid understanding of the Arabic script.

Arabic is a Semitic language, closely related to Hebrew and Aramaic. The Arabic script is written from right to left and contains both consonants and vowels. However, the Arabic script primarily consists of consonants, with vowels represented by diacritical marks. This means that learners need to first grasp the Arabic consonants to be able to read and write in Arabic.

The Arabic Consonants

The Arabic language has 28 consonants, which are divided into two categories: Sun and Moon letters. The classification of these letters is important because it affects the pronunciation of certain words in Arabic.

Sun Letters

There are nine Arabic consonants classified as Sun letters. These letters are as follows:

Standard Arabic	Pronunciation	English Translation
الب (alif ba)	/b/	b
الج (alif jiim)	/dʒ/	j
الد (alif daal)	/d/	d
الر (alif ra)	/r/	r
الش (alif shiin)	/ʃ/	sh
الص (alif ssaad)	/sˤ/	ṣ
الط (alif ttaa)	/tˤ/	ṭ
الظ (alif dhaa)	/ðˤ/	ḏ (th)
الز (alif za)	/z/	z

These letters are called Sun letters because when they come before the definite article "ال" (al), which means "the," the "L" sound assimilates to the following consonant. For example, "the book" is "الكتاب" (alkitaab).

Moon Letters

The remaining 19 Arabic consonants are classified as Moon letters. These letters are:

Standard Arabic	Pronunciation	English Translation
الألف (alif hamzah)	ʔ	’
الباء (baa)	/b/	b
التاء (t'aa)	/t/	t
الثاء (thaa)	/θ/	th
الجيم (jiim)	/dʒ/	j
الحاء (Haa')	/ħ/	ḥ
الخاء (kha)'	/x/	kh
الدال (daal)	/d/	d
الذال/الزاي (dhaal/za)	/ð/	dh (th)/z
الراء (raa)	/r/	r
الزاي (za)	/z/	z
السين (siin)	/s/	s
الشين (shiin)	/ʃ/	sh
الصاد (ssaad)	/sˤ /	ṣ
الضاد (ddad)	/dˤ/	ḍ
الطاء (ttaa)	/tˤ/	ṭ
الظاء (dhaa')	/ðˤ/	ḏ (th)
العين ('ayin)	/ʕ/	'
الغين (ghayn)	/ɣ/	gh

When moon letters come before the definite article "ال" (al), there is no assimilation, and the "L" sound remains distinct from the following consonant. For example, "the house" is "البيت" (albayt).

It is vital to remember that the classification of letters into Sun and Moon letters will affect the pronunciation of certain words in Arabic. We will delve into this in more detail in future lessons.

Pronouncing Arabic Consonants

The following are some general rules to keep in mind when pronouncing Arabic consonants:

Arabic speakers tend to pronounce certain consonants deeper in the throat than English speakers. These include the Haa', 'ayin, and ghayn.

Proper pronunciation of consonants such as the jim, cha, and daal require practice and patience.

The pronunciation of the Arabic letters "ب‎, ج‎, ق‎, and ‎ك," sounds quite similar to "b, j, q, and k," respectively, in English.

The pronunciation of the letter "ظ" is unique in Arabic, sounding like a distinct "th" sound.

Arabic has a velar fricative consonant. The letter "خ" sounds like the "ch" in "loch" or the "gh" in "ghost" in Scottish English.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have briefly explored the Arabic consonants and their classification into Sun and Moon letters. We have also provided some general tips on pronouncing these consonants. With consistent practice and exposure to Arabic, learners will be well on their way to mastering the Arabic script. Stay tuned for our next lesson, where we will delve into Arabic vowels.

Sources

Table of Contents - Standard Arabic Course - 0 to A1

Course Presentation

Introduction to Arabic script

Nouns and gender in Arabic

Verbs and conjugation in Arabic

Numbers and counting in Arabic

Everyday Arabic vocabulary

Food and drink vocabulary

Arabic customs and traditions

Arabic music and entertainment

Adjectives in Arabic

Pronouns in Arabic

Prepositions in Arabic

Interrogatives in Arabic

Adverbs in Arabic

Transportation vocabulary

Shopping and money vocabulary

Arabic literature and poetry

Arabic calligraphy and art

Weather vocabulary

Conditional sentences in Arabic

Passive voice in Arabic

Relative clauses in Arabic

Arabic adjectives and nouns

Arabic cinema and TV

Arabic fashion and beauty

Sports and leisure vocabulary

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