MSA2 Levantine Conversion

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FOURAKIS, STELIOS
Title: From modern standard Arabic to the
Levantine dialects: conversion course /
Author: Nydell, Margaret K. (Margaret Kleffner)
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******
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For further information and prices, write to:
(703) 243-4888
(703) 388-9189
Dr. Nydell is currently directing a project at Diplomatic Language
Services, Inc. to analyze and prepare courses in six Arabic dialects, of
which Iraqi, Gulf, and Levantine Arabic are the first three. Future dialect
courses, to be completed by 1993, will include Maghrebi
(Moroccan/Algerian and Tunisian/Libyan) and Egyptian, plus Introduction
to Colloquial Arabic and Introduction to Maghrebi Arabic.
Dr. Margaret K. (Omar) Nydell is a fonner director of the Foreign
Service Institute's Arabic school in Tunis, and a fonner visiting professor
of Arabic and Linguistics at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She
has an M.S. in Arabic and Ph.D. in Linguistics from Georgetown University
and is the author of Saudi Arabic Basic Course, From Eastern to Western
Arabic, Levantine and Eqyptian Comparative Study, and Understanding
Arabs, A Guide for Westerners.
DLS Press language training publications are produced in support
of functionally-oriented training and are directed toward persons and
organizations who need the language for professional purposes.
DLS PRESS is a division ofDiplomatic Language Services, Inc. Other
divisions include: Language Training, Interpreting Services, and
Translation Services. The Language Training Division specializes in
functionally-oriented training for federal government agencies and
business organizations.
Diplomatic Language S.eIVices, Inc.
1111 N. 19th St. - Suite 828
Arlington, VA 22209
Telephone:
Facsimile:
flDm Modem Standard ArabIc to the LBvantJne Dialects, Margaret Ie. (Omar) Nydell
Copyright C 1992 by Diplomatic Language services, Inc.
1111 N. 19th St. - Suite 825
Arlington, VlIginia 22209
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or an information storage and
retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This course was prepared with the assistance of Ms. Kathleen Borowski, on whom I
depended for her very considerable knowledge of Arabic, linguistics, and bilingual word
processing. She has been a valued consultant in the design and development of the course every
step of the way.
I
I
Thanks also to Dr. Karin Ryding, who reviewed the manuscript in its intermediate stage
(thus any errors made in the final version are the author's), and to Grace Shahid for assistance with
Standard Arabic. Taping of the course was conducted under the able supervision of Jose Ramirez.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Eage
9
Purpose and Description of the Course 9
HOW TO USE THIS COURSE 10
Transcription 10
Design of the Lessons 12
NOTES TO THE INSTRUCTOR 13
THE LEVANTINE DIALECTS 14
INTRODUCTION
1. PRONUNCIATION
Consonants 16
The Iql c3 16
The Glottal Stop (Harnza) I' I ~ 19
The Ijl ~ 21
The Hard Igl 21
The MSA nth's" 22
Consonant Clusters 24
Assimilation of Consonants 25
Emphatic Pronunciation of Words 25
Vowels 27
Long Vowels leel and 1001 27
Short Vowels 29
Stress 37
Foreign Words 39
1
2. NOUNS
Masculine and Feminine
The Definite Article
The Dual
The Plural
Masculine Nouns
The Sound Feminine Plural/-aatl
Broken Plurals
Predictable Plural Patterns
Nouns of Place r-I)
Nouns of Instance (;,).1 r-I)
Nouns of Instrument r-I)
Nouns of Employment (Jt,d)
Unpredictable Plural Patterns
The Collective Plural
Verbal Nouns
Abstract Nouns
Diminuitive Words U;;)
40
41
43
48
48
52
57
57
60
61
62
62
67
72
73
82
84
I
I
I
I

I

I
I
I
Adjectives of "Disposition"
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives of "Composition"
Adjective-Noun Word Order
"Next" and "Last"
Colors and Defects
Invariable Adjectives
The Words for "some"
The Word Iktiirl
The Words ff.wayyl ff.wayyel
The Word lkamml
The Word Igoorl
The Word /kill! (lkulll)
The Word lnafsl
The Word !hal-'addl
The Word !hook!
104
107
116
119
120
121
124
127
128
129
132
133
134
136
138
139
140
The Construct Phrase
. 85 I 4. PARTICIPLES
Quantifiers
Idioms
Place Names
89
90
90
I
-
5.
The Active Participle r-I)
The Passive Participle (J.,,-All r-I)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
145
153
3. ADJECTIVES
Independent Pronouns 162
Feminine and Plural Endings
97 Possessive and Object Pronouns 163
Nisba Adjectives
100 Possessive Suffixes; Objects of Prepositions 164
Adjectives with l-aanI
101 Words Ending in a Consonant 164
Adjectives with I-aanil
2
103 Words Ending in a Vowel
3
170
Other Adverbs
Function Words with I-mal
10. NUMBERS
Counting
Telling Time
Ordinal Numbers
Fractions
"First" and "Last"
Days of the Week
Months
Using Dates
The Phrase Iw Taalici
11. SENTENCE STRUCTURE
Negative
Negative Pronouns
Interrogative
Inverted Word Order
Conditional
12. PERFECT AND IMPERFECT VERB TENSES
The Perfect Tense
Sound Verbs
Form I Verbs of "Becoming"
Doubled Verbs
Hollow Verbs
Defective (Final Weak) Verbs
6
Quadriliteral Verbs 316
262 I
The Imperfect Tense <t.>WI) 320
265 I
Sound Verbs 320
Verbs of "Becoming" 322
Doubled Verbs 323
272
Initial Hamzated Verbs 324
276
280
Defective (Initial Weak) Verbs 325
281
Hollow Verbs 326
282
Defective (Final Weak) Verbs 329
283
The Verb "to come" 330
283 Quadriliteral Verbs 331
284

13. DERIVED FORMS OF VERBS (jaAJl
285 I
Form II (Jd) 338
Form ill 340
292 Form IV (Jdl) 341
292 Form V 341
296
Form VI 342
297 Form VII (J,wl) 343
297 I
Form VIII (j..:tl) 345
Form IX (WI) 346
I
Form X 346
-
308
14. OTHER VERB FEATURES
309
309
Progressive Markers jCarn-I /b- I 358
310
Future Markers lraH(a)-1 IlaH(a)-1 lHa-1 /b-I 359
311
The Prefix /b- I 361
The Subjunctive Verb 363 314
7
Negation of Verbs 364
Commands and Requests (The Imperative) 366
Fonn I Sound Verbs 366
Other Fonn I Verbs 369
Fonns IT - X Verbs 371
The Verb "to come" 372
Other Irregular Commands 373
Negative Commands 375
Helping Words 376
The Word Ixallil 376
The Word naaziml 377
The Words Imumkinl and lyimkinI 378
The Word l'aaCidl 379
The Phrase Imaa caadl 380
Compound Tenses 380
Verb Phrases 382
The Verbs !badal !balldl "to begin" 382
The Verb /Dalll "to go on, continue" 383
The Verb IHaawall "to try" 383
The Verbs l'iderlliHsenl "to be able, can" 384
The Verb lHabbl "to like to" 384
Other Verb Strings 385
8
INTRODUCTION
Purpose and Description of the Course
This is a course in spoken Levantine Arabic, based on the Syrian dialect of Damascus. It
is intended to provide an efficient introduction to Levantine Arabic (LA), especially as it differs
from Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).
It is assumed that the user of this course already has a proficiency of at least R-2 in
Modern Standard Arabic on the Foreign Service InstitutelInteragency Language Roundtable
proficiency scale. This is the equivalent of having completed both volumes of the course
Elementary Modem Standard Arabic, published by the University of Michigan.
This course is designed to be completed in 60 to 80 hours, either on a self-study basis or
with an instructor. If the Classroom Activity Supplement booklet is used it will at least double the
time required. This will vary depending on how well the student knows Modern Standard Arabic
or another Arabic dialect.
There are 14 lessons, each based on a particular grammatical topic. This layout should
help the reader organize the large amount of data presented and know where to look up
explanations and examples.
Because this course is organized around grammar (Le., it is not functionally based), it is
designed to begin with the easiest material and work toward the most complex or most different
from MSA. That is why Chapter 2 deals with nouns and the last three chapters deal with verbs.
The biggest problem facing users of spoken Arabic is in comprehending the various
dialects. One can do quite well speaking just one variety, such as Fonnal Spoken Arabic (W
~ I ) or "mainstream" dialects -- Levantine, Egyptian, or HijazL The emphasis in this course is
to make the dialect easier to understand, not to teach the student to speak like a native; there are
"basic courses" available in Fonnal Spoken Arabic and almost all dialects for this purpose.
After completion of this course the user should understand the basic as well as unique or
problemmatical grammar features of Levantine Arabic. The only area left where more practice
may be needed is in acquiring vocabulary, which can be achieved through the use of supplementary
taped samples of authentic, unedited Levantine speech in its several varieties.
****
Before you begin the course, study the Table of Contents and leaf through the book to see
where the various sections are. Since it is assumed that the user of this course has a basic
vocabulary in Arabic, YOU CAN USE THESE LESSONS IN ANY ORDER. You can also look up
grammar points elsewhere as y o ~ go along and use them as needed
Technical grammatical terminology has been kept to a minimum. In many cases, the
Arabic grammatical terminology is included for reference and clarity.
Full sentences and most phrases written in Arabic are recorded on tape.
9
HOW TO USE TffiS COURSE
Transcription
The Arabic in this course is transcribed into English alphabet phonemic symbols. In
layman's terms this transliteration is usually referred to as "phonetics," although technically it is
phonemic (a point of concern only to specialists in linguistics). In keeping with ordinary usage we
will refer to the transliteration (transcription) as "English phonetics. "
Many people prefer to read Arabic script rather than English phonetics. This is fine, but
English phonetics cannot be dispensed with entirely because the Arabic alphabet cannot shOW aU
the details of spoken pronunciation.
Arabic script is not always precisely the same as the spoken language. Some Arabic words
are distorted to reflect the dialect but some are not (most of these are conventions used by Arabs
when writing colloquial speech). To find the most accurate guide to pronunciation use the English
phonetics.
The problem of accurately transliterating spoken Arabic into English symbols always
requires arbitrary decisions, since there is no standard method in use. The symbols here were
chosen partly for their ease in typing. For readers who are not familiar with the principles of
phonemics a word of justification for the use of some symbols may be helpful.
It is not advisable to represent anyone sound with two symbols as we do in English
spelling, for example, "sh" or "th. " This would lead to ambiguity when transcribing Arabic, in
such words as lashar/, "more famous," or lashal/, "easier," where the /hI has a value of its own.
Words with double symbols also look very awkward if that consonant is doubled, as in ItCashsha/,
"to have dinner."
When you see the symbol * in the text it refers to a footnote; footnotes are placed at the
end of a list or section (rather than at the end of the chapter).
Listed here are the symbols used which are different from standard English
representation. *
t
X "kh"
t
g "gh"
..
tJ"
S "sh"
! "zh" as in "leisure"
~
j,;, Z emphaticz
~
S emphatic s
~
D emphaticd
10
~ T emphatic t
voiced pharyngeal, the "ain"
t
c
H voiceless pharyngeal, the "heavy" h
~
q the "qaaf"
J
~ glottal stop, the "harnza"
Long vowels are written twice, as in /'aall J1.i, "he said. "
aa the "a" as in "cat" or "call" (wide range of variation)
ii the "ee" as in "seen"
uu the "00" as in "boot"
ee the HaiR as in "bait"
00 the Roan as in "boat"
*These are the same as those used in the Syrian dictionary and reference grammar
published by Georgetown University Press except that they list the emphatic consonants with a dot
under the letter, the gwith a dot over the g, and the harnza as a question mark without a dot.
In the dictionary, words which have Iql J in MSA are spelled with Iql in English (to be
read as a harnza) and those which retain the MSA Iql pronunciation are written with two dots over
the Iql in English. In this course the harnza symbol/'I will be used in the English transcription but
the correct spelling with Iql J will be used in the Arabic transcriptions; the English phonetics is the
definitive pronunciation.

11
Design of the I.essons
Each lesson has the same design. The first part is a grammatical explanation of a given
point, followed by examples. At the end of each set of explanations there are sentences illustrating
these words or phrases in use.
When you have finished reading the explanation with its examples it is best to ~ your
book or tum oyer the page before listening to the sentences on the tape, using them only for
reference if needed (you will find yourself understanding more as the course progresses). The
sentences can serve as a test to see how much you have understood and how quickly you can
recognize the words and phrases in different contexts.
If you have an instructor, he or she can give you other sentences using different words and
other examples of each grammatical feature.
Colloquial Arabic dialects have more variations in usage than does spoken English because
there are few rigid "rules" or conventions of right and wrong as we know them. Thus, anything a
native speaker says or accepts as correct is correct. Native speakers frequently disagree with each
other about how something should be said and your teacher may want to make stylistic changes. ~ .
aU means modify the course to whatever your teacher is comfortable with
12
NOTES TO THE INSTRUCTOR
These lessons are designed to explain the grammatical features of Levantine Arabic and
j]]ustrate their use. The emphasis is on comprehending Levantine Arabic, not necessarily learning
to speak Arabic with an Levantine If accent. "
There are no drills in the lessons because the student is working on comprehension skills.
However, if a point is especially difficult, devising a few simple substitution drills may help to
internalize the feature (for example, using uniquely Levantine vocabulary words such as "mniiH,"
"heek," "halla'," "ballaS," or "biddi").
In general, a useful approach to each lesson is as follows:
- -Read the grammar explanation with the student, including the examples, and repeat the
examples several times, including at normal speed.
- -Supplement the examples with as many other ones as you can (you may want to prepare
these examples in advance).
- -Go over the sentences (while the student has the pages turned over and is not looking at
them), using them as a test in comprehension. Use the exercises in the Classroom Activity
Supplement booklet and add your own.
- -If the point is difficult, devise more sentences to use the words or grammar feature in
other contexts.
- -If the student still needs additional practice, consider devising simple substitution or
transformation drills, changing persons or tenses or going from singular to plural, etc.
****
Because it is possible that you, as an instructor of Arabic, may not have considered your
. spoken dialect from this structured point of view, it is suggested that you go over all of this
material in advance.
You may also wish to refer to the A Reference Grammar of Syrian Arabic published by
Georgetown University Press. Some contextual sentences for words were taken from this and from
the Syrian dictionary.
13
THE LEVANTINE DIALECTS
The main Levantine dialects are those spoken in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, as well as the
Palestinian dialect spoken in Israel, the Occupied Territories, and urban Amman.
This course is based on the speech of educated people in Damascus. The urban dialects of
Damascus, Beirut, Jerusalem and Amman are closer to each other than any is to nearby rural areas.
Many educated, urban Jordanians speak Palestinian, although the Jordanian dialect is making a
comeback in its use at home and in television shows.
There are many small variations in the dialects of rural areas and the numerous geographic
regions but generally all dialects are mutually intelligible to native speakers. The dialects used
outside the capital cities will not be discussed here.
Syrian and Lebanese are very similar to each other. Palestinian as spoken in Jerusalem is
not as close (especially in the pronunciation of short vowels) and Jordanian is often quite different
because it shares features of Bedouin speech. If a specific regional feature is not labeled as
Lebanese, Palestinian, or Jordanian, assume that it is the variety used in Damascus. You can also
assume that Lebanese is probably the same as Syrian or very close. If a feature in either Palestinian
or Jordanian is mentioned you can assume that it applies to both dialects; this is more likely than a
similarity to Syrian.
The dialect of the Bedouins in these countries is not Levantine; it is closer to Saudi and
other dialects in the Arabian Peninsula. It is not included in this course.
Some notable divergences from Modem Standard Arabic and most other dialects are:
- -the Iql is usually pronounced as a harnza 1'1
- -the Ijl is pronounced as a softer IZI
- -the nth's" of MSA are pronounced It! or lsi for ~ , Idl or Izl for .;, and IDI or IZI for
J;,
--the final I-a! of many feminine words is a higher I-el
- - Levantine has question words that are quite different from MSA ("what," "who,"
"when," etc.)
- -the words for "there is/are" and "there is not/are not" are Iflil and Imaa fiil
--the marker for the progressive or habitual action is ICam-1 (with variations), prefixed
on the imperfect tense .verb
- -the marker for future tense is IraH-lor /b-I, prefixed on the imperfect tense verb
--some verbs are different from MSA but similar to other dialects, such as /raaH/, "he
went," /Saal/, "he removed," /Saaf/, "he saw," and /Zaab/, "he brought"
--the word Itabacl (with variations) is used to mean "belonging to"
14
- -some high-frequency vocabUlary words are very different from MSA and from some
other dialects:
what suu
why lees
when eemta
how much 'addees
now halla'
because of minsaan
like this, so, heek
this kind
so much, such hal-'add
good mniiH
also kamaan
tomorrow bukra
yesterday imbaariH, imbaarHa
early bakkiir
to want bidd
to be able fii
to begin ballal
15
4. maa-la'a l-maSaari.
(He didn't find the money.)
5. weeno aHmad? huwwe foo' .
(Where's Ahmad? He's upstairs.)
6. HuTTon foo' iT-Taawle. *
(Put them on top of the table.)
7. lissa fii wa' et.
(There's still time.)
8. Wit la-hoon min 'abel?
(Have you come here before?)
9. ruuH la-'iddaam.
(Go to the front.)
10. ana mwaafi' .
(I agree.)
11. stanna da'ii' a.
(Wait a minute.)
12. maa- 'aal-Ii.
(He didn't tell me.)
18

_. '" 1
.".J! .

.ci." -:.J
! J,; .;,. -*
rl..dJ c.".>
.Jil". bl
.

.irI Jti L.
13. bacD il-aw'aat mi-nruuH la-candon. *
.JA..wJ C.".,r.
(Sometimes we go to their house.)
*Note that the full suffix JA is shown in Arabic for clarity although in !HuTTon! and ICandon! the
/hI is not pronounced.
The Glottal Stop (Harnza) I' I
The harnza in the middle of some words may be changed to a Iy/. This is common for the
active participle of hoJJaw verbs.
MSA LA
sleeping naa'im

naayim b

visiting zaa'ir
zaayir

standing up
(ready to leave)
qaa'im ti
l'"'
'aayim ti
r:!
has said qaa'il Jjti 'aayil

Listen to these sentences:
1. T-Tifel naayim.
.r:!b jtlJl
(The baby is sleeping.)
2. inta zirt il-balad min 'abel?*
! I :.

..1W1

.
.>.>
(Have you visited the country before?)
3. lees intu 'aaymiin?
r ti

1 .. ,
..Y-' l.J""='
(Why are you getting up (ready to leave)?)
19
4. TaalCiin l-masa.

(We're going out this evening.)
speaker will use the one most natural to him or her.
*/zaayirl is also used by many speakers. When more than one usage or pronunciation occurs the
The Ijl [.
Sometimes the last hamza in a word is dropped, especially if it is preceded by an alif.
This also changes the stress and can affect comprehension. The Ijl of MSA is pronounced more softly as l7..l, as in English "pleasure" or "vision" or
the French Ijl (as in "beige"). This is the standard pronunciation in Syrian, Lebanese, and
Palestinian; it is pronounced as Ijl in some non-urban areas and in Jordanian.
MSA LA
II
MSA LA
behind waraa' wara
-'.)" I.)"
airlwind hawaa' _I,.,.. hawa I,.,..
new jadiid "",!...I>.- zidiid "",!...I>.
evening masSa' _L- masa L- man rajul J>...) riZZaal Jt;...) I
,
sky sarnaa' _t..,..., sarna t..,...,
I
men rijaal
Jt>.-.) daa1 Jt>.-.)
lunch gadaa' _1..1t. gada 1..1t. he brought jaa'a b- y_t>.- Zaab yt>.
dinner CaSaa' casa coming-f jaaye

!aaye 4Il> I

- .
foot, leg rijl J>...) mel J>...)
I
This word is a special case:
1. s-sayyaara wara l-madrase. face wajh
. win
4.>.-"
L..,.)..LlI I.)" i .)L::-JI
(The car is behind the school.)
The Hard Igl
2. kaanet 'aaCde waraana.
.bl.)" The hard Igl occurs in words borrowed from foreign languages. It is usually spelled with a
IkI in Arabic.
(She was sitting behind us.)
England ingiltra

I
3. fii hawa l-yoom.
English ingliizi
I,.,..
(It's windy today.) cigarette siigaara

cake (gateau) gatto
;S

garage garad

20 21
I":II!I'
;illl,
IIII
,1'11,'
1. lees istara beet iZdiid?
.- _:
(Why did he buy a new house?)
2. har-riHaal mdnuun.
.LJ Jt>.-."JIA
(This man is crazy.)
3. Zaab-Ii maSaari min il-bank.
I$';t-. j yt>.
(He brought me money from the bank.)
4. hay iZ-mmca.

(He's coming on Friday.)
5. iza bi-triid, Zib-Ii ZaaZ w salaTa.
. 41aL." t>.- j '.J.J.....;:.! 1.)\
(Please bring me chicken and a salad.)
6. hiyye l-hamca Zdiide?
-,. 'I

(Is the university new?)
The MSA "th's"
These are pronounced as in MSA by educated people in some classicized or foreign words
and this is a distinguishing feature of Jordanian (as compared with other Levantine dialects). In
Syrian, Lebanese, and urban Palestinian the sounds are changed.
The voiceless "th" is pronounced as ItI , and the voiced "th" .) is pronounced as Idl in
words that are "old," whereas the is pronounced as lsI and the.) as Izl in words that are
considered technical or erudite (usually; this is somewhat random).
22
It has become customary to spell words in spoken Arabic (in cartoons, for example) with
:1
I
:
1
ItI CJ and Idl if the "th's" are pronounced that way but to retain spelling with and .) if they are ',
'
pronounced as lsI or Iz/. This convention will be followed in this course. If the Arabic spelling is I
not clear you should refer to the English phonetics for pronunciation. II"
:1 1,1
1

Note that the first two pairs of words listed here are from the same root.
LA ;1'
three tlaate

triangle musallas cit.
he sent baCat

delegation biCse :i.e:
two tneen

eight tmaani

much, many ktiir
..;:;S
for example masalan*
*'
statue timsaal

pact miisaaq lJ _
Athens atiina

that-m haada I..u.
hadaak L!J\..u.
if iza \.)\
broadcast izaaCa
professor istaaz ';L:....,\
*/matalanl is also heard in Palestinian and Jordanian.
23
The emphatic "th" is pronounced as an emphatic IDI or IZI. The MSA spelling is
retained in Arabic.
noon D-Duher pi
back Daher

demonstration muZaahara ;..."..U4.
envelope Zaref

exactly bi-Z-ZabeT

bi-D-DabeT
correct maZbuuT
COnsonant Clusters
In MSA no more than two consonants can come together. In I.A three consonants can come
together, though this is rare. It does not affect comprehension.
MSA LA
you-p have Cindakum candkon
England ingiltiraa ingiltra
problem muskila miskle
1. hayy miskle kbiire.

(This is a big problem.)
2. eemta bi-yxallSu l-madrase?

(When will they finish school?)
24
Assimilation of Consonants
When two different consonants come together one of them may lose its original
pronunciation and be pronounced closer to the other, to make pronunciation easier. The first
usually becomes closer to the second consonant. This usually occurs in rapid speech and does not
affect comprehension.
Words wj)] not usua)]y be spelled with assimilations in this course, in order to show the
underlying structure clearly. However, the assimilated pronunciation may be mentioned or shown
in parentheses.
Original LA Word Assimilated IA Pronunciation
busy malguuI [mdguul] (add voice to make

more like Igl)
society mUZtama
c
[mustama
C
] (make voiceless to

be more like ItI)
small sgiir [zgiir] (add voice to make

more like Igl)
I took hirn axadto [axatto] (make voiceless to .u..l>1
be more like ItI)
married mitzawwiZ [midzawwiZ] (add voice to make

more like Izl)
you see bi-tsuuf [bi-s-suuf] (ItI assimilates J ...

to lsI)
Emphatic pronounciation of Words
The presence of emphatic consonants, (T, D, S, Z) and sometimes Irl, causes the other
consonants and vowels in or the word to be "emphatic" (velarized) also. This is automatic,
similar to MSA, and is not shown in the transcription.
Original JA Word Assimilated J A pronunciation
he hunted Saad [SaaD] ,)1....
25
I memorized it Hafazto [HafazTo]
happy, fine mabsuuT [maBSuuT]
go ahead-m tfaDDal [tfaDDaL]

Arabs carab [CaRab]

moon 'amar ['aMaR]

The word for "God" is a special case where the 111 is emphatic or non-emphatic,
depending on the other words present; this is the same in MSA.
The final/hl is usually not pronounced; it depends on the formality of the situation.
Many common phrases are treated as one word in spoken Arabic. Note the placement of stress.
In this course, if the stress is on a final &y]]able that ends in 1-hI II in Arabic, the 1-hI will
be included in English. This will make it easier to remember to stress the final syllable.
LA Actual Pronunciation
God ana [aLLa]
<
"
Dh, really! bana,ball8ahi [baLLa] [baLLaahi]
wana [waLLa] .uJI
J
the name of God sm-ana [sm-aLLa]
as God wills maa.S8.lla [maaSaLLa]
if God wills ins8alla [insaaLLa]
thank God I-Hamdilla [1-Hamdilla]

1-Hamdu li-llBah [1-Hamdu li-llaa]
in the name bismi-llBah [bismi-llaa]

of God
26
Vowels
Long Vowels leel and 1001
There are two diphthongs (vowel combinations) in MSA, layl and law/. These are usually
pronounced as long vowels in lA although sometimes the MSA pronunciation is heard in technical
words or formal situations.
leel is like "ai" in "bait" and 1001 is like "oa" in "boat."
1.=1
MSA LA
house bayt .....
.'
! beet 'e:.!
between bayna
.'
been

summer Sayf u-
.'
Seef u-
army jays
.'
zees

tent xayma
,
xeeme

1.DfJ.L
.'
voice Sawt
Soot

.'
bananas mawz mooz

color lawn loon
fork Sawka
4S
.,-
' ...
sooke 4S
.,-
...
In some instances the pronunciation of lawl and layl is retained.
if law y law y
light Daw'
Daww

, , .
lake buHayra

buHayra

nation, state dawla dawle
27
In Lebanese speech layl and lawl are common.
Lebanese (not on tape)

house bayt '-e;.!
.'
here hawn u.jA
bird Tayr

You will also hear layl in other words but this is not the layl diphthong of MSA.
LA
water mayy

tea Saay
.
this-f hayy

1. hal-beet ikbiir.

(This house is big.)
2. hayy beeni w beenak.
.
."\;;0:'"
(This is between me and you.)
3. been is-sitte w is-sabCa.

.,. 'I ..JI ..-.J
-'_.
(Between six and seven o'clock.)
28
4. kaan bi-S-Seef.
.u.-JL LJlS
(It was in the summer.)
5. zees il-caduu 'awL
.l5j ."J.aJ1
(The enemy's army is strong.)
6. Sooto Hilu.
.."k. 4J.,,
(His voice is nice.)
7. stareet mooz.

(I bought bananas.)
8. loon is-sayyaara aHmar.
. i LJ."J
(The color of the car is red.)
9. biddna nib' a yoomeen.
.,j::-.J!. b..1.f
(We want to stay two days.)
Short Vowels
In all colloquial Arabic dialects short vowels have great variation, both in their quality and
in the selection of which vowel is used in place of an MSA vowel. For example, "he writes" is
lyikteb/, lyiktib/, and lyiktobl in various dialects.
The quality of short vowels is not very important in spoken Arabic (except in some
nomadic dialects) and only rarely do they make a difference in meaning. This is worth knowing so
that you do not expend your energy trying to remember the short vowels, compared with
consonants and long vowels, which are important and affect meaning.
Among the varieties of Levantine Arabic there is much variation in the actual quality of
short vowels. These variations are not relevant to meaning but they do help to mark a person's
regional origin.
29
In this course differences in short vowels will not always be pointed out, since they
Some generalizations can be made.
usually serve no special purpose and native speakers are often unaware of them. You can expect to
encounter variations in the pronunciation of the same word.
The short IiI (kasra) is pronounced as in English "sit" or "set" and the short luI (Damrn
a
)
(1) In Syrian and Lebanese a short Iii is pronounced in some words where it is short
luI in Palestinian and Jordanian (and many other dialects of Arabic).
is either luI as in "put" or 101 as in "boat" (but shorter than the long 1001 in this dialect). Thus, a
word could be spelled with IiI or leI and with luI or 101- -this varies by speaker and by the word or .
The pronunciation of short IiI in words such as those following is a feature of Syrian and
Lebanese. If there is a short luI in MSA you can assume that it is also short lui in Palestinian and
its environment. jl
(Note: an upside-down lei ('schwa') is used in the Refewu;e GlllIDIDIII of Syrian Arabic. l
~ I
which is between the Iii of 'sit' and the lui of 'put.' This will be written as Iii in this course.) I
1
1
!I
In this list the first variation is Syrian pronunciaiton.
LA
Tayyib ~
OK, I agree
Tayyeb
..,\J
Didd
against
Dedd
Hilu ~
sweet
Helu
jS'
killlkeU
all
kuUlkoU
b-iHoTT b ~ *
I put
b-iHiTT
b-aHuTT
mismos ~
apricots
musmus
mismis
*Note that the alif is retained in the Arabic spelling for clarity although the verb prefix for the "I"
form is often IiI (marked with kasra here) or not pronounced at all.
30
Jordanian.
MSA Syriana&banese palestinjanlJordanian
all kull kill jS' kuU
Muslim muslim mislim muslim
rl
.
Sunni sunni sinni
,;-
sunni
quarter rub
c
ribe
c
t:!.)
rube
c
copy nusxa nisxa ~ nusxa
free Hurr Rirr
..;>
Hurr
hurried mustaCjil mistacZll j:,=,. . mustaCzel
mustaCjel
problem muskila miskle ~ muskile
; & ..
hospital mustdfaa mistdfa mustaS'fa
(.;S
future mustaqbal mista'bal musta'bal
~
I went ruHtu riHet ~ . ) ruHet
I saw sahadtu sifet ~ sufet
In some words the Levantine pronunciation has short lal where it is IiI in MSA and most
other Arabic dialects. Palestinian and Jordanian are frequently the same as Syrian and Lebanese in
this respect.
MSA LA
in, at Cind Cand ~
embassy sifaara safaara i.)tL..,
ministry wizaara wazaara
i)j.J
31
fl'"
I
il:
1
la-
to, for li- J
health SiHHa SaHHa

\1
(2) The I-al suffix of feminine words is retained when the word contains emphatic
consonants (T, D, S, Z), or back consonants (x, g, q, c, H, h, ') and usually after Irl, sometimes
IyI. Otherwise it is pronounced as 1-e/.
LA
sweet-f Hilwe i}:>
one hundred miyye
caade
custom
result natme
..
." .
story 'uSSa ...
happy-f mabsuuTa
tl,

Haftza HafiiZa aw:...
(woman's name)
jewelry Siiga
oasis waaHa
saaca
hour
method Tarii'a
embassy safaara
woman mara i.,r
(3) The pronoun suffix for "his, him" is 1-01 in Syrian and Lebanese (I-ul in
Palestinian and Jordanian).
LA I
his house beeto

his name ismo
32
I
with him maco UA
I sawhim. sifto. .cl..:,
I'll tell him. b- 'iI-lo.
.41
Short vowels, called "helping vowels," are often added to words or between words to
make pronunciation easier. This does not affect comprehension and it varies among speakers. In
Levantine the helping vowel is most often IiI or leI.
A short vowel may break up two consonants at the end of a word (this is common in
Syrian and Lebanese, less common in Palestinian). Note that it disappears when another vowel or
another word is added.
MSA t.A
thousand alf uJl alef uJi
war Harb y..;> Hareb y..;>
name ism
r-\
isem
r-
I
his name ismuh ismo
food akl JS'\ akel JS'\
my food aklii
;s'l
akli
;s'l
the month as'-Sahr s-Saher

last month as-sahru l-maaDii s-sahr iI-maaDi

The helping vowel is usually pronounced IiI if it is stressed (this often happens when
suffixes are added, for example.) Usually it is transcribed as IiI but sometimes it sounds more like
leI.
MSA LA
name ism
r-
I isem
r-'I
her name ismuhaa isema t..-I
isima
33
your-pname ismukum
islrnkon ,:j-..\
'Wet cJti
she said qWat cJti
'aallt-lak Lill cJti
she said to you qWat laka Lill cJti
'ilt-ilio
I said to him qultu lahu ,
The short vowel is usually dropped jf jt comes before a stressed &rUable in a word
(frequently the stressed syllable has a long vowel). This occurs in rapid speech and is not a big
problem in comprehension.
LA
book
ktaab
yt:s'
houses
byuut
big
kbiir
..r.:-?
ktiir
many
small
Sgiir ..;::W
he worked
stagal
Sometimes a short vowel is also dropped when it comes at the beginning of a word. This
is customary with the IiI of the word lil-I, tithe. II Other short vowels may be dropped as well, as
in the last examples where a short vowel follows a stressed syllable. This rarely affects
comprehension.
LA
MSA
the woman al-mar'a ;1,.,l1 I-mara (,11
the date at-taariix
t-taariix
the car as-sayyaara ;.,l::-JI s-sayyaara ;.,l::-JI
34
1. s-saaca sabca.

(It's seven o'clock.)
2. drast ib-beeruut.

(I studied in Beirut.)
3. r-ra'iiseen ttafa'u Cala taariix il-mu'tamar.

(The two presidents agreed on the date of the conference.)
4. stagal Tuul in-nhaar.

(He worked all day.)
A short vowel may be lost when it follows a consonant cluster. Sometimes a helpjng
yowel iiI is needed to prevent three or more consonants coming together (for ease of
pronunciation) so the vowels and consonants are in reverse order. This varies among speakers. It
is not always shown in the Arabic text because it is regular and predictable.
MSA LA
a small girl bint Sagiira bint iSgiira

a big place maHall kabiir mHall ikbiir
..r.:-? ..r.:-?
(See also Sentence 2 above, where /bi-I becomes lib-I.)
35
;1

is-saher the month
11-1 becomes lil-I when it follows a word with two consonants.
In this course the spelling with lli -I will usually be used.
l. kint ihniik.

(I was there.)
2. Habb iktaabi.

(He liked my book.)
3. fataH -ilkon il-baab.

(He opened the door for you-p.)
4. 1-bint ikbiire.
.i..r.:$
(The girl is big.)
5. 1-bint isgiire.

, .
(The girl is small.)
6. raH-iykuun SaCeb.
.
(It will be difficult.)
The word 11-1, "the," is often changed to Ili-I when the next word starts with two
consonants. The word could be written two ways:
l-iktaab
' the book .
li-ktaab
bi-l-imHaTTa
at the station
bi-li-mHaTTa
36
the past l-maaDi

last month is-sahr il-maaDi

1',1
"I
iii
Helping vowels will be pointed out in the appropriate parts of the course.
(Don't try to memorize these rules. Just listen and try to become accustomed to the way
the sounds change. With a little practice this will not interfere with comprehension. You need not
consciously learn the rules for your ear to grow accustomed to these sound changes because they
are regular and predictable.)
Sometimes speakers add I-el to words without being aware of it because it does not affect
meaning. You will notice variation in words like !hoonl and !hoone/, "here," or Ihnaakl and
Ihnaake/, "there." You will also hear !heeke/, "this way," lakiide/, "for sure," Itneenal, "two, II
and Ikamaane/, "also." In Palestinian you will hear Il-yoome/, "today," and phrases like Iyoomt
il-aHad/, "Sunday."
Stmss
Stress is the same as in MSA, except for a few cases.
(1) IA may have a suffix that is one syllable shorter than in MSA, which can affect
the stress.
MSA LA
she said to him q3alat lahu oJ t.:.Jli 'aalit-lo oJ t.:.Jli
(This is further discussed in Chapter 5.)
37
(2) Nisba words in the masculine singular end in I -if rather than liil as in MSA. This
shortening affects the stress. Feminine and plural nisba words are the same as in MSA.
LA
MSA
Syrian suuriyy
suuri

suuriyye
suuriyya

suuriyy6un
suuriyyfin
(-fin)
world(ly) Caalamiyy

CaaIami

1. maa-b-acrifsuu'aaln-lo.
.oJ
(I don't know what she said to him.)
2. huwwe suuri walla libnaani?

(Is he Syrian or Lebanese?)
3. ana maali urduni, ana falasTiini.
(I'm not Jordanian, I'm Palestinian.)
4. Zibt-illak kill sii.

(I brought you everything.)
5. HiDer il-mu'tarnar il-Caalarni.
. WI .."..:;jlI .,r-.
(He attended the world conference.)
38
6. s-sarikaat Ciraaqiyye.
CllSrJl
(The companies are Iraqi.)
Foreign Words
The pronunciation of words borrowed from other languages is quite variable among
speakers. You will hear Ikiilul and /keelul for "kilo," Illiral and Ileeral for "lira" (the Syrian or
Lebanese pound), Idulaarl and Idolaarl for "dollar," luroppa/, lawrubba/, and lawruppa/ for
"Europe," etc.
Foreign words are the only ones pronounced with Ipl or Iv/. These will be written as fbI
and IfI in this course since they are not part of the pronunciation "system" in this dialect and
pronunciation varies.
LA
Europe uroppa/urobba

awruppa/awrubba
boardinghouse bansyoon/pansyoon
,j

.
("pension")
passport basboor/paspoor

necktie graafe/kraave 4i1,,}
("cravat")
balcony beranda/veranda i..ul.,)Ii..u\.,)'f
"bravo" braavofbraafo
jl.,)'f
cake ("gateau") gatto/gatOO ylS ,.;s
39
2. NOUNS
Nouns in Levantine Arabic are masculine and feminine, as in MSA. There is a dual suffix,
masculine and feminine, and the plurals are sound masculine, sound feminine, and broken.
Levantine, like all other colloquial Arabic dialects, has no case endings so there is only
one form for each suffix such as the dual and the sound masculine plural.
The gender and plurals of nouns are almost always the same as in MSA.
Masculine and Feminjne
Feminine nouns usually end in I-al or I-el (the MSA pause form). The ItI of the feminine
ending is heard before suffixes or in a construct (iDaafa) phrase, which is discussed later in this
lesson.
Note that the unstressed leI of the masculine form is lost when the feminine ending is
added (first two examples). This is a predictable pattern for words of this type.
Mascu1ine Feminine
teacher mCallim
rI
mCallme
student Taalib
Taalbe
lawyer muHaami

muHaamiye
Iraqi Ciraaqi

Ciraaqiyye
Generally you can assume that words which end in I-a! are feminine in Arabic. This
includes a number of foreign words that end in I-a! as well.
cigarette siigaara
balcony feranda i..ul.)
light bulb lamba
40
1. T-Taalib aHsan imin iT-Taalbe.
. ,jo
(The student-m is better than the student-f.)
I
2. canna mudiir w mudiira.
III
'I,ll
. i ...}'!..J.o.J ...}'!..J.o
.11
(We have a (male) director and a (female) director.)
II
!.:
3. hiyye m
C
a11me mdhuura.
1:111
(She's a famous teacher.)
:!!
I
4. b-tistigil ka-mumarriDa.
d
.'44"..ri
il
'ill
(She works as a nurse.)
I! I!!
1;;1
The Definite Article
As stated above, the MSA word lal-I is pronounced II-lor lil-I in LA, depending on the
. other words in the sentence.
1. l-akel Tayyeb.

(The food is good.)
2. axadto min il-beet.
. .u..1>1
-' IJ'
(I took it from the house.)
The word lil-I may lose the 111 and double the following consonant. This is the same
process as with "sun letters" in MSA.
41
year sine
two years sinteen

health SaHHa
"two healths" SaHHteen

"welcome" marHaba(n)
"two welcomes" marHabteen

If a feminine noun ends in two consonants followed by a short Ia! or lei a vowel may be
inserted before the dual ending. This is for ease of pronunciation and does not affect meaning or
comprehension.
idea fikra ifi
two ideas fikirteen
,;r.;;fi
nation, state dawle 4Jy
two nations, states dawilteen

party Haile
two parties Hafilteen

university Zaamca

two universities ZaamiCteen

If a noun is masculine and ends in I-a! or I-i/, a Iyl is inserted before the dual ending.
hospital mistdfe . "'. .
",' I
two hospitals mistaSfayteen* ... ;.... .
1,)
mistdfayeen ,J .; A.
44
opinion ra'i
l:f'..>
two opinions ra'yeen
,J=!'''>
chair kursi

two chairs kursiyeen

*Sometimes masculine nouns are treated as feminine. You will also hear, for example, Imacnaahl
and ImaCnaato/, "his/its meaning. "
If a noun ends in I-ul or 1-01 it is dropped and a Iwl or Iyl is inserted before the dual ending.
member cuDu

two members cuDween

radio raadyo

two radios raadyoyeen*

*you will also hear Itneen raadyo/.
If a noun ends in 1-yel or 1-yyel this may become liil before the dual ending in rapid
speech. If it ends in 1-wa! or I-wei it becomes luul in rapid speech.
one hundred miyye
two hundred miiteen
..
nationality Ensiyye

two nationalities Ensiiteen ."",
,J::.
village qarye
U
.
two villages qariiteen

45
--
coffeehouse 'ahwe i"';
two coffeehouses 'ahuuteen 4,r.?"';
lawsuit dacwa i..,e.;)
two lawsuits dacuuteen ..,e.;)

step, pace xuTwe

two steps xuTuuteen

Parts of the body which come in pairs may be either masculine or feminine depending on
the local usage, so either dual ending may be used. Note that the dual can also be used for plural.
foot riZel*
J>..;
two feet rizilteen
feet (plural) rlZleen
hand iid

two hands iidteen ..lI1
..
hands (plural) iideen

ayaadi
eye Ceen

two eyes Ceenteen
eyes cuyuun
w*
*In Lebanese these words are liZer/, li!erteen!, and liZreen!.
Some nouns do not have a dual suffIX. Instead, the number "two" is used with the plural.
two men tneen irZaal

two Syrians tneen suuriyyiin

46
two Arabs tneen carab

two women tinteen niswaan
1. candi ktaabeen.

(I have two books.)
2. xallaS darseen.

(He finished two lessons.)
3. stanna saaCteen.
j;:
(Wait two hours.)
4. stanna da'ii'teen.
.
.
(Wait two minutes.)
5. Cando Zinsiiteen.
..;,:.
(He has two nationalities.)
6. 1-fikirteen imnaaH.
4,r.?fll
(The two ideas are (both) good.)
7. HuTI'u ideekon wara Daherkon. *
.,*
(Put your-p hands behind your back.)
47
*Because "secondary" is a more formal word than "second" the MSA is pronounced as lsi.
**This is used for both masculine and feminine words.
8.
akalt tiffaaHteen.
secondary saanawi*
(second, taani) ,.s U
(I ate two apples.)
"Y
I
chemical, chemist kiimaawi
9.
sribna finZaaneen 'ahwe. " ..
(chemistry,l-kiimya)
".,... .. . . ..r
.6
0Ne drank two cups of coffee.)
sky blue sanuuiwi**
(sky, sarna)

10.
b'lit bi-s-suCuudiyye sahreen.
," ':.'-1
manual yadawi***
(I stayed in Saudi Arabia for two months.)
(hand, lid)

French frinsaawi
11.
candak wlaad? eeh, candi Sabiyeen w binteen.

\
(France, fransa) ,.s l-i,)
"J
(Do you have children? Yes, two boys and two girls.) I fromHama Hamwi

12.
tislam il-ayaadi. **

Alawite Calawi
(Ali, cali)

(May God bless the hands.)
*This is said to children before they enter their classroom.
**This is a courtesy expression used to compliment food or other work done with the hands. You
saanawiyye

kiimawiyye

yadawiyye

frinsaawiyye

Hamwiyye

Calawiyye

kiimawiyyiin
;.r-!.J1.4
frinsaawiyyiin
;.r-!.Jl-i,)
Hamwiyyiin

Calawiyyiin

101 .

***Because "manual" is a more formal word than "hand" the stem changes and reverts to the MSA
will also hear lil-lideenl, "the two hands. "
word.
The Plural
Acljectiyes wjth I-aanl
Masculine NQuns These adjectives come from Form I verbs. They are applied mostly to people and living
things and describe a temporary state.
The feminine ends in I-a! or I-el and the plural is almost always I-iinl.
The sound masculine plural suffix is I-iinl. This is usually used for nouns referring to
people and professions. The same pronunciation adjustments are made as for the dual suffix.
Singular flu.ral
mislim
Muslim
tired taCbaan -e l.il-:i -un

misilmiin
Muslims
48
sick marDaan -e ..;A
-lin
I
Some adjectives describe inanimate objects.
upset, angry zaClaan -e
-lin
n
out of order caTlaan -e -lin* ..

hungry Zuucaan -e
-lin ..
.
II
-
xarbaan -e -lin

thirsty
caTSaan -e -lin
..

n
-
full malyaan -e
-un ..w...

mistaken galTaan -e -lin
..

D
malaan -un ..

sleepy nacsaan -e -lin .\-.u

awake SaHyaan -e
-lin .w.

I
*Plural adjectives are sometimes used with inanimate plural nouns other speakers use a feminine
singular adjective, as in MSA. '
lazy kaslaan -e -lin

cold bardaan -e
-lin

I Adiectives with l-aIinil
full (of food) IabCaan -e
-lin
.

. Adjectiyes that are fonned prepositions end in I-aani/. They are generally not used
m the plural. Smce they are regular m the feminine fonn only the masculine is on tape.
aware daryaan -e
-lin

satisfied raDyaan -e
- .)
-lin .w,
.)
upper foo' aani -yye

glad farHaan -e -lin .6..)

lower taHtaani -yye

embarrassed, xaZlaan -e
-lin

:r.:'
I
outside, outer barraani -yye

ashamed
drunk
staying up
sakraan -e
sahraan -e

-lin
-lin
..\...;.....

.. \'*"'

-
inside, inner
back, rear
Zuwwaani-yye
warraani -yye

late
front 'iddaamaani -yye

fed up,
disgusted
zah'aan -e
102
-lin
I
middle, mid wasTaani -yye
103

Some of these adjectives come from other words.
first awwalaani -yye ,.;"1,,\
.,
1. maa Hadan b-yaCrif il-Ha'ii'a.
.4i)..d1 i..b. L.
last
psychological
axraani -yye
nafsaani -yye
'1 1
tF";>
. W:,
tF
1\
e
2.
(Nobody knows the truth.)
kinna bardaaniin w zuucaaniin.
ts
(We were cold and hungry.)
Adjectiyes of "DispositioD" 3.
miin is-sikkaan l-aSliyyiin hoon?
!w.,.. wtLJl
These adjectives describe a person's disposition or constant quality. They have several
vowel patterns. The feminine ends in I-a! or I-el and the plural is usually I-iinl. They are listed
here in the masculine singular.
shy, bashful xduu1
J.P
4. '
(Who are the original inhabitants here?)
ibni <taxal il-madrase l-ibtidaa'iyye has-sine.
(My son entered elementary school this year.)
4.....)..u.1 j.>.3
patient
sensitive
Sabuur
Hassaas

4J'"
l...>
5.
Cam-yistaCmlu asliHa kiimaawiyye.
(They use chemical weapons.)
.'iJ...,L. .: rC
greedy
liar
Tammaa
c
1ca7.7.aab
tCJ.,
ylJs
6.
mit'akkdiin inno hayy maZbuuTa. *
(We're sure that this is correct.)
,yl
good/hard worker hggiil J) A,
7.
nuSS iT-Tullaab kaanu marDaaniin hal-isbuuC.
working, in operation
(non-human)
hggaal
(Half of the students were sick this week.)
lylS'
spendthrift Sarriif

8. I-balad bidda Hikkaam 'awaaya.

(good) player 1aCCiib

(The country needs strong rulers).
104
105
9. axi Saar-lo mitzawwiZ tmenn isniin.
(My brother has been married for eight years.)
10. b-faDDill-'ahwe l-Hilwe Can il- 'ahwe l-mirra.
(I prefer sweet coffee over black coffee.)
11. fii rZaa1 ikbaar 'aaCdiin bi-1- 'ahwe.
(There are old men sitting in the coffeehouse.)
12. cafwan, ana galTaan.
(Excuse me, I'm mistaken.)
13. tCarraft caT-Tullaab li-Zdaad?
(Have you gotten acquainted with the new students?)
14. sa'al su'aalaat saxSiyye. **
(He asked personal questions.)
15. 'addam it-ta'riir il-CiJrni li-l-waziir.
(He presented the scientific report to the minister.)
16. it-talifoon caTlaan.
(The telephone is out of order.)
17. saakniin bi-s-h"a l-foo'aaniyye.
(They live in the upstairs apartment.)
106
.,;,,:;- .J )_
.(,11 #,*1 #."bJ1 #,*1
.#'*It .;L:S
'l..1J.C t:,1 I ill:.
.U .r

; JL
."r.J}J "r"p
i
r".;;
.
;; ,llt
18. cood bi- S- Saff il-warraani.
u..Jlt .)
(Sit in the back row.)
19. ,afalna 1-baab il-barraani.
t:..lii
(We locked the outer door.)
20. l-aHwaal muu baTIaale.
y JI.,,=--'il
(Conditions aren't bad.)
21. huwwe aShar laCCiib bi-1- farii' .
. -. :tL 1 d
.. -
(He is the most famous player on the team.)
22. hiyye Hassaase ktiir.
...r.P L..,L-:...
(She is very sensitive.)
*Note the use of feminine when referring to a general fact or situation.
**/su'aalaat/ refers to a list or series of questions; /as'ile/ is used for questions in the collective
sense.
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
The same vowel pattern is used for comparative adjectives as in MSA.
big kbiir
..r.:$
bigger akbar ..,$1
107
sweet, pretty Hilu small Sgii.r
."J>.
sweeter, prettier aIDa smaller aSgar
..;-
. \

strong 'awi heavy t'iil

stronger a'wa heavier at'al j4:;1
1
ii

--rio
long, tall Tawiil

l
rich gani

i'i
richer agna longer, taller aTwal

1;
i
:tt
cold baarid wide cariiD

(inanimate)
wider aCraD

colder abrad ')J!I
Many comparative adjectives that come from other adjective patterns go back to the famous malhuur

original three-consonant root. Listed below are the comparative adjectives from:
more famous alhar

- - defective roots
useful muflid ...w..
- - adjectives that start with 1m-I
more useful afyad

suitable mnaasib high Caali
more suitable ansab higher aCla

Adjectives from "doubled" verb roots usually fonn the comparative in the same way as in MSA. low waaTi

lower awTa

few 'aliil
JJi
comfortable muriiH

fewer a'all (inanimate)
Ji\
more comfortable aryaH

important mhimm
r*"
.
more important ahamm narrow dayyi' -,)

narrower adya'
lightweight xafllf u..4>
lighter axaff U>.\
108 109
special
more special
xaaSS
axaSs
l>

new iZdiid
1. huwwe msaqqaf aktar min axuuh.
.".,,>\ .,;5\ UAio .YJ
newer ilidd
(He is more cultured than his brother.)
good
better
imniiH
aHsan

2. hiyye aTwal.
(She is taller.)

Some adjectives are too long or complex to have this pattern. These are followed with the
word laktar/.
3. hiyye aTwal min axuuha.
.IA.,,>I
Comparative adjectives are followed by IminI, "than."
(She is taller than her brother.)
in ahurry mistacZll
J:,-.
I
4. ana aTwal minnak.
(I am taller than you.)

more hurried
more hurried than you
mistacZll aktar
mistacZll aktar minnak
.,;51 J:,-.
cl;.. .,;51

.
I 5. awwal marra kint xaayif aktar.
(The first time I was more afraid.)
..,;51 i..r J",I
tired taCbaan I 6. l-yoom ana bardaan aktar.
..,;51 bl
more tired taCbaan aktar (Today I feel colder.)

more tired than you taCbaan aktar minnak I 7. CaIa hawa-rna b-itzakkar, kaanet agla min heek.
cl;...,;51 l. I.YJ
(As far as I remember, it was more expensive than this.)
cultured msaqqaf
UAio
more cultured msaqqaf aktar It should be mentioned that the feminine comparative form is used but only in c1assicisms
.,;51 UAio which are set phrases. The final/aal of MSA is reduced to Ia!.
more cultured than you msaqqaf aktar minnak
cl;...,;51 UAio
the Great Powers d-duwal il-kubra J",..JI
110 111
the Great War 1-Harb il-kubra
Asia Minor aasya S- Sugra
The Supreme Court 1-maHkame 1-
C
u1ya
Great Britain briTaanya 1-
c
uZma

the Middle Ages 1-quruun il-wusTa
the (Classical) Arabic 1-luga 1-
C
arabiyye l-fuSHa
language ("elegant") 4ill\
The superlative is usually expressed by using the comparative adjective with the words
IwaaHidl or IwaRdel or by a noun in a construct.
1. haada aIDa waaHid.
....\>\J J.>\
(This is the prettiest one.)
2. hayy asgar waRde.
.i...\>\J ".,w\
(This is the smallest one-f.)
3. anu 1-aIDal?

(Which one is best?)
4. hayy arxaS sii.

(This is the cheapest thing.)
112
5. hayy aScab miskle.

(This is the hardest problem.)
A superlative adjective can be formed by adding a pronoun suffjx.
6. hinne xams ixwaat w cali akbaron.
'c.JA..;$\ J e." \ v-P- ::,..
(They are five brothers and Ali is the oldest of them.)
If the adjective does not have the lafCall comparative pattern a noun phrase is used.
7. mHammad aktar waaHid b-yifham beenaaton.
...\>\J.?'\
(Mohammed is the most understanding/intelligent of them.)
8. huwwe aktar waaHid mdguu1 bi-l-maktab.
Jy..:.. ...\>\J .?'I
(He is the busiest one in the office.)
There is a special use of Imaal with comparative adjectives to mean "How!" or "What!" .
9. maa aHlaaha!
L.
(How pretty she is!)
10. maa aHlaaha kaanet il- 'ides!
!V"..wl L.
(How nice Jerusalem was!)
113
The words IHiweenetl and IxSaaret-1 are used to mean "too good (for)."
11. Hiweenet haS-SabbaaT* la-har-rooHa.
.4>
I
(Those shoes are too good for this outing.) Iii

j
1
12. Hiweenitha bi-hal-waZiife.

i
J

xSaaritha bi-hal-waziife.
.}4-! 4J.,1->
(She's too good for that job.)
*The words for men's shoes are ISabbaaTI "pair of shoes," ISababiiTI "pairs of
shoes." The words for women's shoes are Ik.indaral "pair of shoes," Ikanaadirl yl.:S ,
"pairs of shoes." "One shoe" is expressed as Ifardet Sabbaatl or Ifardet kindaral
i.)..J.S
1. huwwe alhar kaatib bi-l-luga l-Carabiyye.

(He's the most famous writer in the Arabic language.)
2. binti li-sgiira rail -itsaafir is-sahr iZ-baye nsalla.
4IbJl ... II jl-:; r i :. _II w'
-' """"'-...r ,-.)...r.:--
(My young (youngest) daughter will travel next month, if God wills.)
3. haada ahamm sii bi-l-ffiaktuub.

(That's the most important thing in the letter.)
114
4. l-oteelli-zdiid aryaH min illi 'ablo.
4 JJI;r
(The new hotel is more comfortable than the one before it.)
5. l-iZtimaa
c
it-taani kaan a'Sar.
..,.,-il LJl5' t
(The second meeting was shorter.)
6. iI-yoom fii naas a'all min imbaarHa.
JiIlJ"'b
(Today there are fewer people than yesterday.)
7. hiyye aHla waHde bi-l-Ceele.
.l.t i..\>l." J.>I
(She's the prettiest one in the family.)
8. biddi axaff Santa Candak.
;-'
(I want the lightest (weight) handbag you have.)
9. haada ahamm sabab.
rA11-u
(That's the most important reason.)
10. hinnen halla' aHsan, 1-Hamdilla.

(They're better now, thank God.)
11. suu isem akbar madiine bi-D-Daffe l-garbiyye?
r-I
(What's the name of the largest city in the West Bank?)
12. ahamm sii Candi S-SaHHa.
rAl
(The most important thing to me is health.)
115
13. aHsan noo
c
samak li-tirwiit.
t.f' J->I
old women niswaan ikbaar bi-s-sinn

(The best kind of fish is trout.)
two old women
tneen niswaan* ikbaar bi-s-sinn
14. haada s-saari
c
aCraD swayy min hadaak.
.l!JI...ub t,)W\ l...ub
small girls banaat i5gaar
I
(This street is a little wider than that one.) ji ,)lw
ti
i small boys Subyaan i5gaar
I
,) M'
Adjective Agreement
*The word Imara!, "woman," does not have a dual form. There are a few other words like this in
the language.
Adjectives generally agree with the nouns they modify, in gender, number, and
definiteness. Most adjectives follow the noun they modify.
Adjectives that modify dual and plural nouns may vary, however. Most of the variation Inanjmate nouns in the p1w:al generally have a feminine singular adjective (the same as the
depends on whether the plural of the adjective is regular (with l-iinI) or broken. rule for non-human plurals in MSA). However, if the adjective has a broken plural you may hear
either the plural or the feminine singular.
Dual and plural nouns that .refer to human bejngs always take a plural adjective.
Inanimate nouns in the .dual usually have a plural adjective.
a pretty girl bintHilwe
an old house beet 'adiim
(':!
..lie..."
M'
pretty girls banaat Hilwiin old houses byuut 'adiime
M
C,Jt;.,
,;r.. .
two old houses beeteen 'idama
t....li
two pretty girls binteen Hilwiin

a new building binaaye zdiide i..1J...\> 4"t;.,
.. . .. .
pretty children wlaad Hilwiin new buildings binaayaat Zidod C,J\., t;.,
M'

two new buildings binaayteen iZdaad

an oldman riZZaal ikbiir bi-s-sinn
..;:::S Jt;,.,) expensive books kitub gaalye
M
old men rZaa1 ikbaar bi-s-sinn
jwfi J6:-,; elementary schools madaaris ibtidaa'iyye
v-t)...Lo
two old men riHaaleen ikbaar bi -s-sinn
,;L?
an old woman mara kbiira bi-s-sinn
i..;:::S i-';'
116 117
a new house beet zdiid ,- ':o!
new houses byuut iZdaad .,) \..\>.- ,J::!
byuut iZdiide
a big car sayyaara kbiire 3..;::$
big cars sayyaaraat ikbaar
sayyaaraat ikbiira 3..;::$
two big cars sayyaarteen ikbaar

As in MSA, a definite noun must have a definite adjective.
an old house beet 'adiim ,- ':o!
the old house 1-beet il- 'adiim ..1AJ\ _.
the Arabian Gulf 1-xaliiZ il-Carabi

the Arabian Peninsula z-bziira 1-
C
arabiyye

the Old City (Jerusalem) 1-balad il- 'adiime
- ..1AJ1 ..lUI
.
the American government 1-Hukuume 1-ameer kiYY'e
'il
- ..r.:
at the present time bi-l-wa't il-HaaDir
.."...6J1
I!
Nouns may be marked as definite with lil-I, as above, or made definite with a possessive
suffix or as the first term in a definite construct phrase. This is the same as in MSA.
a big house beetikbiir

118
the big house 1-beet 1-kbiir
my big house beeti li-kbiir

my sister's big house beet ixti 1-kbiir

a good school madrase mniiHa ..M
- ,)
the good school l-madrase li-mniiHa
my small children w1aadi li-sgaar ,)ta..JII$.,)'i.J
my older brother axuuye li-kbiir
Occasionally you may hear the word Iktiirl between the noun and the adjective, used this
way for emphasis.
the very important things il-uyaa' il-iktiir imhimme

AdjectiVes of"Composition"
To describe what something is made of we use adjectives in English. In Arabic two nouns
may be placed together, although rarely are they a construct. If the first noun is feminine the I-etl
suffix is usually not used.
If the phrase is definite the word for "the" is placed before both parts of the phrase.
a gold chain sens1e dahab*
a wool sweater kanze Suuf J,JwII3,;,;5
silver knives sakakiin flDDa

the silver knives s-sakakiin il-fiDDa
*This is Isels1el in the other Levantine dialects, similar to MSA. The In! and 111 are frequently
substituted or transposed in spoken Arabic.
119
Occasionally you hear an adjective such as /dahabiyye/ or /Suufiyye/ but this better
translated as "golden," "woolen," etc.
Adjective-Noun Word Order
Two kinds of adjectives may precede the noun they modify. When used in a noun phrase
comparative adjectives precede the noun and become superlative.
the best one aHsan waaHid
the biggest room akbaruuDa
the fastest method asra
C
Tarii'a

Ordinal numbers may precede the noun. When they do, they stay in the masculine.
Contrast the phrases below with the alternative ways of saying the same thing. When the
ordinal number follows the noun, it matches the noun in gender and definiteness. The second
phrase is less commonly used and sounds more formal.
the first day awwalyoom
r.J;! J.JI
l-yoom l-awwal
J.J':l1
the first year awwal sine

s-sine l-uula

the first time awwalmarra i.,.,.. J.JI
1-marra 1-uula
i..,ll
This word order can also change the meaning of a phrase.
the next day taaniyoom
r.J;!
120
the second day l-yoom it-taani

the next time taani marra
i,;o
the second time 1-marra t -taanye i..,ll
The invariable word /aaxir/ is generally used before the noun.
the last day aaxiryoom
r.J;! ".,.>\
the last time aaxirmarra i.,.,.. ".,.>\
the last word aaxirkilme us ".,.>\
When an ordinal number is used before the noun /waaHid/, "one," the ordinal number
must come first.
the first one awwal waaHid
..l.>1.J J.JI
the second one, taani waaHid
..l.>1.J
the next one
the third one taalit waaHid ..l.>1
.J
cJ\:i
The words /taani, taanye/ may be used following an indefinite noun to mean "another."
Note the difference between these phrases and those above when /taani, taanye/ preceded the noun
and meant "next. "
another day yoom taani
r.J;!
another time marra taanye
i,;o
"Next" and "Last"
To express "next" and "last" in time expressions, the words /l-maaDi/ and /'f.-baye/
(ll-baye/) are used. You will also hear /'f.-bay/ with masculine words such as /isbuuc/ and
/Saber/ but most people in Damascus say /'f.-baye/.
121
*The word lZumCal is also used in Palestinian, as in /Tuul iZ- ZumcaJ J."J.:r , "all week. "
**Less common is the use of a construct phrase, Isint iZ-Zaaye/.
1. kaan biddi ruuH it-talaata. *
0lS
(I wanted to leave on Tuesday.)
2. hayy is-Suura aIDa min it-taanye.
(This picture is prettier than the other one.)
J.>I i.).,,-JI
3. maa-bi-tfaDDiI waaHid can it-taani?

(Don't you prefer one of them over the other?)
122
8. l-quwwaat l-mutaHaalife kaanu bi-I-xaliiZ iI-Carabi.
lylS wk::ll
(The Allied Forces were in the Arabian Gulf.)
9. mi-nsuufak bukra nSalla.
..JJL:.:,I
(We'll see you tomorrow, if God wills.)
10. Cando sayyaarteen iZdaad.
.)l:-..
(He has two new cars.)
*The prefix is not pronounced in a verb like l(i)ruuHI when it follows a vowel but the alif is
retained in Arabic spelling for clarity.
123
Colors and Defects
As in MSA, words in LA which denote colors and bodily defects are in a set of their own.
They take certain vowel patterns in the masculine, feminine, and plural.
Eight color words are fully inflected in this pattern. They are the same as MSA, with
adjustments for pronunciation. The plural is pronounced with a short luI in Palestinian and
Jordanian.
The final harnza of the MSA feminine form is lost and the stress is shifted.
Masculine Feminine E1llral
red aHmar Hamra Humer

blue azra' J.)jl zar'a ti.)j zire'
J.);
,
yellow aSfar

Sarra

Sufer

green axDar

xIDra

xiDer

black aswad ,)..,....,1 s60da b..,...., suud ,).J-I
white abyaD . I beeDa biiD

. ..
blond aJ'ar sa'ra si'er

brunette, asmar samra simer J+"""I IJ+"""

dark
Other colors are usually nisba adjectives. Usually they are not made feminine or plural.
Names in parentheses are not Syrian and not on tape. .
LA
.
brown binni
4i-!
("coffee bean color")
brown (hair) kastanaawi
4.j.Jl:.:.-S
("chestnut color")
124
orange
("orange color")
bird'aani

(burt' aani) ( .tj )
4F ..;!
gold dahabi

silver
fiDDi

grey
("ash color")
rmaadi* 4.j,)t...)
("lead color") irSaaSi

dark blue
kiHli/kuHli

("kohl color")
("indigo color") niili
J:?
olive green zeeti

("oil color")
dark red nbiiti
""....,
("wine color")
purple banafsaZi
("violet color")
("eggplant color") (bitinZaani) (
4F. .
lavender
nahdi
4.jJ..tl
pink ziher/zaher

("flowers")
(zahri)

*/sakanil is also used in Palestinian.
"Light" and "dark" colors are expressed with these words after the adjective:
light faatiHl faahi

dark, deep gaami'

125
Adjectives that denote physical (or mental) defects are quite similar to MSA, although the
plurals may vary.
Masculine Feminine .El.u.ral
blind aCma Camya cimyaan

deaf aTraS Tarsa Tirsaan

mute axras xarsa xirsaan
,-"".,.,.>1 4-..,.,.>
dim-witted, ahbal habla hiblaan
naive

1. is-saZar b-yib'a axDar Tuul is-sine.
J -L 1 - _loll
..r-
(The trees stay green all year.)
2. is-saay aHmar.
...;t>1 ,:?W\
(The tea is red.)
3. suu loano haada? aswad.
,)."....,1 !I...ub.u}
(What color is this? Black.)
4. bi-tHibb tiffaaH aHmar walla aSfar?
!.,.,;-I ..;t>1
(Do you prefer red or yellow apples?)
126
5. hayy madrase Ii-l-Cimyaan.
(This is a school for the blind.)
Invariable Adjectives
There are a few invariable adjectives.
fresh (food) taazafTaaza*
wrong galaT
wonderful tiHfe
straight, straight dugri
ahead
*Pronunciation varies because this word is of Persian origin.
1. Ii-xyaar taaza.
(The cucumbers are fresh.)
2. la', iZ-Zawaab galaT.
(No, the answer is wrong.)
3. in-nimra galaT.
(The number is wrong.) (on the telephone)
127
.
. 4-..>..l.t
fijI;;

.ijl;;

4. Hasabto galaT. Listen to these sentences:

(You figured it wrong.)
1. bacD baraamiZ it-telefizyoon bi-tsalli.
. 0""....)AWl J! J-.!
5. daa'iman kaan dugri maCi.
0lS Wb (Some television programs are entertaining.)
(He has always been "straight" with me.) ; i
;1
II 2. bacD iI-muqtaraaHaat imniiHa ktiir.
..< -:1\ .
WI
..r.:- - ..r-
6. ruuH dugri.
(Some of the proposals are very good.)
Ii...;&-.)
I
(Go straight ahead.)
3. b-italfin-Iak iii yoom.

7. girfet li- 'cuud tiHfe.
(I'll call you some day.) . .).".;JI
(The living room (furniture) is very beautiful.)
4. laazim inlaa'i iii Tarii'a.
rj'J
(We have to find some way.)
The Words for "some"
5. raaH iii miiwaar.

The word !baCeDI (!bacDI before vowels) is used to mean "some," the same as MSA J-.!.
It is used before a noun and is the first term of a construct phrase (iDaafa). (He went on some errand.)
some of the things bacD iI-dyaa'
J-.!
The Word lktijrl some of the people bacD in-naas
V"'WI J-.!
"Some" is also expressed with /Siil before a noun.
The word Iktiirl (invariable) means "much" or "very" and is used as an intensifer with
nouns, adjectives, and verbs.
some place iii maHall

The forms for Iktiirl in the feminine and plUral, lktiireJ and /ktaar/, are used only to mean
some way iii Tarii'a "many" and follow the noun. Iktiirl in the masculine may come before or after the word it

modifies; when it precedes any word, including feminine and plural, it is invariable.
#0
some day iiiyoom

a lot of money maSaari ktiir

128 129
b.,.,#

-
I
.,.,#b

jl
!,
II
i.,.,#
,.1
.,.,# J ...
- .j&-A

-

I
...;# t.;.;t-..

i..;# b.;j
I

II
a lot of people
many things
very busy
very upset
Iktiir/ can also be used in a phrase with fbi - /.
much better
much more
much less
1. candon maSaari ktiir.
(They have a lot of money.)
2. zima maHallaat iktiire bi-l-i!aaze.
ktiir naas
naas iktiir
naas iktaar
as'yaa'iktiire
maSguuI iktiir
ktiir zaClaan
zaclaan iktiir
ktiir aHsan
aHsan bi-ktiir
aktar bi-ktiir
a' all bi-ktiir
4. candi rif'aat iktaar, w il-Hamdu li-llaah.
(I have many friends, thailk God.)
5. maa-candi wa't iktiir.
(I don't have much time.)
6. ana mamnuun iktiir.
(I'm very grateful.)
7. maa III far' iktiir.
(There's not much difference.)
8. b-yiHk:i ktiir.
(He talks a lot.)
9. hiyye aHsan bi-ktiir.
(She's much better.)
10. Ceelti kbiira ktiir.
(My family is very big.)
11. diraasti axdet midde Tawiile ktiir.
(My education/studies took a very long time.)
12. kaan fii naas iktiir.
(There were a lot of people.)
131

..,.,# ci.J t..
...;# bl
..,.,# t..
.

...;#
...;# i.J..o
...;#
(We visited many places during (our) vacation.)
3. III Znuud iktiir bi-s-sakane.
(There are many soldiers in the barracks.)
130
-I
il
if

:'X
''1
i
f
13. mit'assif, t'axxart caleek iktiir.
...r.::S .U-.b
(Sony, I'm very late (for you).)
I
::,;!
The Words ISway:y1 /Sway.yel
These are the words for Ita little" (used in other Arabic dialects as well). They may come
before or after the word they modify. Usually the feminine form /swayyet/ is used in a construct
phrase when the word ISwayye/ is followed by a noun.
a little coffee swayyet 'ahwe

a little money swayyet masaari
'i.;l-.
a little sick swayy mariiD/ mariiD iswan:
Jtu...;- /Jtu...;- 'i
a little better
x aHsanI aHsan iswayy. 1/ ........:..1 #0.
:$wayy 'i.J-"';"->
ISwayy swayy/ means "slowly" or "little by little."
Slowly, please. swayy swayy, min faDlak.
.. II : #0 t" #0

He is recovering little Cam-iyTiib swayy swayy.
by little.

. .J-" .J-" .
132
The Word lkamml
/kamm/ means "a few" when it is used in a statement (not a question). It is used with a
singular noun. (Note that this contrasts with the word /kam/, "how many?".)
a few questions kamm su'aal

a fewtimes kammmarra
i..;A rS
1. b-iHki swayyet carabi.
.i,F.r
a speak a little Arabic.)
2. maa-iZa.la-inno swayy taCbaan. *
. . t" #0 4J"J 1.>1 L.
. "':?.J-" .
(He didn't come because he's a little tired/sick.)
3. CaTiini swayyet sikkar, min faDlak.

(Give me a little sugar, please.)
4. stanna swayyl
.
, #0
.
(Wait a littlel)
5. T-Tullaab kaslaaniin swayy.

(The students are a little lazy.)
6. candi kamm su'aal.
rS
a have a few questions.)
133
7. kaan fii kamm waaHid b-acrifon bi-1-Hafle.
. ..\>1., rS .J wts
(There were a few people that I knew at the party.)
8. riHet kamm marra.
,;..;0 rS
(I went a few times.)
*It is very common for Arabs to euphemize about bad luck or illness.
The Word tgeerl
This is the MSA word /gayr/ which has several meanings in LA. If it comes before a
noun or pronoun it means "another, otlier. "
another thing, something else geersii '" .

another day, some other day geeryoom
r.J!. ..r.P
another place, somewhere else geermaHall

someone else geerwaaHid ..\>1., ..r.P
/geer/ can also mean "other than" (see Sentences 2 and 3 below).
1. maa Candkon geer noo
C
?
(Don't you have any other kind?)
'.<
0r....y
134
2. maa biddi Hada geerak.
(I don't want anyone but/other than you.)
3. Candak geer hal-loon ?
(Do you have a color other than this?)
4. is'al geer waaHid.
(Ask someone else.)
5. xalliina niHki Can geer sii.
(Let's talk about something else.)
6. fii candak sii geero?
(Do you have anything else?)
7. hal-iyyaam geer can iyyaam zamaan.
(These days are different from (the days 00 long ago.)
8. xalliiha la-geer marra.
(Leave it to some other time.)
.l!J..r.P- I..\> ':? L.
! w)Jl.A> ..r.P- l!J
...\>1., ..r.P- JLl
. ..r.P- ;F- l;.J>
!.,....i. '"
"
.wL.j rtd ;F- ..r.P-
,;..;0
/geer/ can also be used as it is MSA to mean "non-" but it is restricted to formal expressions, for
example:
9. haada geer qaanuuni.
. yti ..r.P-\.J.A
(That's illegal/non-lawful.)
135
The Word lkil1/ (lklll1D
This is the MSA word /kull/ JS which means "all," most commonly pronounced /kill/ in
Syria, and /kell/, lkull/, or /koll/ in other areas.
When /kill/ is used before an indefinite noun it means "all of" or "every."
all of this kill haada I.aJS
all of the employees kill il-mwaZZafiin
JS
all of the people kill in- naas V"'WI JS
each (every) city kill madiine
JS
the whole city kill il-madiine JS
(all of the city)
everything kill sii

everyone, each one kill waaHid ...\>I
J
JS
all seasons of the year kill fuSuul is-sine WI J"-;JS
1. killna riHna.
.b..-' l:.lS
(All of us went.)
2. killon taCbaaniin.
. 1..:; Ie'
,;r.:'.
(All of them are tired.)
136
3. kill sine w inte saalim.
rJL.. J JS
(Happy NewYearlEidlBirthday (annual occasion).)
4. kill hammi inno inZaH.
';1
(All that is important to me is that I succeed.)
When /kill/ is used a.fkr a definite noun it means "all" or "the whole" and it must also
have a pronoun suffix, as in MSA.
all the people in-naas killon
:#V"'WI
all of this/ the haadakillo MI.a
whole thing
the whole house il-beet killo

the whole hourI is-saaCa killa
the entire hour

5. bi'yu 1-yoom killo canna.

(They stayed the whole day at our house.)
6. il-madiine killa mDawwaaye.
4lS
(The whole city is (brightly) lit.)
The phrase /il-kill/ can be used 'to mean "all of them" (people).
7. il-kill cam- yistanna l-qaraar.
..;I,.;JI
(All of them are/ everyone is awaiting the decision.)
137
The Word loafsl
This is the same word Inafsl in MSA. It is used in the same ways in IA with slight
adjustments for pronunciation.
When used before a definite noun it means "the same. "
_II ..
the same day nafs il-yoom

the same problems nafs il-mdaakil

the same clothes nafs il-awaaCi

1. nafs is-sii.

(It's the same thing.)
2. iZiina b-nafs il-wa'et.
.ci}\
(We came at the same time.)
When used after a definite noun lnafsl can mean "self" and takes a pronoun suffix that
matches the noun. It is not as common as 1Haa1-1 for "self" (discussed in Chapter 5).
the minister himself 1-waziir nafso

3. saaweeto 1a- Haalil bi-nafsi. *
.j6J
(I did it myself.)
138
4. 1aazim itkuun waasiq min nafsak.
.Cl-Jj rj'i
(You have to have self-confidence.)
5. 1aa-tdaxxli nafsik.
.cl-Jj 'i
(Don't get yourse1f-f involved.)
*This may be a Form ill verb (as here) or Form IT (with a doubled Iwl), as in lsawweetol ;
there is variation among the Levantine dialects.
The expression /bi-nafsil is also used but is less common.
The Word /bal-' addl
This is from MSA ..liJ\ "this amount." In IA it is used as one word before a noun or
adjective and means "so much" or "such." It is used to express amazement.
so much hal-'add
..liJ1A
such an important mawDuu
c
hal- ' add imhimm
issue

so expensive hal- ' add gaali
..liJ1A
1. axad hal- ' add wa' et?
! ci.J ..liJ1A
(He took that much time?)
139
- -
--
2. Candhon hal- 'add mutaTallabaat?
4. il-uuDa heek akbar.

(They have that many needs?)
i
(The room looks bigger this way.)
II
3. fii hal- 'add kilmaat iZdiide!
.:..WS'
5. heek id-dinya.
.L.:,..JI
(There are so many new words!)
(That's the way the world is.) (proverb)
The Word Ibeekl Imuu heek!, Imaa heek!, or lmis heek! is used as a "tag question" meaning "right?," "isn't
that so?" or like the French "n'est-ce pas?"
This is another word that means "such," "that kind," or "this way." It is used preceding
nouns or adjectives and comes from MSA 6. huwwe iTaali, muu heek?

such a thing, approximately heek sii (He's Italian, isn't he?)

such an opportunity heek furSa
7. l-aHwaal Cam-titHassan, muu heek?
JIJ>'i1
such an important thing heek sii mhimm (Conditions are improving, isn't that so?)

8. iT-Ta'es il-yoom Hilu, maa heek?
! L. r..wl
(The weather is nice today, isn't it?)
1. heek saxeS maalo muxliS.

(A person such as that/that kind of person is not sincere.)
2. heek byuut gaalye ktiir.
...,,# J::!
(Such houses are very expensive.)
3. ana maa-b-saawi heek saglaat.
4S t-L L. l;,\
- _J ;
(I don't do such things.)
140 141
DIALOGUFS
Number 1
A. kiif iT-Ta'es bi-s-saam?
!
r
WL,
.V-
: L1\ u.s

B. soob TabCan, xaSSatan bi -S-Seef.

A. wbi-s-slte?

B.
aHsan. bass bi-s-samaal bi-s-sare' b-titlez F v-!
A. w b-yinzal maTar hoon?
L_ J ..
iJ ...r:!.J
B. imbala. ib-Zunn laH-yinzal maTar il-yoom. l-hawa ktiir w maa fii sames.
. t...J.,r.;S IS.,..JI Jfic'
A. la', maa-laH-yinzal maTar. bass imgayyme.
.=i.:;_ v-! Jfi c' t.. ,p'J
B. suufi, halla' TilCet s-sames!

Number 2
A. ana miHtaara, ruuH lamma la'?
!p'J U C.J) .i.>b. bl
B. suu Cam-yaCmlu rif'aatik?
!d:ild.>
A. raayHiin cal-baHer. suu b-tinSaHni?
! ._ d' ....:, - \
. .."
B. ruuHi iza candik wa'et.. b-titsalli swayy bacd Ii-fHuuS. kaanu SaCbiin, muu heek?
'.:.r.::-1ylS .c..J.J 1,)1
A. eeh walla, kaanu SaCbiin.
..:.r.::- 1ylS ,JJ\.J 1
142
Number 3
A. dafaCna ktiir.
..,r.;S \.:.d.)
B. maa-m-ni'der naCmil sii halla'. kill sii mistawrad gaali.
.j\i. .).>,,:-0 r.r JS .J1..e r.r t..
A. m-ni'dir inraZZichon.
.
.
B.
lees? ana saayifhon imnaaH Hatta law kaanu lylS ."J CI..:.. b\ !
A. Tayyib, macaliss. iftakartak zaclaan.

B. la', abadan!
!\..lfl 'P";
TRANSJ ATJONS
Number 1
A. How's the weather in Syria?
B. It's hot, of course, especially in the summer.
A. And in the winter?
B. It's better. But in the northeast it snows sometimes.
A. And does it rain here?
B. Oh yes. I think it's going to rain today. The wind is strong and there's no sun.
A. No, it won't rain. It's just cloudy.
B. Look, the sun's come out now!
143
Number 2
A. I'm undecided, should I go or not?
B. What are your friends doing?
A. They're going to the beach ("sea"). What do you advise me?
B. Go if you have time. You'll have a little fun after the exams. They were difficult,
weren't they?
A. Yes, they were difficult.
Number 3
A. We paid much too much.
B. There's nothing we can do (about it) now. Everything imported is costly.
A. We can return them.
B. Why? I think they're good although they were expensive.
A. OK, never mind. I thought you were angry.
B. No, not at all!
144
4. PARTICIPLES
Levantine Arabic has active and passive participles, formed in a regular way and based on
MSA. The feminine ends in I-a/ or 1- e/. The plural is either I-iin/ or a broken plUral.
The Active Participle ( Jc.WI el)
The Active Participle (AP) is used in several ways in LA (and other Arabic dialects).
(1) Many APs are used as nouns. They may have the /-iin/ plural or (rarely) a broken
plural. The last short IiI is often lost before feminine and plural suffixes. The l-iinI (masculine)
plural is usually used for both men and women, although the I-satl plnral is also used in Jordanian.
Masculine Feminine :eImal
worker Caamil Caam1e Cimmaal

poet IaaCir saacra sucaraa'

grocery clerk (m) Saani
c
SaanCa Sinnaa
c
maid (0

wl-

servant xaadim xaadme xiddaam
r,)\.> 4.,)\.>
r

teacher mCallim mCallme mCallmiin
rIa.
4J-

accountant mHaasib mHaasbe mHaasbiin

director mudiir mudiira mudiiriin
...;!...J.A i ...;!...J.A ,J....;!...J.A
volunteer mitTawwi
c
mitTawwCa mitTawwCiin

contractor m'aawil m'aawle m'aawliin
J.,tA. 4J.,tA. ,;,r).,tA.
145
author, m'allif m'allfe m'allfiin
composer ult. Wt.

(2) APs may be used as adjectives. The feminine plural is I-aat/, if used.
Masculine Feminine E1ll.ral
afraid xaayif xaayfe xaayfiin
'l>

asleep naayim naayme naaymiin
b . b
,j::f1.
r-!
capable, able 'aadir 'aadra 'aadriin
yli iyli

ready Zaahiz Zaahze Zaahziin

-jAb.
':GAb. .
sincere muxliS muxilSa muxilSiin

late mit'axxir mit'axxra mit' axxriin
';'b. i';'b. Jot.....,>b.
in need of miHtad miHtade miHtaaZiin

comfortable mirtaaH mirtaaHa mirtaaHiin
(person)

- .r
comfortable miryeH miriiHa miriiHiin
(chair, etc.)

muriiH muriiHa mriiHiin

sorry mit'assif mit'assfe mit' assfiin
-.. b.
u:..b.

in agreement mwaafi' mwaaf'a mwaaf'iin
Jil.,..

different mixtilif mixtilfe mixtilfiin
.
in a hurry mistaCZll mistacZle mistaczliin

. ;\.,.... .
...
146
convinced muqtini
C
muqtinca muqtinCiin

4,0.

late* mit'axxir mit'axxra mit' axxriin
i,.,>b. Jot.....,>b.
married* nytzawwiZ mitzawwZe mitzawwZiin

educated* mitcallim mit
c
a1lme mit
c
a1lmiin

m.saqqaf msaqqafe msaqqafiin
4;;".
certain* mit'akkid mit'akkde mit'akkdiin
.J'b. i..LS"b.
*These are active participles 'of Form V verbs which are usually passive in meaning so they have a
passive meaning when translated.
(3) APs are used to describe a person's temporary state, whether mental or physical.
You will sometimes hear the I-aatl feminine plural.
Menta] States
Masculine Feminine Flw:al
intending naawi naawye naawyiin
4S
--'
b

wanting Haabib Habbe Habbiin

thinking, mfakkir mfakkra mfakkriin
planning p.. ip..
Jot...}.;..
147
Physical States
Masculine Feminine Elw:a1.
sitting 'aacid 'aacde 'aacdiin
..u:.li i..u:.li

'.'
standing waa'if waa'fe waa'fiin
\-iiI",
wearing laabis laabse laabsiin
v-t"J
carrying Haami1 Haamle Haamliin
J.6. a.6.
(4) APs may be used to describe motion. Note the formation of !'bay! (some speakers
use !'baye! for both masculine and feminine) and IraayiH/, a hollow root.
returning
coming
going
entering
going out
traveling
raa!iC

raaZCa

radCiin

'bay

'baye

'bayiin

raayiH

raayHa

raayHiin

faayit

faayte

faaytiin

" "
Taali
c
tlu"
Taalca
wu"
TaalCiin

msaafir
.,.,it
msaafra
i.,.,iL....
msaafriin

148
(5) The most subtle and complex use of APs is when they are the equivalent of the
present perfect in English, "have done" or "have just done."
It is useful to review the meaning of the present perfect and contrast it with the past tense
as it is used in English. A verb in the past tense means that the action is finished, but we do not
know if it was recently or a long time ago because that is not necessarily relevant to the statement.
The present perfect is used to describe an action that is finished but it is stil1 relevant to the present
situation.
Note the difference between:
Did you see John?
and
Have you seen John? (I want to talk to him, I need to see him, he may have
already been here, he may be coming any time, etc.)
Did you see the exhibition? (It's too late now, it's gone.)
and
Have you seen the exhibition? (It's still here, you can still do it.)
The AP is used in colloquial Arabic to make the same distinction. It means that one has
just done, or recently done, something so this is different from using a verb in the perfect tense
(although there is considerable variation in "style" because the perfect-tense verb may also be
used).
Note the formation of /Saayif/, a hollow root, lHaaTiTI, a doubled root, I' aari!, a
final-weak root (in spoken Arabic), !Saari/, an irregular AP from the verb /'tara/, and laaxid!, an
initial-hamza root.
Masculine Feminine Pl.uraJ.
have seen saayif S'aayfe saayfiin

have put HaaTiT
J.aJ.,6.
,
HaaTTa
i!.,6.
HaaTTiin

have read 'aari 'aarye 'aaryiin
,:?.>li
149
have bought saari
r.j.;U
have gotten aaxid

have appointed mCayyin
.

have had lunch mitgaddi

have had dinner mitCassi

have waited mistanni

1. kaanu 'aaCdiin Cam-iystannu.
(They were sitting and waiting.)
2. hayiin bukra, nsalla. *
We're) coming next year, if God wills.)
3. miin haz-zalame helli waa'if ihriiik?
(Who's that man standing over there?)
4. il-bnaat laabsiin awaaCi Zdiide.
(The girls are wearing new clothes.)
150
saarye

aaxde

m:ayyne

mitgaddye

mitCassye
1- ",-.
mistannye

saaryiin I

aaxdiin

I
mCayyniin
.
,:r.;.:
I

mitCassiin

I

I
I.f'ts'
.
l'4:..t uil.J 4lyIA

5. suu Haamil?*
(What (are you) carrying?)
6. halla' mnaDDfe I-beet. *
She) has just cleaned the house.)
7. eemta msaafriin? bacd yoomeen tlaate. *
(When are (you-p) going? In two or three days.)
8. muuhay.*
He's) not coming.)
9. maaSi I-Haal.
(Things are going fine.)
10. aaxid Cala xaaTro.
(He is upset.)
11. mistaa' -lak iktiir. wana bi-l-aktar.
(I've missed you a lot. And I more.)
12. maa-kint mitSawwir heek.
(I hadn't imagined/thought it would be like that.)
13. intu faatHiin is-sabet?
(Are you-p open on Saturday(s)?)
151
II.> ..
rJoO ,J-I

.J.a.f
".
.J6d\

.-rS'tJ4 lil.J ..;:::S clJ Jk;...
c..;S t..

14. xalas, ana muqtani
c
.

(OK, I'm convinced.)
15. weeno? ana Haabib suufo.
..; b\
(Where is he? I'd like to see him.)
16. il-mawDuu
c
mintihi.
. t""'"",ll
(The matter is finishedl closed.)
17. fii ma'aale Taalca bi-z-hriide xallitni inno gayyir .
.\F'., .ul
(An article came out in the newspaper that made me change my mind.)
18. kaanu caam1iin muqaabale mac naa'ib ir-ra'iis.
. 'I JU I .\5
\- . y
(They had an interview with the vice president.)
19. li-swaam mintisriin ib-kill il-CaaIam.
.r1
W1

(Syrians are spread out all over the world.)
20. maali rnZarrib il-ald it-tirki.
1rf..rJI jl..
(I haven't tried Turkish food.)
21. maa-kint imIaa'i sugeI.

(I couldn't rmd work.)
*When an AP is used without a pronoun it is not clear who is referred to, so this must be
determined from context. This sentence could also mean "What is he carrying?. II For this reason
the subject of such sentences is in parentheses.
152
The Passive Participle (J.,,-All el)
The passive participle (PP) is usually used like an adjective although some are in use as
nouns. PPs may differ from their AP counterpart by the short vowels in a word (as in MSA) but
this is not always done systematically so the meaning must be determined from context.
(1) Most PPs are used as adjectives. The feminine has the I-at or I-el suffix and the
plural is l-iinI (or sometimes I-aatl in Jordanian). The masculine singular form is listed here.
forbidden mamnuu
c

permitted masmuuH
C",.
busy maS'guuI

blocked masduud
cut ma'Tuu
c

correct mazbuuT
j. .

of course ("known"), macluum
r}
obvious
congratulations mabruuk

("blessed")
present ("found") mawZuud
..J>.',.".
famous maS'huur

lucky, fortunate maHZuuZ

crazy ("possessed mamuun
by jinn") (pI. maZaaniin)

grateful mamnuun LJ.;...
wet mabluul

built mabni

used mustaCmal

.
restricted m'ayyad ..l...A.
.
accustomed mCawwad
153
translated imtadam
r>.'?
named msamma

successful mwaffaq
.1
&y
mwaffa'
polite mhazzab

obliged miDTarr

occupied miHtaIl

(land, city)
developed mutTawwir
liberal mitHarrir
conservative mitcaSSib '.' d ....
Some speakers differentiate between active and passive participles by the use of short Iii
and short Ial. Examples are given here but you still have to depend on context to sure of the
bound book, volume muZalled
("bound in leather")
k.
attache mulHaq
("attached")

alderman mixtaar
("chosen")
project maS'ruu
c
("planned")
t.J,.r...
of course (sing.), macluum
information (pI.)
r)
("known")
(Israeli) settlement mustaCmara
("colonized")
i..."..::
products
("produced")
*Contrast with the plUral of the adjective "written, " which is Imaktuubiinl.
1. miin il-mas'uul hoon?
(Who's in charge here?)
2. is-Iawaari
c
msakkra l-yoom.
(The streets are blockedlclosed today.)
155
-aat

-iin

-iin

maS'arii
c
t"..,t..:..
macluumaat

mustaCmaraat

mantuuZaat
w
.y
J.,,;-ll
i,}- t).".:JI
meaning.
have used
used
have translated
translated
mistaCmil
,
mustaCmal

mtarZim

-
mtadam
r>.'?
(2) PPs are used as nouns. These nouns have come to have specialized meanings
rather than the literal adjective meaning from the root.
-
Sjngular
EI.w:a1.
I
responsible; mas'uul -e -iin
-,
person in charge
J.J';- .:r-J.J';
("asked")
II
letter maktuub makaatiib*
II
("written")

154 II
3. mamnuu
C
il-xruuz min hadaak il-baab. *
(No exit from that door.) ("exiting is forbidden")
.y4JI ;;.0
12. 'aal inno Haabib siglo li-zdiid.
(He said that he likes his new job.)
.J.i...:, 1..;-"'1l> -ul JI.i
4. mineen zibet hal-macluumaat canni?
(Where (from) did you get this information about me?)
i ,:r.i-o
13. ana xaayif yit' axxar.
(I'm afraid he'll arrive late.)

5. il- filasTiiniyyiin Caaysiin bi-l-araaDi l-miHtalle.
.4bl1 J. #0 J .. 1.. liJl
14. min ayye luga mtarhm?

(The Palestinians are living in "the occupied territories. ") (the West Bank and Gaza) (Which language is it translated from?)
6. huwwe mistaCmil alwaan iktiira bi-r-rasme.
(He has used many colors in the drawing.)
i..;# LJ1i1
II 15. hayy aktar mimma kint mitwa"ic.
(This is more than I was expecting.)
.r}.r- t:. .,rS'1
I
7. hayy sayyaara mustaCmale.
16. mwaffa' , insalla.
.;(,_ ..uJL:.:,1 '&.,.. -
(This is a used car.)
(Good luck.)
I 8. it-taqriir mtadam Ii-l-ingliizi.
17. ana mCawwad Cal-bared.
r>.-r ..r'-p
i bl
(The report is translated into English.) (I'm accustomed tothe cold.)
I 9. imbaarHa kinna maCzuumiin.
18. hayy aikaar 'adiime, muu mutTawwra.
.:r.:-J';'- l:S' I
(We were invited out yesterday (last night).) (These are old ideas, not modem ("developed").)
I 10. l-arD mistarke. 19. hiyye mitHaUbe w Harkita m' ayyade.
.45.? .i
l
).
(The land is shared.) (She is veiled and her movement is restricted.)
Ii
11. minJaan heek inte miftikirni mabsuuT?
20. ahli mitCaSSbiin iktiir.
LJt..:.:..
(Because of that you think I'm happy?) (My family is very conservative.)
156 157
*This is a quotation from a sign in MSA. Also used are /mamnuu
c
id-duxuull J.,>..ul t..f+o ' "no
entry, " and /mamnuu
c
it-tadxiinl t..f+o ' "no smoking. "
J

158
DIAI,OGUES
Number 1
A. b-iriid isuuf il-mudiir.
.,#..u.1 1-i"..:.1
B. lees biddak itsuufo? ana 'araaybo.

A. is-saagil i11i Candkon lissa mawroud?
4-1 ,;?..J:.&. JlI
B. b-iZunn lissa mawroud. b-is'al-Iak. law Cayyanu Hada kinna driina.
ts 1..1.> I.H- Y .clJ 4-1
A. akuun mamnuun iza sa'alt-illi.
.j 1';1 LJ.f+o LJI'
B. b-tiHki ingliizi mniiH?

A. eeh, Tabcan.

B. b-ti'dir tictimid Calayyi.

A. mamnuunak.
,1. .
.I:JJ."...
Number 2
A. HaZezet la-ill w la-Ceelti.

B. ween imsaafriin?
! ,j'...)l- ,j'...J
A. raayHiin la-turkiya, aSHaabna mSayyfiin ihniik.

B. law kint maHallak b-iruuH la-isTanbuul.
y
A. niHna riHnaa-la min awwal, w cdbitna ktiir.
...;:::S ., ,J.,I fJ- 4J l:.>.)
159
B. insalla bi-truuHu w tirZacu bi-s-salaame.

A. alla ysal1mak, sukran.

Number 3
A. 'areet iZ-Zariide l-yoom?
!
B. eeh, kaatbiin can irhaabiyyiin Darabu maHaTTa.

A. muu maC'uule, kilf yacmilu heek?

B. daahye. aCuuzu bi-llaa.

TRANSI ATIONS
Number 1
A. I wa,nt to meet the director.
B. Why do you have to see him? I'm related to him.
A. Is the job that you have still available?
B. I think it still is. I'll ask for you. If they'd appointed someone we'd have known.
A. I'd be grateful if you'd ask for me.
B. Do you speak English well?
A. Yes, of course.
B. You can depend on me.
A. Thanks.
160
Number 2
A. I've made a reservation for myself and my family.
B. Where are you going?
A. We're going to Turkey, (to visit) our friends who are spending the summer there..
B. If I were in your place I'd go to Istanbul.
A. We've been to it before, and we liked it a lot.
B. Go and return in safety, if God wills.
A. God bless you, thanks.
Number 3
A. Have you read the paper today?
B. Yes, they've written about some terrorists who struck a station.
A. Incredible, how can they do that?
B. They're shrewd. I take refuge in God.
161
5. PERSONAL PRONOUNS
Pronouns are similar to MSA in fonn and usage.
Levantine Arabic has eight pronouns in use, having eliminated the dual and the feminine
plurals.
These pronouns will be listed in the traditional Arabic order: third person, second person,
first person.
Note that the masculine, feminine, and plural will be marked with: -m, -f, -po
There are regional differences among the Levantine dialects. Any words not separately
listed are the same as in Damascus. Only the Damascus fonns are on tape.
Independent pronouns
Damascus Lebanese Palestinian Jordanian
he huwwe
~
she hiyye
.
~
they hinne
,;;a
hinnelhunnel humme/hummenl hum
hinnen hummelhum/hon hummeen
~
you-m inte ~ I inte/int inta
you-f inti ~ I
,
you-p intu
~ I intum
I ana bl
we niHna ~ iHna iHna
In some regions of Jordan, especially in Bedouin dialects, you may hear lhinnal for
"they-feminine" but this is not common in urban areas.
162
Possessiye and Object pronouns
These are suffixes, as they are in MSA, and they are listed together here because they
differ only in the "my/me" fonn. Parentheses indicate that some sounds are optional.
These are the suffixes that are attached to words which end in a consonant.
Damascus Lebanese Palestinian Jordanian
his, him -0 -0 -u -u
her -(h)a -ha -ha
their, them -(h)on -(h)un -hom/-hum -hum
your, you-m -ak
your,you-f -ik
your,you-p -kon -kun -kom/-kum -kum
my,me -1, -m
our, us -na
When these suffixes are used with words which end in a Ymd (other than the feminine
I-a!) the suffixes that start with a vowel are modified. There are four suffixes of this type.
After a consonant After a vowe]
his, him -0 -long vowel +h
(lengthen the vowel already there, or use
another long vowel, and shift stress to that
syllable)
your, you-m -.ak -k
your, you-f -ik -ki
my -i -ye/-yye/-y
163
-I
The concern here is to recognize and comprehend these words rather than to memorize
pronunciation rules. Note that most changes here and in the following sections depend on whether
the word ends in a vowel or consonant and whether the suffix starts with a vowel or consonant.
Other pronunciation adjustments are made if the word contains a consonant cluster or if
short vowels are lost. Often the stress is shifted as well.
For example, a long vowel may be shortened if a suffix is added which causes the stress to
be shifted away from the long vowel. This is not consistent, though, and for the sake of clarity
will not usually be shown in this course. You will notice it on tape; it does not affect
comprehension.
In every case the basic stem word changes very little except for stress placement in some
instances. With some practice the pronunciation starts to sound "automatic" and these words are
not hard to recognize.
We first deal with words that have POSSESSIVE SUFFIXES and then deal with OBJECT
SUFFIXES in a following section of this chapter.
Possessiye Suffixes wjth Nouns; Objects of prepositions
The same endings are used to mean possessive with nouns and objects with prepositions.
Words Ending in a Consonant
The /hI of the suffixes 1-hal and 1-hon! is lost after some words which end in a consonant
so the suffixes become I-a! and 1- on!. The full suffixes t.. and will be written in Arabic for
clarity.
house beet L-.;.!
his house beeto

her house beeta

their house beethon
w.
your-m house beetak 1'1: :
w
your-f house beetik 1,1w :
w
your-p house beetkon

w.
164
my house beeti

our house beetna

friend-m rfii'

w
his friend rfii'o

her friend rfii'a

w
their friend rfii'on

your-m friend rfii'ak

your-f friend rfii'ik

your-p friend rfii'kon

my friend rfii'i

our friend rfii'na

When a word ends in a consonant preceded by a short vowel the short vowel is lost before
suffixes that start with a vowel. This is for ease of pronunciation and does not affect
comprehension.
Sometimes stress moves back one syl1abJe when the word has a suffix that starts with a
consonant - - this varies with some speakers and varieties of Levantine. Both pronunciations are
shown here, with the first on tape. The suffixes I-a! and I-on! t.. and may be treated as
starting with a or with a consonant.
The helping vowel leI usually becomes /11 when the syllable before the suffix takes the
stress.
Any words not separately listed are the same as in Damascus.
I
These lists are representative, not complete.
son wen

our son fuenna
(suffixes start with a
consonant)
ibinna
your-p son menkon

iblnkon
165
his son
my son
her son
their son
ibno
ibni
ibna
ibnon

. I

LHI

vowel)
{
name fsem
r-'I
our name fsemna
isfmna
t.+..,1 (suffixes start with a
consonant)
my name
his name
her name
their name
fsmi
fsmo
fsma
fsmon

4f,.0.0t1

vowel)
books kitub*

our books kitebna
kitfuna

consonant)
your-p books kitebkon
kitfukon

his books
my books
her books
Idtbo
kitbi
kitba

vowel)
*This word is Ikutubl in the other Levantine dialects.
166
work 8ugel

our work 8ugelna l:lu (suffixes start with a
consonant)
8ugfina
your-p work sugelkon

sugflkon
your-m work suglak (suffixes start with a
vowel)
your-f work suglik
his work sUglo
my work sug!i

Goodby-m. (b-) xaaTrak.

Goodby-f. (b-) xaaTrik.

Goodby-p. (b-) xaaTrrkon.

(We ask of God)
Your-m safety. salaamtak. .,-':.L
Your-f safety. salaamtik.

Her safety. salaamita.

In some dialects there are variations. For example, the expression fbi-wa'ta/, "at that
time, " may be pronounced fbi - wa'tllha/, which is a problem in comprehension.
Listed here are examples of objects of prepositions
like, mitel

similar to
167
Ii
like us mitelna La:.. (suffixes start with a
consonant)
mitllna
like you-p mitelkon
:f.k.
mitilkon
like me mitli (suffixes start with a
j:..
vowel)
like him mitlo 46 I
like them mitlon

like her mitla
t.F
I
I
The last two consonants of the following preposition are not separated by a helping vowel
so stress does not change.
at Cand
at our house canna (suffixes start with a
consonant)
at your-p house candkon
at hishouse cando (suffixes start with a
vowel)
at myhouse candi

1. huwwe rfii'i min zamaan.
;.,. t}J.;
(He's been my friend for a long time.)
168
2. ween beetkon?
(Where's your-p house?)
3. nsiit mafaatiiHi.
(I forgot my keys.)
4. luu ismik?
(What's your-f name?)
5. ra'yi mitel ra'yak.
(My opinion is the same as yours.)
6. Zib-li waaHid mitlo.
(Bring me one like it-m.)
7. tneenaatna raayHiin.
(Both of us are going.)
8. luu isem ibnak?
(What is your son's name?)
9. Cala raaHtak.
(As you wish.)
10. axadt l-maSaari minno.
(I took the money from him.)
169
!A!iY-J

.
" cl.-I
J:.
.46 ..1>1",,)

'-!.;WI
11.
12.
, 13.
wiSel 'abli.
(He arrived before me.)
I-Ha" maCak.
(You're right.)
taCamaCi.
(Come with me.)

I:
'I
I
I
J
14. aaxid cala xaaTri.

(He made me upset.)
WordsBndinQ" in a Vowel
Words that end in a vowel (other than the feminine I-a!) change the stem before suffixes.
The final vowel is lengthened or a different long vowel is used and stress moves back to that long
vowel. This is very similar to MSA.
I
Lists are representative, not complete. I
dinner casa
his dinner CaSaah
our dinner CaSaana
your-:m dinner CaSaak
her dinner CaSaaha
brother aXxIaxu- * _..,>1 tl
his brother axiiuh
"..,>\
her brother axuuha tA..,>1
my brother axil axuuy t.S II . I
.J>
our brother axuuna I:. . I
.J>
170
father abb/abu * yl
his father abiiuh
her father abuuha

our father abuuna I:. \

your-m father abuuk lo!J
your-f father abuuki

,
behind wara
I.)J
behind him war8ah
"I.)J
behind her waraaha tAI.)J
behind us waraana I:.I.)J
behind you-f waraaki

behind me waraayi
lil.)J
on caIa

on him caleeh
on you-m Caleek

on me Caleyyi

on you-p caleekon

*The words "brother" and "father" have a form that ends in a vowel before suffixes, as in MSA.
1. ahlan fUk. ahlan fiiki.
.d.i .,'1.:;
(Welcome to you-m. Welcome to you-f.)
171
- -
2. s-salaamu Caleekum. *
(Peace be upon you.)
3. kaan maaS'i waraana.
(He was walking behind us.)
4. biddi sa1lirn caleehon.
(I want to say hello to them.)
5. abuuh akbar min abi.
(His father is older than my father.)
6. biddi Carrfak Caleeh Iii marra.
(I want to introduce you to him some time.)
7. iZa Cal-Hafle mac axuuh.
(He came to the party with his brother.)
8. Candi siqa frib.
(I have confidence in him.)
9. mirr Caleyyi s-saaCa sabCa.
(Come by (to see melpick me up) at seven o'clock.)
*This is a classicism.
172

':'t
.bl.,,,,
I,

.i..r'
.".,,>\ l>.-1
..u

Feminjne Nouns
Feminine nouns usually have a ItI inserted before the possessive suffix (this is the i which
is normally not pronounced in the pause form).
Other adjustments in pronunciation are made after the It! is inserted and before suffixes
depending on whether they start with a vowel or a consonant. The endings 1-hal and 1-hon! tA and
may be treated as if they start with a consonant (so the stress changes) or as if they start with a
vowel; this varies with speakers.
These cause the basic word to change only slightly and are not hard to comprehend.
picture Suura i.,.,.,
her picture Silurita
\.ti.,.".
consonant; not pronounced in
Suurta first two examples)
their picture
your-p picture
Suuriton
Suurton
Suuritkon
,;,tJ.,.,.,
,;J.:;.,.,.,
my picture
his picture
Suurti
Suurto
r.;'.,.,.,
43.,.".
(suffixes start with a vowel)
job wazllie
;i);,'"
her job
their job
waziifita
waZllfta
waziifiton
waZllfton

first two examples)
our job waZiifitna
'-i_};,'"
my job
his job
waZllfti
wazfifto
173

(suffixes start with a vowel)
If a feminine noun has two consonants before the I-at or I-el ending, it may be
pronounced in two ways when suffixes that start with a vowel are added.
car sayyaara
Ii
_I
I trip riHle 41.>.)
your-p car sayyaaritkon
.)M
second example) my trip riHelti

riHleti their car sayyaariton .)M
sayy8arton your-m trip riHeltak l!.W>.)
riHletak
his car sayyaarto 4iL., (suffixes start with a vowel)
.)M
my car sayyaarti

Nouns that end in I-iyyel have the base form changed to I-iii before pronoun suffixes that
start with a vowel (the same process as shown for dual suffixes).
1. DeeCiton iktiir iSgiira.
.;
...;::a- ...r.:-
ID card hawiyye (Their village is very small.)

I your-m ID card hawiitak
2. kilf kaanet safirtak?
l' u.?
my IDcard hawiiti

(How was your trip?)
her ID card hawiyyita

hawiita I 3. b-Hibb sugli.

nationality Zinsiyye (I like my job.)

my nationality nnsiiti
..,. 4. saactak it'iile. I

.;I}i cl:cL
his nationality tinsiito c.. ...:-.
(Your watch is valuable.)
Sometimes a masculine noun ending in 1-a1,.s may be treated as masculine or feminine.
4it.:-'
.,t.:
maCnaato
maCnaah his/its meaning
5. beetna kbiir w mismes.
(Our house is big and sunny.)

174 175
6. farZiini hawiitak.
he hit them Danlbahum Darabon

(Show me your ID.) Darabon
'I
he hit him Darabahu Darabo

7. ween tannuurti?
he hit you-m Darabaka Darabak
'l ..,r4 ..,r4
he hit me Darabanii Darabni (Where is my skirt?)

8.
she cleaned n3DD.afat nIDDafet laazim xabbir marti. I

she cleaned it-m naDDafathu naDDafito
(I have to let my wife know.)
J
she cleaned them naDDafathum naDDafiton

I

9. maa- fhimet ' aSdo.
we know nacrifu

m-nacrif

(I didn't understand what he meant.)
I
we know her nacrifuhaa
Lci.."u
m-nacrifa

we know him nacrifuhu m-naCirfo

10. luu maCnaato Hakyak?

(What's your point?)
I
she studied darasat
darset

I studied it-f daIistuhaa daIista

she studied it-m darasathu
darasito

Direct-Object Suffixes with verbs
I
he hits yIDribu b-yIDrob

YA!
Verbs also undergo some changes in their shape when they become stems to which object
he hits me yaDribunii b-yiDrobni

pronoun suffixes are attached. usually changes depending on whether the stem word ends
with a vowel or a consonant but it is variable. Adjustments are also made depending on whether
he hits you-m yaDnouka d,' bi-yiDerbak d,'
I
the suffix begins with a consonant or a vowel and sometimes helping vowels are used.

None of these pronunciation or stress adjustments are extreme enough to interfere with
comprehension. The changes are the same as, or similar to, those in MSA. Any verb that ends in a vowel will have the final vowe11eng1bened before a suffix. As a
result the stress is shjfted to that syllable.
MSA LA
' .
he forgot rusl

he forgot her nisiiha
he hit Daraba w . Darab u .
..,r4 ..,r4
he forgot him nisiih

he hit her Darabahaa Diraba

I

Darabha
176 177
we bought stareena
we bought them stareenaahon
we bought it-m stareen3ah
bring-p zfibu
bring him Ziibuuh
bring them Ziibuuhon
you-f helped saaCadti
you-f helped me saaCadtfini
you-f helped him saacadtfih
you-f helped us saaCadtfina
1. darrasito sinteen.
(She taught him two years.)
2. sa'aHto su'aaleen SaCbiin.
(She asked him two difficult questions.)
3. miin wasSalik?
(Who brought you-f here?)
4. ruuHi naadfi-lao
(Go-f call her.)
178

.

l.j::J'u
5. lees maa-xalluuh yib' a bi-1-beet?
(Why didn't they let him stay at home?)
6. talfant-mon awwalt imbaariH.
(I telephoned them the day before yesterday.)
7. raB-zfibo bukra aw baced bukra.
(I'll bring it-m tomorrow or the day after.)
8. sifn3ah w saaCadn3ah.
(We saw him and helped him.)
9. xuduuh min hoon.
(Take-p it-m (away) from here.)
10. xudfih min hoon.
(Take-f it-m (away) from here.)
11. waddaCuuk? waddacuuki?
(Did they say good-by to you-m/you-f?)
12. Cazabak il-filem? yaCni.
(Did you like the film? It was OK/not bad.)
13. yaa doob il-akel y'addfina.
(The food will barely be enough for us.)
179

41.,,1
." .J.a.f .,,1 II
." ." "l:.L:,
.,j lI."oJ>

. Y.,,::J
1
Direct-Object Suffixes with Actiye Participles
I
This is one of the most difficult features in LA (and other dialects of Arabic as well). It J
needs special attention and practice, both in how the words are formed and how they are used.
tl
I
The use of active participles with pronouns is somewhat restricted; frequently a verb is
used instead. It depends on the verb and on which suffix is used ("him" and "her" are the most
common).
The masculine singular of the AP has the stress moved one syllable closer to the end of the
word when it has a pronoun suffix that starts with a consonant. The suffixes I-at and /-onl
"her" and "them," are treated as starting with a consonant.
he/you-m have heard s8ami
c

he/you-m have heard him saamco ..l- (starts with a vowel)
he/you-m have heard her saamiCa L,-L.., (start with a consonant)
he has heard you-p saamiCkon
The masculine AP from a doubled root, such as lHaaTiT/, "have put, " becomes lHaaTT-/
before a pronoun suffix that starts with a vowel.
he/you-m have put HaaTiT
he/you-m have put it-m H3aTTo (starts with a vowel)
he/you-m have put it-f HaaTITa (start with a consonant)
he/you-m have put them HaaTiThon

In the feminine AP the final syllable with /-e/ or I-a! becomes stressed and a It! is
inserted before the pronoun suffix.
she/you-f have heard saamCa
she/you-f have heard him saamiCto e-L..,
180
she/you-f have heard her
she/you-f have written
she/you-f have written it -m
she/you-f have written it- f
she/you-f have written them
it-f is necessary
you need it (it is necessary
for you)
I need it (it is necessary
forme)
saamiCta
4:-L..,
kaatbe

kaatfuto
4
15
kaatfuta

kaatfuton

laazme "4.j"'J
laazimtak l!k.j"'J
laazimtni

Note the double /tt/ and shift in stress when the word comes from a doubled root.
she/you-f have put
she/you-f have put it-m
she/you-f have put it-f
she/you-f have put them
1. ana saayifha. ana saay(a.
(I've seen her.)
HaaTTa i1.l>
HaaTTftto cl,l>
HaaTTitta
4J.l>
HaaTTftton

bl
181
2. hiyye saayifta. hiyye saayffto.

(She has seen her.) (She has seen him.)
3. hinne mHaDDriin kill sii.
JS'
(They've prepared everything.)
4. maryem HaTIitto CaT-Taawle.
.41
(Miriam has put it-m on the table.)
Indirect Objects wjth Verbs and Participles
The word /la-I is used to mean "to" or "for." It is shortened to 11-1 when suffixed to a
verb with a pronoun. The list of these indirect-object suffixes is close to MSA.
Since the 11-1 suffix often affects the pronunciation and stress of the entire word it may be
written as part of the word in the Arabic transcription (whereas it is a separate word in MSA). For
clarity this will be written as a Sllffix in the English transcription but will remain a separate word in
the Arabic transcription.
Note that there are two forms (use explained below). In the second form the /11 is
doubled to I1J / if the previous word ends in two consonants and the suffix starts wjth a vowel,
including the suffixes "her" and "themH. This is for ease of pronunciation, to avoid having three
or more consonants coming together.
MSA LA (not on tape)
to, for him lahu .J -lo/-illo .J(D
to, for her lahaa
4J
-la/-illa
4J(D
to, forthem lahum
rf'
-lonl-illon*

to, foryou-m laka -lakl-illak
to, for you-f laki dJ -1ikI-illik

to, foryou-p lakum

-lkonl-ilkon

182
to, for me Iii
j
-li/-illi j(D
to, for us lanaa l:J -lna/-ilna l:J<!)
*This is I-ilhuml in Palestinian and Jordanian.
If the verb or AP ends in a consonant the combination is regular, with the first set of
endings.
There is a variant of this where the suffixes are used together with Ila-I, "to, for. n This
is also used when there is no verb and means "belongs to."
belongs to him la-ilo .J'i
.
belongs to her la-ila

belongs to me la-iIi

as forme bi-n-nisbe la-iIi

as forhim bi-n-nisbe la-ilo .J'i
.

. .
Who's is it-f? It's mine. hiyye la-miin? la-iIi.

I brought it especially Zibto xSuuSi la-ilak.

for you.
Note that the long vowel in command forms may be shortened before the 11-/ prefix (this
is further discussed in Chapter 14.) The quality of the vowel may change; for example, Iktoobl
becomes Iktill -li/.
bring-m Ziib

bring (to, for) me zill-li

bring (to, for) us zill-ilna

Zib-1lna
write-m (base form) ktoob yyS
write (to, for) me ktill-li

183
I
write (to, for) him ktlb-Io
write (to, for) us ktlb-ilna
ktib-lIna
she sold baaCet
she sold (to, for) them baaCet-flon

I bought her a bracelet. stareet-ilia iswaara.
.;)."...,141
I bought myself a stareet iswaara la-Haali.
bracelet.
.j6d ;)."...,1
1. b-iZib-Iak il-iclaan.

.. .,...
(I'll bring you the announcement.)
2. b-taCrif-li ween il-maktabe?

(Do you know (for me) where the Iibrary is?)
3. b-yithayya' -Ii heek.
j
(I think so. It seems that way to me.)
Here are examples of words which have the second form of the suffix, 1-ili-I.
I brought for you-f fibt-illik
I brought for him fibt-ilio
4. HuTT-illi l-kitub hoon.

(Put (for me) the books here.)
184
.......
5. b-ti'der it'uSS-illi sacri?
t" .. t --
.!III
(Can you cut (for me) my hair?)
6. baCatt-Iak l-maktuub.

(I mailed the letter for you.)
7. ib-idi" -ilio talifoon.

(I'll call him.)
8. SaHH-illak tida
C
?

(Were you able to return?)
If the verb has a long vowel it is often shortened before the suffix. Note that vowel
quality can change also.
he said 'aal Jli
he said to her 'al-la
4J Jli
'aal-Ia
say (command) 'uul
Jj
Tell me. 'il-Ii.

We told them no. 'ilnaa-Ion la'.

If the verb ends in a vowel it is lengthened before the 11-1 suffix and the stress is shifted.

bring-f zfibi

bring (to, for) me Ziibfi-Ii

185
write-p ktubu

Write-p to me. ktubuu-Ii.

he bought sulra

he bought for her staraa-Ia
4Jlp*
he told (narrated) Haka

He told us. Hak8a-Ina.
*Note that in the Arabic spelling the alif is changed to 1because it is stressed before the suffix;
this spelling makes it easier to pronounce the Arabic accurately.
When the word already ends in 1-n1 the suffix I-Inal becomes I-nal.
they have brought Zaaybiin

they have brought us hybfin-na l....,6,.
......
they have brought him hybfin-Io

they have brought me hybfin-Ii

1. daa'iman bi-y'uluu-Io la'.
.J 1..,1 Wb
(They always say no to him.)
2. ub-ilna sii baarid.
.. W\.......>
. .
(Bring us something cold (to drink).)
3. SUU cam-yaCmiluu-Ion?

(What are they doing for them?)
186
4. 'araa-li l-ma'aale killa.
.41S' j \.)'
(He read me the whole article.)
5. suuffi -li waaHid taani.
..1>1.",)
(Find me another one.)
Double Pronoun Objects
Two object pronouns can be used with a verb: the direct object and the indirect object.
In Levantine Arabic, when these "double objects" are used, as in "Bring them to me" or "I
brought it for her," the indirect object (with 11-1) remains suffixed while the direct object becomes
a separate word with l(i)yyaa-I. This is similar to MSA.
Note the literal translation of the expressions below.
bring (to) me Zib-li (indirect object)

Bring them. mbhon. (direct object)

Bring them to me. Zib-li yyaahon.
("Bring-to-me them. ")

I bought for you stareet-mak (indirect object)

I bought it-f. stareetha. (direct object)

I bought it-f for you. stareet-illak iyyaaha.
("I bought-for-you it. ")
LeGI L!lJ .. ,
187
1
I'll write the letter raH-iktib-la 1-maktuub.
for her.

I'll write it for her.
raH-iktib-la yyaah.
4J (.>
we'll bring to him mi-nZib-Io

we'll bring to her mi-nZib-Ia

...... "
We'll bring it-m to him. mi -nZib-Io iyyaah.
. .J
We'll bring it-m to her. mi-nZib-la iyyaah.

May God keep them (children) alla iyxallii-lak iyyaahon.
for you.
clJ .illl
The verb ICaTa, yaCTiI, "to give" takes a direct object in LA, as does the verb lacTaa,
yucTiil in MSA. The verb IwiSill can take a direct object and it means "received. "
1 gave (to) him caTeeto

1 gave (to) her CaTeeta

1 gave-to-him them.
CaTeeto yyaahon.
.
1 gave-to-her them.
CaTeeta yyaahon.

Give it-m to me!
aCTiini yyaah!

1 haven't received the
maa-wiSlitni t -tacliimaat.
instructions.
,,;:l-.J 1..
188
1. Zib-li kiilo mooz.
(Bring me a kilo of bananas.)
2. Hak8a-lna 'iSaS iktiire.
(He told us a lot of stories.)
3. katabt -ilio maktuub Tawiil.
(I wrote him a long letter.)
4. SaraHt-ilio yyaah.
(I explained it to him.)
5. bicton sayyaarti l-'adiime.
(I sold (to) them myoId car.)
6. ZaIaa-lha S-SHuun.
(He washed the dishes for her.)
7. arrouki ikwfi-li hal-awaaCi.
(Please-f iron these clothes for me.)
8. b-isaawfi-Iak Iii?
(Can 1 do anything for you?)
189
':11
I,
,
.j.,..#
.3..r.::S l;J
.J,...,J.
."LI .J
M ,
M...\A.JI M
. iF'> M looI""O
.w",=-11 4J

clJ
M.J
l-L
;
9. b-taCmil-li maCruuf? maCluum!
!ry- Y..J"..,,- j
(W"ill you do me a favor? Of course!)
Suffixed pronouns with Other Words
In LA, as in other Arabic dialects, pronoun suffixes can also be attached to other words
which have become idioms. Some of these are different from MSA. (Pronouns attached to
prepositions and conjunctions are discussed further in Chapter 8.)
Here are some common words which are used with pronoun suffixes.
Ibidd-I "to want, require, intend"
Usually to express "I want," "he wants," etc. in Levantine Arabic a noun phrase is used.
which literally means "my requirement (is)," "his requirement (is)," etc. This functions somewhat
as a verb (grammar books call it a "quasi-verb") because it can be used with an unprefixed
imperfect-tense verb (this type of verb is discussed in Chapter 14).
Note the various translations of this phrase.
1. biddi dazziinet beeD.
t,$..u
- .
(I want a dozen eggs.)
2. biddo 'alam.
rli
(He wants/needs a pencil.)
3. biddi is'alak Sagle.
.a&..:,
(I want to ask you about something.)
190
4. maa bddak iyyaahon?
L.
(Don't you want them?)
5. eemta-ma biddi, b-iruuH is-saarn.
'r
WI
L.
(Whenever I want, I'll go to Damascus.)
6. suu biddna nsaawi?
W li..u
"Ii''' .
(What (else) can we do?) 1'
,,'11
1
7. biddna cal-aqall sii nuSS saaCa la- niSal.
.J-:}
(We'll need at least half an hour to get there.)
8. bidda xams isniin. *

(It takes five years.)
9. b-yiHisbu Hsaab kiif biddon yiduxlu z-ZaaffiCa.
U. yL..>
(They are trying to figure out how they can get admitted to the university.)
10. il-xarriiZiin kiif biddna nlaa'n-Ion sugel?
YJ-..:. JYu U.
(How can we find work the for (new) graduates?)
*This is another instance when an "impersonal" subject is referred to in a general statement, so the
feminine is used.
191
lfij-I"tobeahle" 17. suu laazmak muciddaat?
(What supplies do you need?)

18. suu laazmak? walaa sli, I-Hamdilla.
(What do you need? Nothing, thank God.)
Iljssal Iljssaa(t.) -I "81m I yet"

The word llissal can be used alone or in a special form with pronoun suffixes. Both
llissaa-I and llissaat-I are in common use and are interchangeable.
19. lissaaha Cam-taakol.
.JS"b lA>W
20.
(She is still eating.)
lissaatak heek bi-tfakkir?
(Do you still think so?)
rA
21. lissaatni cam-b-istanna.
(I am still waiting.)

22. manna Zaahziin lissa.
0Ne're not ready yet.)
.4oJ liL.
"
II
23. Haakeeto? lissa.
(Have you talked to him yet? Not yet.)
193
.4oJ r.c:..St>
This is another "quasi-verb," a function word used with suffixes to mean "can" or "to be
able. "
11. filk taaxidni?
" o t i,FJ.>u
(Can you take me?)
12. filk itCiid yelli 'ilto?
rd.i L!.l::!
(Can you repeat what you said?)
13. maa frini ifham Caleeh.

(I just can't understand him.)
14. ftina nruuH min hoon?

(Can we go this way ("from here")?
Daazim-I "to Deed"
This is a word used with pronoun suffIXes to mean "to need," literally "(it) is necessary
. for (me)," etc. When referring to a feminine noun the feminine forms Ilaazmit-I or Ilaazimt-I
may be used by some speakers.
15. laazimni wa' et aktar.
.,fi' ciJ
(I need more time.)
16. laazimna gassaale w naSiaafe.
4JU j
0Ne need a washer and dryer.)
192
24. lissaato hoon.

(He's still here.)
Ila-jnn-I "because"
The pronunciation of this word is variable. It may also be ni-ann! or la-ann!.
because he's tired la-inno taCbaan

because she's tired la-inna taCbaane
4iLu
. .
because we're tired la-inna taCbaaniin . 'Lu b'i
.
25. ziCilla-inno rafaDuu-Io Talabo.
oJ
(He got angry because they refused (to him) his request.)
26. maa-niZaHet la-innak maa-rakkazt Cad-dars imniiH.
. I.:J.(

(You didn't pass ("succeed") because you didn't study the lesson well.)
ImjnJaan-llbj-sababl "because of"
l. l.
.
These words can be used alone or with pronoun suffixes. IminSaan! may be shortened to
lmisaanl.
27. t' axxart bi-sababak.
l.:J".,.>b . .. .
(I was late because of you.)
194
28. iZiina msaankon.
(We came to see you-po We came for you-p.)
29. laa-tiCmlo mnsaani.
(Don't do it because of me.)
ImjnSaan xaaTir-llkjrmaal-1 "for the sake of"
These words can be used alone or with pronoun suffixes.
30. iZiina mnsaan xaaTirkon.
(We came for your-p sake.)
31. b-itraZhak, saawiiha minJaan xaaTri.

ill
Ii
'il
11;1

(I beg you, do it for my sake.)
32. kill has-sii camilto kirmaala.
.4J1...;S JS"
(I did all that for her sake.)
lleek-11ha'-//SaHH-I "here js/are"
These words mean "here is/are" or "there is/are," said when pointing out a person or
thing. /leek-I is also used when handing something to someone.
33. saHHa. leeka.

(Here/ there she is.)
195
196 197
lHaal-/ "self"
Ibaal-/ "state, awareness"
This is used when the subject does something to himself or herself (reflexive).
This word can be used alone or with pronoun suffixes in several ways.
48. ZaraH Haalo.
(He hurt himself.)
..Jb.. t:.ft
11
i
!
54. baali maSguul.
(I'm worried/preoccupied.)
j"-!
49. ZarHet Haalha.
(She hurt herself.)
. c-'>.ft
55. maSguul baali cala aHmad.
(I'm worried/ concerned about Ahmad.)
j"-!
50. laa-tcazzib Haalak.
(Don't trouble yourself (for my sake).)
. yJ.J "J .
56. il-musta'bal muu saagil-li baali.
(I'm not worried about the future.)
.jlt j jt.U y
51. lissaato Cala Haalto.
(He still just as he was.)
..db.. .aU
57. laa-tiSgi! baalak.
(Don't warty about it.)
"J
52. Camalet Haali maa-cam-b-isma
c
.
(I pretended that I didn't hear.)
. L. jb..
58. baalo Tawiil.
(He's patient.)
.Jlt
fbi -nafsd "for oneself"
,
'I
.. 59. Tawwil baalak, halla' b-w.
(Be patient, I'm coming now.)
JlAl
-
Ii
ili
l
.
!I
53. laazim itsuufo b-nafsak.
(You bave to see itfor yourself.)
rj"J
1
1
I
60. diir baalak. diiri baalik.
(Watch out-m. Watch out-f.)
.L!1J,,-!
II
198 I!
61. muu &aye cala baali.
(I'm not in the mood.)
199
jlt y
62. HuTTa b-baalak.
t.i!
laHsan l-llafDal-l-1 "it's better for"
(Keep it in mind.) Note the stress change on the words laHsan-1 and lafDal-1 with most suffixes.
is used as a warning; lafDal 1-1 can also mean "should."
laHsan 1-1
63. inte b-baali.
(you're on my mind.)

68. aHsan-lak tistanna hoon.

(You'd better wait here.)
lka-inn-I"as if, as though"
69. aHsan-lkon tidacu cal-wa'et.
1y>.-,ji,:fJ
64. mbayyin Caleeh ka-inno halkaan.

(You'd-p better come back on time.)
(He looks as if he's exhausted.) 70. suu afDal-Ii? ruuH walla ab'a?
!J
65. Cam-yiHki ka-inno l-mudiir.
.J!..ul .u!S'
(What should I do? Go or stay?)
(He talks as though he were the boss.)
66. hiyye ka-inna Zetiide.
.i...l:!..1>.-
(It-f is as good as new.)
67. ana Haasis ka-inni nasyaan sii.
v--6.. bl
(I feel as if rm forgetting something.)
200 201
DIALOGUFS
Number 1
A. ahleen, kiifak?

B. 1-Hamdilla. w inti kiif Salffitik?
YL!6- UJ ..ill
A. 1-Hamdilla. kiifaxuuk samiir?
Y..r,:t-' UJ ..ill
B. bi-yisallim caleeki. ana sifto imbaariH.
. b\
A. mistaat' -illo ktiir w Haabbe suufo.
..,.; J
B. Zaayyoom is-sabet, nsalIa. b-ittiSil fiiki awwal-ma b- yiSal.
L. J.JI . r.J'!. Ii\>..
A. inSalla.
.
Number 2
A. ahla wa sabIa. suu bi-triid?
II
Y...I.I-.f4
B. has-siZZaade CaaZbitni. W
.
I
A. b-aCTiik sicer imniiH fiiha.
I

B. wbi-twaSSlii-li yyaaha Cal-beet?

Y t..l:!1 j
A. tikram. eemta?
.rP
B. xalliina nittifi' Ca-s-siCer l-awwal.
.J.J'i1 &JI t;J>
A. Tayyib, tfaDDal.
.

.
202
Number 3
A. inte msaafir 'ariib, maa?
B. eeh nacam, raayiH la-fraansa.
A. raayiH la-Haalak?
YL. ,)t-.. c.:,\
.wl..;J O!\.) 'rL'
II'"
YdJ6dO!I.)
B. eeh, la-inno raH-glib isbuu
c
bass. w marti candha sugel.
JO.J .l.J""!
A. insalIa bi-truuH w b-tida
c
bi-s-salaame.
.illL;.:,\
B. alIa ysallmik.

TRANS! ATIONS
Number 1
A. Hello, how are you?
B. Thank God. And you, how is your health?
A. Thank God. And how is your brother Samir?
B. He sends his greetings to you. I saw him yesterday.
A. I miss him a lot and I'd like to see him.
B. He's coming on Saturday, if God wills. I'll contact you as soon as he arrives.
A. If God wills.
203
Number 2
A. Welcome, what would you like?
B. I like this carpet.
A. I'll give you a good price for it.
B. And will you deliver it for me to the house?
A. Certainly. When?
B. Let's agree on the price first.
A. OK, come with me.
Number 3
A. You're traveling soon, aren't you ("isn't that so")?
B. Yes, I'm going to France.
A. Are you going alone?
B. Yes, because I'll be gone only a week. And my wife has (is busy with) her work.
A. If God wills, may you go and return safely.
B. May God make you safe.
6. OTHER PRONOUNS
The Relatiye pronoun "which, who, that"
Relative pronouns are the words for "which," "who," or "that. II These are inflected for
gender and number in MSA - - allathi, allatii, ,,:?JJI etc.
1'1 iii'
In Levantine Arabic this is QD.e invariable word. It is usually pronounced Ihellil or Iyellil
in Syrian, lillil in Lebanese, Palestinian, and Jordanian. These words can also be abbreviated to
Illil in rapid speech.
the man who was here
the boy whom I saw
("saw him")
the school where I studied
("studied in it")
the girl I told you about
("about her")
the plane I took
("traveled on it")
":XX__1 velli kaan hoon . .15 ll. Jt> II
r- l.lLUUU J IJ,JA IJ ",.-: . ..r
S-Sabi helli sifto

l-madrase helli daraset fiiha
I...J 4...)..u.1
l-bint yelli 'ilt-illak Canha

T-Tayyaara yelli saafart fiiha
I...J i
Notice that the subject of the phrase must be referred to again with a pronoun (if the verb
can take an object), as in the last four examples. This is called the "resumptive pronoun" and is the
same as in MSA.
Also the same as MSA is the rule that an "indefinite" antecedent (person or thing referred
to) does not require Iyellil in the relative clause that follows it.
someone (who) can help me waaHid yi' der iysaaCidni iliil

IIII
1:1
205
1
!II!!
I
1111"
ilii
I,
Ii
il'l,
204
I
someone-f (who) I studied waHde darast macha
with
4-
an employee (who) speaks
mwaZzaf b-yiHki ingliizi
English
I.S' 1("1 {_..
- l,F--:: .".
If a superlative eKPressjon is used it is also treated as indefinite since the noun does not
have the definite article in Arabic.
the best thing I saw aHsan Iii sifto

the most expensive ring they agla xaatim candon
have

Iyellil can also be used to make a clause which is translated as "whose, of which" in
English, using the same structure as in MSA.
the taxi whose owner
t-taksi yelli SaaHibo muSTafa
is Moustafa
("the taxi its owner")

the people Whose money is
n-naas yelli maSaariihon bi-1- bank
in thebank
("the people their money")
(,)"'WI
the house with the green
1-beet helli bwaabo xuDer
doors
("the house its doors are green")

A phrase with Iyellil can function as a noun phrase meaning "he who, one who, those
who, that which, whoever. II This is very common in proverbs and idioms.
I
I
I
I
I
I
206
I
I
I
I
I
'Iii
1. yelli Saar Saar.
..)1- .)1-
helli faat maat.

(Whatever has happened, has happened.)
2. yelli b-yiZi canna S-SubeH b-yib'a Cal-gada.
- _ .._11 1I.

(Whoever comes to our house in the morning must stay for lunch.)
3. mHammad huwwe yelli raaH cal-iZtimaac.

(Mohammed is the one who went to the meeting.)
4. yaa wee10 yelli maa-b-ySuum.
l.
("Woe unto" the one who does not fast.)
'11
Iii
5. helli maa-bi-yruuH cat:'Hafle b-yindam.
'r4! l.
(Whoever doesn't go to the party will regret it.)
6. b-tacrif waaHid b-yi'der yaCTiini hal-mac1uumaat?
lii_!
(Do you know someone who can give me this information?)
7. fii waaHid Hakeet maco, maa-Cam-b-itzakkar ismo.
l. ..... .l>I
J

(There was somebody I talked to, I can't remember his name.)
8. hiyye 1-bint helli iifta li-sbuuc 1-maaDi.
JU
(She's the girl I saw last week.)
207
1
%
;t:1
'i, '!I
.. 1%,1.
::'11'
, !H
9. hinne maa-b-yuCtamad caleehon. 1 18. Cmeel helli biddak iyyaah.
Ilil
Iii
!I
iI

':111
:111 1
(They can't be depended upon.) I! (Do whatever you want.)
I
I
10. fii Dyuuf ihniik laazim iHki macon. !I
19. yelli b-aCirfo, inno muHtaaZ la-musaaCde.

(There are some guests over there I have to talk to.)
11. biddi sayyaara maa-bi-tkallif iktiir.
...,.# t.. ,:?..1.f
(I want a car that doesn't cost a lot.)
12. b-taCrif kill ir-rZaaI helli kaanu bi-l-iZtimaaC?
J1A Jl>.-,)I J5'
(Do you know all the men who were at the meeting?)
13. b-tacrif Hada Saaf hal-film?
!rJAJlA JU
(Do you know anyone who has seen that fIlm?)
14. miin yelli sa'alak?

(Who's the one who asked you?)
15. ayy dawle fiiha nahr in-niil?
! ...* ,:?I
(Which country is the Nile River in (it)?)
16. xood il-mawroud.
. .J>."."ll y..
(Take the one that's/what's available.)
17. huwwe helli zaclaan.

(He's the one who is upset.)
208
.:,1 .u-.r-4
(All I know is that he needs help.)
20. dafa
c
helli Caleeh.

(He paid what he owed.)
21. il-kombyuuter illi stareeto muu baTTaal.

(The computer which I bought isn't bad.)
Demonstrative pronouns
These are the words for "this," "that," "these," and "those." The words for "this" and
"these" are often used in Arabic where "that" and "those" would be used in English so translation is
variable.
These are the independent words. In Lebanese the vowels are pronounced differently. In
Jordanian the Idl is pronounced.i as in MSA, written here as Ith/.
Parentheses indicate that part of a word is optional. Only the SYrian is on tape.
Svrian Lebanese Palestinian Jordanian
this-m haada 1..IJb hayda haatha
haad
.
this-f hayy(e) haydi haadi haathi

haay
Ii
these hadool
J.J..IJb
haduul hathoole

hayduul
"I
1'111
209
1
:1 1
j' I
1
that-m hadaak{e) eJl.J..t hawda hathaake
hawdaak the year s-sine WI
haydaak
, this/that year has-sine
that-f hadiik
hawdi hathiike
hawdiik 11
hadiike

haydiik
those hadink
,
haydoliik haydoliik haytholaake
hadinke &'...IA
,
There are many variations because the pronunciation and length of these words depends on
the speaker, and sometimes on the level of formality. The words listed above are used by
themselves, not prefixed or suffixed to words.
Ihadink{e)1 is usually heard only in Damascus. There is II1ll'ili variation among the
Levantine dialects and sometimes within one dialect; these fonns cannot really be assigned or
restricted to certain regions.
When saying "this" or "that" with nouns in noun phrases ("this boy," "that time"), the
prefix Ihal-I is often used for both meanings (this is a contraction of /haadal plus the word lil-I).
If the noun starts with a "sun letter" in which the III is assimilated this will also happen with the
word /hal-I.
this street
haada s-saaric
t.;WII.J..t
hal-saari
c
t.;WtA
this woman hal-mara
(,itA
hayy il-mara

these students
hadool iT-Tullaab
J",.J..t
these two students
hadool iT-Taalbeen
J ",..JA
the food
l-akel
jS''i1
this/that food hal-akel
jS''itA
the money l-maSaari
!:F.;WI
this/that money hal-maSaari

210
the other day hadaak il-yoom

the other week hadaak il-isbuu
c
eJI.J..t
that year hadiik is-sine WI
in this way b-has-sikel

This cannot happen. maa-bi-ySiir haS-sii.

This is not acceptable.
The demonstrative pronoun can also foJ1ow the noun to make the phrase more emphatic.
This is mostly done in the plural.
these people in-naas hadool
J ",.J..t IJ'"WI
1. hadinke r-riZZaal Cam-yiHku bi-1-Carabi.
Jl>.-,)I &'...IA
(Those men are speaking in Arabic.)
2. hadiik il-mugannye malhuura bi-l-Caalem il-carabi.
4_.t I
(That singer-f is famous in the Arab World.)
3. hadool in-naas luTafa.
.tLW IJ'"W\ J ",...IA
(Those people are nice.)
211
4. kaan mariiD hadaak is-saber.
(He was sick last month.)
5. niHna saakniin b-hadaak is-saaric.
(We live on that street.)
6. hal-iyyaam kill sii gaali.
(These days everything is expensive.)
7. Iuu biddhon han-naas?
(What do these people needl want?)
8. has-sine raayHiin Ca-n-nimsa.
(This year we're going to Austria.)
9. hayy sinet xeer Caleena.
(This has been a good year for us.)
Other pronoun Fauns
There are many other words in lA which function as pronouns. Generally they have a
stem, with a number of words (such as "some," "no," or "every") that are used with the stem.
They are quite recognizable from MSA.
212
.
.t..)..:J1

.
.
.

-

..r.:> ....
ISHI "some"
This is used before nouns.
1. siftak b-sii maHall min 'abel?
(Have I seen you someplace before?)
2. xalliina niTla
c
sawa sii yoom.
(Let's go out together some time.)
3. ilia rna titSallaH b-sii Tarii' a.
(There must be a way to fix it.)
lSagJe/lSW "something, anything"
You will also hear lisil in Palestinian and Jordanian.
4. laazim 'il-lak haS-sagle.
biddi 'il-lak sii.
(I have to tell you something.)
5. na"i Iii taani.
(Select something else.)
6. maa-stareet sii.
(I didn't buy anything.)
213
:11'
rj.;,;yo J:
,II!
[I
I."..., \;J>
',I
III
'1'1'1' it

.'.1",1
1 'II
.a...:JlA clJ
clJ Jil
, - .
illl,

!'!II
,I
III
II1
"
II'!
"I 'I

II II!
"

7. maa-Habbeet sii.
(I didn't like anything.)
8. candi sagIaat saawiiha.
(I have things to do.)
9. ana 'ablaan b-ayy sii.
(1' d accept anything.)
10. xood ayy sii b-yicZibak.
(Take anything you like.)
11. kill sii Zaahiz.
kill sii mHaDDar.
(Everything is ready.)
12. kill sii SaCeb.
(Everything is (so) difficult.)
lkiU sUI "eYerything"

.
,:?4 bl
.',,-.,......., ,:?\
.

Iwalaa Iiil "nothing"
The expression Iwalaa siil means "nothing" and it is normally used by itself rather than in
a sentence.
13. suu biddak? walaa sii.

(What do you want? Nothing.)
14. suu Saar? walaa sii.
.. ..t ..
J
"I
.')'- J-I
(What happened? Nothing.)
Ofada/Ofadan/"&nDeone, anyone"
15. fii Hada hoon?
I..I.>-J
(Is there anyone here?)
16. maa fii Hada hoon.
1..1.> -J t..
(There isn't anyone here.)
17. maa-sifet Hada.
.1..1.>
(I didn't see anyone.)
18. fii Hada sa'al canni?
JL I..I.>-J
(Did anyone ask about me?)
The word IwaaHidl can also mean "someone, anyone." Ihayyalla waaHidl means
"anyone. "
215 214
19. waaHid min il-maktab talfan-1ak.
.clJ ..1>I
J
(Someone from the office called you.)
20. ahla wa sabIa bi-ayy waaHid b-yiZi.

ayy waaHid b-yiZi, ahla wa sabIa fiih.

(Anyone who comes is welcome.)
21. hayyalla waaHid tlaa'iiha cando.
..1>IJ
(You can find it any anyone's (shop).)
/maa Hadal "no one"
Imaa Hadal, also pronounced ImaHHad/, is used only as a subject. lHadal or lHadanl can
mean "no one" after a negative verb. lwalaa Hadal is also used to mean "no one" as an object of
the verb.
22. maa Hada saafna.
1..1> L.
(No one saw us.)
23. maa Hada b-yaCrif.
1..1> L.
(No one knows.)
24. maa sifet Hada.
.1..1> L.
(I didn't see anyone.)
25. miin sifet? walaa Hada.
.1..1> -i
J

(Whom did you see? No one.)
216
IJeW waaHjdl "eyeryone, each"
26. kill waaHid bi-yidfa
C
helli caleeh.
(Everyone should pay what he owes.)
27. kill waaHid b-yihrob min in-madrase b-yinfuSil.
(Anyone who skips school will be expelled.)
28. kill waaHid y'uum bi-wadbo.
(Everyone (should) do his duty.)
Ijl-kinI "eyeryone"
This is a special way of using /killl as a noun.
29. sallamt Cala 1-kill.
(I greeted everyone.)
30. il-kill hayiin.
(Everyone is coming.)
31. talfant 1a-1-kill.
(I called everybody.)
217
JU ..1>IJ JS
;.ro ..1>1." JS
. 1,Jof r.,,&:! ..1>\J JS

.W=!l.>.-

DIAI,OGUES
Number 1
A. ween il-maktuub helli wiSel imbaarHa?
B. aHmad tarako bi-l-maktab.
A. kint cam-dawwir caleeh.
B. 'ilii-lo ymbo maCe.
Number 2
A. maa Caad biddi ib'a hoon walaa yoom.
B. suu Saar?
A. iT-Ta' es sayyi', w mUraSSHa ktiir.
B. laazim ni'bal bi-li-mniiH wil-CaaTil.
A. xalliina nsaafir bukra.
B. haada qtiraaH imniiH. b-Dibb kill sii?
Number 3
A. In Hada hoon?
B. weenon? maa Hada Wi l-yoom.
218
y.,,:S:1I;Y-J

....
r.J!. "iJ L.

...;#
I LWI _.:lL, I '''i
J c:-.
(1 ,}L...i l:J>
! JS JIA

'r L.

i[11
III j I
il

l
l
A. walla maa-b-acrif. hadaak il-yoom s!fton w 'aaluu-li inno 1- yoom Ha-ykuunu hoon. II,I!I
'I
4i1 j L. .JJI
J '!III
,I
B. nitruk-Ion war'a Hatta yittiSlu fiina?

;,11

::11
I;
i!I!:I!
f,,'
TRANSlATIONS
Number 1
A. Where's the letter that arrived yesterday?
B. Ahmad left it in the office.
A. I was looking for it.
B. Then tell him to bring it (with him).
Number 2
A. I no longer want to stay here one more day.
B. What's wrong?
A. The weather is bad and I have a cold.
B. "We have to take the good with the bad." (proverb)
A. Let's leave (travel) tomorrow.
B. That's a good suggestion. Shall I get everything ready?
Number 3
A. Is there nobody here?
B. Where are they? Nobody came today.
A. Really I don't know. The other day I saw them and they told me they'd be here today.
B. Shall we leave them a note so they'll contact us?
rlil
219 III"
iii
7. QUESTION WORDS
The question words are quite different from MSA and they vary greatly among the Arabic
dialects as well. All of them can be traced to MSA (with a little imagination).
Many question words contain lSI, derived from MSA layyu say'in! which is then
combined with other words. .. M
"What" ISuu!
lSuul is used in a one-word question and as a noun. In some regions leesl or lisl is also
used like this; it is the usual word in Palestinian and Jordanian.
What?
suu?
"o,J-I ..
1. suuhaada?

(What's this?)
2. suu ra'yak?

SUU 'oolak?
!dJ,j
(What's your opinion! What do you say?)
3. la-suu haada?
.,..:J
la-ees haada?
"I .. <oJ
o
(What's thislthat used for?)
220
4. SUU biddak?
(What do you want?)
5. SUU Cam-taakol?
(What are you eating?)
6. SUU ismak?
(What's your name?)
7. daxlak, SUU fii axbaar?
(Tell me please, what's the news?)
8. Can SUU haada li-ktaab?
(What is this book about?)
9. maCsuu?
(With what?)
10. mitel suu?
(Like what?)
11. b-suu biddna niftaHha?
(What shall we open it-f with?)
12. la-suu b-tilzamak?
(What do you need it for?)
221

!yl.t(J1
" .. A.A o,J-I,
1!li
" .. 1_.
o,J-I u:;..
b..l.!
1'1:
ill:1
.i '
illl
I'I'
I
I
I

1
Note that lSuul is shortened to lSil when followed by the preposition the preposition Ib - I
and ISlJ takes the stress.
lSuul can be used as a idiom in an emphatic sentence and has a different meaning.

13.
14.
si-bo?
(What's wrong with him?)
sl-bak? xeer, insalla. *
(What's wrong with you? All is well, I hope?)

.

,

17.
18.
suu laTiif!
(How nice he is!)
walla suu gaali!
(My, how expensive!)
't..A.J.J ..
. - .J-I
!jti. J
1:1
I
!
i
\

I'
i!,
I
"
I:
I
'I'i
1:
1

Ij

15.
16.
si-bak Taali
c
xiI'ak?
(Why are you angry?)
si-baha mikaSSra?
(Why is she frowning?)
t'u, 1j:I.J;'

.. .....

Ii
I
Sometimes a variation neehl is used.
Why?
Why not?
"Whv" fleesl
lees?
lees la'?

0;: "'J
oj: _
I':
1
1
1
:
Iii
II
:1111

;\

I\I!"I
Y
These forms are slightly different in Lebanese.
*The expression Ixeer, inSalla! is often used when someone says "I have news," "Something is
wrong, " etc., or the speaker is inquiring about a certain matter.
1. lees raaH?
(Why did he leave?)

i,:,

I'!\ ,
What's wrong with him?
What's wrong with you?
rois-bo?
rois-bak? .
I&banese (not on tape)

2. lees ma- 'ilt-illi?
(Why didn't you tell me?)
!j
1'1'\1
1,1,
What's wrong with her? rois-baha? 0;:1 . .. \
o
Iyaa tara! is an idiom meaning why" which is often used with Ilees/.
In Palestinian and Jordanian you will also hear lees maalo/, "What's wrong with him?"
3. lees yaa tara?
y"...?
(I wonder Why?)
222 223
1
I
4. lees yaa tara maa-iZa?
(I wonder why he didntt come?)
rl>.-ll "..;3
"Who, Whom, Whose" ImUDI
Who? miin?

1. miinhuwwe?
(Who is he?)

2. miin rail -yiZi?
(Who is going to come?)

3. miin helli taal-lak?
(Whots the one that told you?)
rL!l.J JIi
4. la-miin haada?
(Who is this for?)

5. miin Cat-talifoon?
(Who is on the telephone?)

6. hal-beet la-miin?
7. taba
C
miin hayy?
'\'"

(Whose is this?)
,!I
8. miin sifet?

(Whom did you see?)
9. min Cand miin hayy?

(What store is this-f from?)
10. door miin halla
t
?
rJIA .J.J')
miin dooro halla'?
rJIA ".J.J,)
(Whose tum is it now?)
"How" Ikjifj
This is usually pronounced !keef! in Palestinian and Jordanian. You may also hear the
word !Sloon!, especially in Damascus.
Note that, unlike MSA, this word can take a suffix.
How? kiif? ru.s
11:11
I:
How are you? kiifak? rI!lA.S'
sloonak?
1. kiif kaan il-akel?
1

(Whose house is this?) (How was the food?)
1
224 225
2. kilf biddna nruuH?
"
b..u. u.s .
(How should we go?)
3. sift isloon raaHu w saba'uuna?

(See how they hurried and got there before us?)
"WheD" leemta/
This is also pronounced Jimta!. /eemtiinl is a variant in Lebanese.
At what time/when? eemta?
rt:..d
1. eemta raH-itsuufo?
",.: A. LI
._,J-J
(When will you see him?)
2. eemtaiZi?
.0
(When should I come?)
3.
eemta l-masraHiyye? ayye saaCa l-masraHiyye?

(What time is the play?)
4. la-eemta baa'i hoon?

(Until when is he staying here?)
5. eemta b-yistaHa" il-daar?
r .! t:..d
(When is the rent due?)
226
6. min eemta inte hoon?

(How long have you been here?)
"Where" /weeD//feeD/
These words can be used alone or (unlike MSA) with a pronoun suffix. There is a special
,
contracted form when used with /min!.
,IJ 'I'
Where? ween? r,y.."
feen?
Where from? mineen? "..
1. weeno? feeno?
r4 r"-'.."
(Where is he?)
2. la-ween raayiH?

(Where are you going?)
3. ween in-Dyuuf?

(Where are the guests?)
4. weenak la-halla'?
":-I:i
'!..J
(Where have you been all this time?)
5. ween kinet?
,y.."
(Where were you?)
227
6. mineen istireeto?
From) where did you buy it-m?)
7. mneeninte?
(Where are you from?)
"How many, How much" lkaml
This is always followed by a noun in the singular, the same as in MSA.
How many? kam waaHid?
1. kam waRde 1aazmitak?
(How many"ones" - f do you need?)
2. kam iktaab?
(How many books?)
3. kam waaHid?
(How many ("ones")?)
4. kammarra?
(How many times?)

Ye.;,1
Y...\>1'" r5"
i..l.>l", r5"
Yyl:S r5"
Y..1.>1", r5"
r5"
I
i!i
!II
"How much" l'addeeSI
II
!!il
.
This is derived from MSA Iqaddl ..J.i, "quantity." I'addeesl literally means "what
quantity?" Note the difference between I'addees/, "how much" and /kam/, "how many" (above).
II
,!'I,',!,I'
",.. ",I
How much? 'addees? L)"':!..1J
1. 'addees is-saaca?

(What time is it?)
2. 'addees cumrak?

II
(How old are you? ("How much is your age?"

3. 'addees il-masaafe min hoon 1a-1-maTaar? "i'll
1,l,1!
Y.,LLa.JJ LJ 1
(How far is it from here to the airport?)
iii
"I
I
4. 'addees bi-triid 1a-1-Hamidiyye?
IIII
"'- .-I' ..l.I .::J ,
l
iili
l .......,-voo
(taxi) (How much do you want from here to the Hamadiyye (souk) ?)
Ilill]

!,
5. 'addees Ha" is-saaca?

ff
(How much does the watch cost?)
,I,!
III
il'l'
Note some special uses of I'addeesl with other words.
'i I!'I
I,III!
III
6. 'addees Saar-1ak bi-s -Saam?
II
Y dJ )- i
i
I: ',I,'l", (How long have you been in Syria?)
il
J
228 229
7. 'addees Saar-Ikon ihniik? 2. ayy waaHid tabacak?
Y ..1>\.J iii
(How long have you-p been there?) anu tabacak?

8. kill 'addees bi-tzuuro? (Which one is yours?)
JS'
(How often do you visit him?) 3. ayy waaHid aHsan?
..1>1.J LSI
I 9. 'addees kiber ib-sirCa hal-walad! anu waaHid aHsan?
!..u"JtA ..;$ ..1>1.Jy\
(How much this boy has grown!) (Which one-m is better?)

l
i
10. b- 'addees it-tazkara? 4. ayy waHde naZHet?
y _..;S..i::JI Y i..1>I
J
iii .11 ..
(How much is a ("the") ticket?) (Which one-f passed (the course)?)
,
.
5. bi-ayye beet saak:in?
"Which" Javvl IannI (- _!
(Which house is he living in?)
IannI and lanil are usually used with a noun or with IwaaHidl and IwaHde/; layyl is
always nsed with other words. IannI is masculine and the feminine is lani/. layyl has a variant,
layye/. 6. ayy waaHid minhon waafa' Cala s-sruuTI
Y JiI.J ..1>I
J
iii
(Which one of them agreed to the terms?)
Which one? ayywaaHid?
Y..1>I.J iii
7. anu waaHid axuuk? anu waaHid?
Y..1>I.Jyl
Y ..1>\.J yl
}
(Which one is your brother?)
(I
1. ayye ktaab?
'Ii
Yyl:S'
I 8. ayye hriide bi -tfaDDi1?
,II
III
y ,"._:_. -..1J .> 4.11
II --....,.,- ... "",I
anu ktaab?
Yyl:S' yl
(Which newspaper do you prefer?)
Iii
I
II
1,1
(Which book?) i!. '. I ,II 'I
9. anu a'Sar Tarii'?
II i :J
j
I
YJI..."..k .,.,-i\ y I I
,I
I
}
i i (Which is the shortest road?)
i '

'(
230 231
!
1
t
1
10. ayye saaca?
8. mac miin laH-itsaafir?
r.)w cr ,)::t'
(At what time?)
(With whom are you going to travel?)
9. miin axadet macak:?
r ,)::t'
(Who did you take with you?)
1. kam waaHid laR-taCTiih? 10. suu s-sabab?
..
.1>1", rS' .. ",...
(How many are you going to give him?) (What's the reason?)
I
I
2. Cand miin il-caIa? 11. suu Saar?
rLWI ,)::t' !.>l-
(At whose house is the dinner?) (What happened?)
3. sayyaaret miin waa'fe barm? 12. si-bik?
I
! ..rl '" ,)::t' ';.>l.:-

(Whose car is parked outside?) (What's wrong with you-f7)
4. miin caarak hal-aale 1-kaatbe? 13. suu bukon!
..
! ,)::t' . .",...
(Who lent you this typewriter?) (What's the matter with you!)
5. mac miin ib-tilCab tanis? 14. suu fii?
'\' '\'.u ..
.. I . -",...
(Who do you play tennis with?) (What's going on?)
!
6. bi-suu biddna nibda? 15. suu fii b-iidak:?
I
b...u ..
\
!
.
(What shall we start with?) (What do you have in your hand?)
I
7. b- 'addees kiilo t-tamer? 16. suu rnzaacalak:?
...
. .,.". ",...
(How much is a kilo of dates?) (What has made you unhappy?)
17. ayye l-a'wa?
(Which one is stronger?)

26. weenkon? maa-cam-nisuufkon.
(Where have you-p been? We haven't been seeing you.)
r,?..J
18. suu hd-Zawaab?
(What kind of answer is that?)

19.
20.
'addees is-sirCa l-masmuuHa hoon?
(What's the speed limit here?)
lees maa-'aal sii?
(Why didn't he say something?)
r

i
J:
,i'111
II
,I
i"1
21. b-'addees id-dolaar?
(How many (Syrian or Lebanese) pounds in a dollar?)

22. 'addeeS lalI-tib'a?
(How long are you going to stay?)
r..:&.:i
-.
- I ...Jj
C V"':!
23. eemta raaZiCiin?
(When are (they) coming back?)

24. mineen Zaayiin?
(Where are (they) coming from?)

25. kam marra 'ilt-mak?
(How many times have I told you?)
!dl i..rf
234 235
Number 1
A. ayye baas b-taaxod?
B. m-naaxod baas abu rummaane.
A. eemta b-yiZi?
B. halla'. lees, raH-tiE. maCna?
A. eeh, b- 'addees ir-rikbe?
B. liirteen.
A. eemta raaZCfu1?
B. CaSiyye.
A. Tayyib yalla, haye mackon.
Number 2
A. suu I-ism il-kariim?
B. ismi riDwaan is-Saami.
A. HaDritkon ween saakniin?*
B. saakin bi-l-maalki.
A. 'addees cumrak?
DIALOGUES
r
. t....) .J'!I
'"

",I. _ "I ...
....... ."""",,
r4$.)1
- t
.,)::J..r.:'

rl"'''p
1

,jJ...J;}:;

t

j'
l
I
L
I
B. arbaCiin.
.:r---u
l
A. sloon idreet inno fii sa"a faaDye?
i
II
r -J .u\
!'
B. min id-dallaal.
.J"i..u\ ,jO
*Frequently the plural is used when addressing someone in a formal or very polite manner.
Number 3
A. kill sii maa Caad mite! awwal.
.JJI t.. .
B. eeh maZbuuT, maCik Ha".
.J>
A. maa-kaan canna kill has-sayyaaraat w kaanet il-Harake ashal.
.J+..,I J JS t..
B. walaa binaayaat Caalye. w kaan fii naas a'all kamaan.
iii
"
Jil (J"'u -J J "iJ
A. ragem inno Saar fii tashiilaat iktiir, kinna mabsuuTiin aktar.

B. bass il-madaaris w il-mistaSfayaat itHassanu.
"- 1I
J
(J"').J.lI
B. 1-Hamdilla, maaSi Haalna.
.Wl:.- ,4U
TRANSlATIONS
Number 1
A. Which bus do you-p take?
B. We take the Abu Rumany bus.
A. When does it come?
237 236
B. Any minute now. Why, are you coming with us?
A. Yes, how much is a trip?
8. PREPOSITIONS, CONJUNCTIONS, AND PARTICLES
B. Two pounds.
A. When are you coming back?
These are the "little words" or "function words" that hold the language together and are
B. In the evening. essential for complete comprehension.
A. OK, let's go, I'm coming with you. The Arabic dialects use almost the same prepositions, conjunctions, and particles as MSA
but they may be pronounced or used differently, especially when they have suffixes.
Number 2 Here are some words that are the same (or almost the same) as MSA.
A. What's your name? LA
B. My name is Ridwan AI-Shami.
I
on, over Cala, Ca
~
A. Where do you live? \!
.I
inside mwwa iy:
B. I live in AI-Malki.
I
until, in order that Hatta
~
A. How old are you?
I
la-Hatta
~
B. Forty.
because of bi-sabab
~
A. How did you learn that there is a vacant apartment?
from min
~
B. From the rental agent.
from, about Can,Ca
,:F
except illa
'il
Number 3
or aw
JI
A. Everything is no longer as it was before. and w
J
B. Yes, that's correct, you're right. in, at, by means of b- (SyrlLeb)* -y
A. We didn't have all these cars and it was easier to get around. fi (pallIord)
I)
B. Despite (the fact that) .there are many things easier, we were happier (before). with mac
~
A. But the schools and hospitals have improved. that inn, inno .ul,wl
B. Thank God, we're well off. as if ka-inn
w!S
according to Hasab
~
238
239
when lamma U
lamman U
but laakin

even if walaw
},J
neither...nor laa...wa1aa ...
to,for la-, ii-
J
approximately Hawaali

despite, regardless bi-gaDD in-naZar .

*The use of /b-I and Ifil is one of the ways to distinguish regional Levantine dialects.
Here are some words that are closely based on MSA. Note that the final I-al is omitted.
MSA LA.
above fawqa foo'
J;
under taHta taHt
in front of quddaama 'iddaam
rl..a
behind waraa'a wara
I.),J
after baCda baCed
..J.a.f
before qabla 'abel

against Didda Didd ...\,,;,
without duuna,
biduun
biduun
,j,J..I.1
without bilaa bala

between, among bayna been

with, at Cinda cand*

similar to, like mithla mitel**

240
across from, muqaabila m'aabil J.tlL.
opposite, facing
muwaajaha mWaaZih

in place of badala badaal
J
1
..I.1
CiwaDan cawaD
during athnaa'a asnaa'
because ii-anna ii-ann ,;li
la-inn
.
to, toward, for ilaa,l la -J
until ilaa la -J
except for maaCaada maacada
as long as maadaama maadaam rb t..
possible mumkin mumkin

*This is pronounced lCindl in Palestinian and Iordanian.
**This alternates with lzayyl 'iJ in Palestinian and Iordanian.
Here are some words that are different from MSA.
MSA LA.
also ayDan kamaan* ,j4S'
beside, by bijaanib hnb . .
lamb

outside, abroad xaarij barra
#J!
but laakin bass

only faqaT bass
v-!
in order to, for Hatta minsaan** ,jL.:.=..
misaan ,jl..;...
241
either... or amma...aw yaa(imma)...
yaa
. .. (L.I)L
.
or
(in a question)
am walla
"i.J
with maCa wiyya

(less common than /macl)
maybe, perhaps lacalla yimkin***

bi-yfuuz***

still laa yazaaI lissa W
lissa
c
t-1
*lbarDo/ oW..;! is also common in Palestinian and Jordanian.
**Words with ff.aan! are based on wU in MSA.
***These are actually verbs used as function words.
Some words also have an / -aatl suffix which may be used before nouns or pronoun
suffixes.
inside the house
Zuwwaat il-beet

inside of it-m Zuwwaato

among us beenaatna

outside the house barraat il-beet

outside of it-m
barraato
-ul
..;!
he is still
lissaato
-uW
we are still
lissaatna t:.:;W
all of us
ki.1liyyaatna* t:.:;WS
*You will hear this used with other pronouns in other dialects, e.g., Ikillayyaatonl, "all of them"
or Ibeeruut killayyetal, "all of Beirut. "
242
Use with pronouns
Some of these words change their shape when pronoun suffixes are added.
Words Ending in a Consonant
Most words that end in consonants do not change their base form when pronoun suffixes
are added. But note that words of a certain consonant-vowel pattern lose the last vowel before
suffixes that start with a vowel. This is a regular pattern.
Lists are representative, not complete.
"before" I' abel I
before me 'abli

before you-m 'ablak

before them 'abilhon

before her 'abilha
W
before us 'abilna
l:4i
before you-p 'abilkon
Ai
"after" lbaCedl
after him baCdo tI..J.a.t
after you-m bacdak

after Us baCdna u..J.a.t
after them baCdhon

"like" lmite11
like him mftlo 4l:..
like you mftlak
like her mftilha
46
243
like us mitilna W:.- "in. on" /fi/
like them mitilhon
~
in him fiih u
in her fiiha
~
"with" lmac/
in them fiihon
~
There is a common variant with long faa!; this is more common in Palestinian and
in you-m fiik .-1)
Jordanian, although the first form is heard there as well.
in you-f fiiki
~
in you-p fiikon
SvrianlLebanese Palestinian/Jordanian
:f..J
(not on tape)
I
..
with him maco ~ maCSah in me fiyyi
J
with her macha ma
c
8aha in us fiina
'-fa. ~
with me maCi maCaay
",...
with us maCna t.:- maC8.ana
with you-p maCkon .- maC8akum
"bebind" /waTa/
(Also: maCSahum)
behind him war8ah ,,\.,,,,
ma
c
8.ak I
ma
c
8aki behind her waraaha t...\.,,,,
behind them waraahon ~ I . , , , ,
"for" /minIaan/
behind you-m waraak ~ I . , , , ,
for you-m minSaanak ~ t . : . : . . behind you-f waraaki ~ l \ . , , , ,
for you-p minSaankon
~ ~
behind you-p waraakon .\.,,,,
for him minSaano .ut.:.:..
for them minSaanhon behind me waraayi lSI.,,,,
~ t . : . : . .
behind us waraana b\.,,,,
Words Ending in a vowel
Words That Change Before Suffjxes
The vowel is lengthened before a suffix. (This is also discussed in Chapter 5, dealing
with pronoun suffIxes.)
A few other words change before the suffixes are added. These are the most common.
245
244
"at, on" /CB.lal
The final vowel changes before suffixes.
on him caleeh

on her caleeha

on them caleehon

on you-m CaIeek

on you-f caleeki

on you-p caleekon

on me CaIeyyi

on us CaIeena

It should also be noted that the word lCaIa/ can be abbreviated to ICa
/1- I, "the," in rapid speech.
on the chair CaI-kirsi

on the table caT-Taawle

"from" /minI
The In! is doubled before suffIXes that start with a vowel.
from him minno .w
.
from her minha
l+
from them minhon
..:.+-
from you-m minnak
from you-f minnik
from you-p minkon
,:fw
.
from me minni

from us minna t.
246
- I before the word
"from, about" ICanI
The In! is doubled before suffixes that start with a vowel.
.
about him canno
"
about her canha

about them canhon

about you-m Cannak &.
about you-f cannik &.
about you-p cankon

.
about me Canni

about us Canna
"to, for" lJa-1
When the indirect object is not attached to a verb (as 1-10/, I-li/, I-lkon!, etc.) the word
changes to Ifl-I. This is frequently used when discussing money that is owed to someone.
to, for him flo .01
to, for her ilha
'+Jl
to, forthem ilhon

to, for you-m flak dJl
to, foryou-f ilik
to, foryou-p ilkon
"

to, forme ill

to, forus ilna WI
.
247
9. maJguul baalha caleeh.

(She's worried about him.)
1. sallirn-Ii Caleeh.
10. fiik itruuH cawaaDi?
(Say hello to him for me.) rr.,c"" ,-.J..r * * " '1
(Can you go in my place?)
2. maa-fhimt Caleek.
cl.k. L. * 11. wiSilni maktuub minha.
(I didn't understand you.)
(I received a letter from her.)
3. I-Ha" Caleeh.
I:

(It's his faultlHe's in the wrong.)
4. l-Ha" maCe.
...
(He's right.)
5. ana mictimed Caleeh maddiyyan.

(I am dependent on him financially.)
6. xalliik hoon la-Hatta idac.

(Wait here until 1return.)
7. xalliina n'aHil Hatta nixloS.

(Let's hurry so we can finish.)
8. hiyye xaayfe minno.
.W
(She's afraid of him.)
12. smict iktiir canno.
.a. ..r.? c.a.
(I heard a lot about him.)
13. kaatbiin Cannak bi-l-Zariide.
&
(They've written about you in the newspaper.)
14. bi-yqaarnu s -saglaat helli staruuha.
.L. * to II '" 1 .
.J..r- r,r- y..) *.
(They're comparing the things that they bought.)
15. tisrabu 'ahwe walla saay?

(W"1l1 you-p have coffee or tea?)
16. killhon raayHiin maa cadaana.
L. #
(They're all going except us.)
17.
Hasab hal-maqaale, l-maS'aakill-iqtiSaadiyye zaadet:c.J,)lj jSWI
(According to this article, the economic problems have increased.)
18. laazirn xalleSo b-has-saher.
(I have to finish this month.)
19. tCarraft caleeh asnaa' diraasti b-uruppa.
(I met (got to know) him during my studies in Europe.)
20. saakniin t8Hetna.
(They live below us.)
21. xalliina nilti'i 'ddaam il-bariid.
(Let's meet in front of the post office.)
22. miin haada helli 'aaCid waraana?
(Who's that sitting behind us?)
23. fii meene sgiira wara i-beet.
(There's a small garden behind the house.)
24. Ha-nsaafir yaa s-sabet yaa l-aHad.
(We'll leave either on Saturday or on Sunday.)
25. laa 1-yoom walaa bukra mnaasib.
(Neither today nor tomorrow is convenient.)
26. maCaliss, balaaha.
(Never mind, let's cancel it-f.)
250
. ...1>\ rj'i
. ci:."u
I
I
,
I
!
I
. rl..a
\
I
tI
!bl.j,J
; .
. .j..,..r.:- .
...1>'i1 ';L.:>
. t1 'i.., r 'i

27. Ziina bacdon.
(We came after them.)
28. wiSlu 'abilna.
(They arrived before us.)
29. raayiH bacd iD-Duher.
I'm) going in the afternoon.)
30. taCa 'abl is-saaCa xamse.
(Come before five o'clock.)
31. maa-kaan fii Hada geero.
(There was nobody there but him.)
32. akiid fIi asraar beenaathon.
(Surely there are secrets between them.)
33. hal-mawDuu
c
beeni w beenak:.
(This matter is between you and me.)
34. riHet la-candhon irnbaarHa.
(I went to their house yesterday.)
35. maa Canna wa't ikfaaye.
(We don't have enough time.)
251
.:,A.J.a.t
.W;I}-",
. .J.a.t
.4-.> JJ la3
t1..r.f- 1..1> wts' t..
.,I..r"\ 4
1
.
..,
. t
,JJ
...,llA>
..I
ci.., t..
36. maa-sift Hada mitla min 'abel.
(I haven't seen anyone like her before.)
4.1.:.. l...l> c.L.:, L.
45. Ceeb caleek. Ceeb caleeki.
(Shame on you-m/ you-f.)

37. kiif mi -nruuH bala maSaari?
(How can we go without money?)
U.
46. taCa Coed hmbi.
(Come and sit beside me.)

38. biddi sayyaara zdiide badaal hayy.
(I need a new car instead of this one.)
i.,l:-
47. m-nacrif kill in-naas helli saakniin Hawaleena.
(We know all of the people (who live) around us.)
. lJ"'\:J1 JS J
39. mCna la-inno kinna taCbaaniin.
(We came back because we were tired.)
. . .I-:J \.;S' 4Jo.J
. ..,
48. la'eeta taHt iT-Taawle.
(I found it-f under the table.)
.4!."LWI
40. fii sii makatiib la-ill? la-ilha? la-Hseen?
r4Jo.J r,)o.J .. .u
.. .... .... ...
(Are there any letters for me? For her? For Hussein?)
I
\
I
49. Cam bi-ySaddru 1- 'uTon la-barra.
(They export cotton abroad.)
.
41. ill s-Saraf 'addim id-daktoor Cabdel 'aadir.
(I have the honor to present Dr. Abdel Kader.)
.j3UJI .,.,,:5..u1 r:UI J..,.,..:JI ,)1
50. b-iruuH maCak bass biddi idac bakkiir.
(I'll go with you but I have to be back early.)
. (:>.".,1 lor! cia..
42. dafa
c
cannak walla dafaCet Can Haalak?
(Did he pay your way or did you pay for yourself?)
rclJl.- .:F- o.J." &.
51. iza maa fii Candak maani
c
, b-iHki maCe l-awwal.
(If you don't mind, I'll talk to him first.)
.. -J L. 1';\
43. 'aCadna niHki machon la-l-CiSa.
(We sat talking to them until the night prayer.)
.L.WJ \.:,.J.ai
52. CaTiini tlaate bass.
(Give me only three.)
. lor! -
44. Haraam caleek. Haraam Caleeki.
(Don't do/say that.)
rl..r- rl..r-
53. hayy ilak bass?
(Is this only for you?)

252 253
54. suu ra'yak, niczimhon cal-casa?
(What do you think, should we invite them to dinner?)

63. taRt amrak, ib-kill mamnuuniyye.
(At your service, with pleasure.)

55. 1a-Hadd halla' lissaato bi-Traab1os.
(Up until now he's still in Tripoli.)

64. huwwe caziiz iktiir Caleyyi.
(He's very dear to me.)

56. Ziit bi-T - Tayyaara?
(Did you come by plane?)

65. maa-b-tifri' maCi.
(It doesn't matter to me.)
JAl..
57. b-acrif kill sii canno.
(I know everything about him.)

58. hal-kilme 1aa tirkiyye w1aa faarisiyye.
(This word is neither Turkish nor Persian.)
,;;"i
59. biddo y'addim Cala biCse la-ameerka.
(He wants to apply for a scholarship to America.)
.lS' t.P- iI..4.f
60. cala kill Haal, b-ixaabrak.
(In any case, 1'111et you know.)
.J6.. JS t.P
61. biddi iHZiz Taaw1e li-arbaca.
(1 want to reserve a table for four.)
M
'Uo!.,
41 lJ.:,. I r.S..J.J
J M
62. aduuk, minsaan xaaTri.
(I beg you, for my sake.)

254 255
DIAI.DGUF$
B. waaHid raa'id w waaHid mulaazirn.
..1>1",,,, ..1>1",
Number 1 A. weenhon halla'?

A. eemta l-filem? 'abl il-iZtirnaa
c
walla baCdo? B. waaHid cam-yidros bi-l-killiyye I-Caskariyye w it-taani lissaato bi-I-xaliiZ.
-uU ..1>1", !rW
l

A. a11a yiHmiihon. B. baCd il-iZtirnaa
c
. raH-tiZi?

A. la' , Candi mawCid. biddi minnak xidme.
Lt1:.. .,JS;.
TRANSLATIONS
B. tikrami.

A. saHil-li n-ni'aaT ir-ra'iisiyye irih. Number 1
1. .\,.,JI j
B. Cala Ceeni. A. When is the film? Before the meeting or after it?

B. After the meeting. Are you coming?
A. No, I have an appointment. I want a favor from you.
Number 2
B. With pleasure.
A. miin saakin taHtkon? A. Write down (for me) the main points in it.
! .:fit-.:r.:e
B. Gladly. ("on my eye")
B. Ziiraan Zidod min beeruut.
J"';::! .;,,- ,)..b:-
A. w miin foo'kon? Number 2
! .; .:r.:e",
B. halla' faaDye, laakin helli mwaaZihna filasTiiniyye. A. Who lives below you-p?
.;. 1.. Ii .:fi"i
B. New neighbors, from Beirut.
A. And who is above you?
Number 3
B. Right now it's empty, but across from us are Palestinians.
A. kam waaHid intu?
..1>1", rS
B. niHna tlett ixwa. tneen min ixwaati bi-z-zees.
#0 _tL, 1 . l' .i
. r.r J> I.)A ..T
A. suu raatibton?

257
256
Number 3
A. How many brothers and sisters do you have? ("How many are you-p?")
B. We are three brothers. Two of my brothers are in the army.
A. What's their rank?
B. One is a major and one is a lieutenant.
A. Where are they now?
B. One studies at the Military College and the other is still in the Gulf.
A. May God protect them.
9. ADVERBS AND MORE FUNCTION WORDS
In the Arabic dialects many adverbs are simply the masculine singular adjective. Others
carry the MSA case ending I-ani, although this no longer has a grammatical function; it is just part
of the word. Most adverbs are easy to recognize even if the dialect uses the words with variations
such as preposition + noun.
Adverbs of Levantine Arabic below are listed by categories based on their type.
Adverbs with I-ani
of course Tabcan

never abadan
sometimes aHyaanan bt:>\
firstly awwalan "J.J\
approximately ta'riibanltaqriiban L -

directly ra'san
mubaaS'aratan
i.."...:.l:-e
usually Caadatan
immediately fawran
at this moment Haaliyyan

always daa'iman Wb
seldom naadiran, naadir
for example masalanl matalan
finally, at last axiiran \ . \

relatively nisbiyyan

nisbatan

soon qariiban L
.U
259
258
actually
for good,
permanently
temporarily
definitely
basically
truly
suddenly
equally
especially
Adyerbs jn Masculjne Singular
well mniiH

often, much, a lot ktiir
..r.::S
correctly, right maZbuuT .1,

SaHH

late mit'axxir ,)..6
exactly, completely tamaam
r
l.3
quickly, directly 'awaam
r'j
Adverbs as Phrases
Where MSA uses an I-ani ending IA has many adverbs expressed with a phrase.
260
continuously, constantly,
habitually
by chance
suddenly
easily
with difficulty
frankly
in reality
extremely
recently
together
unfortunately
fortunately
b-istimraar
cala Tuul
bi-S-Sidfe

J,.,J.

cala gafle

b-suhuule

b-Sucuube

b-SaraaHa
bi-I-Ha'ii'a
li-l-gaaye
iZdiid

261
min iZdaad
mac baCeD
mac l-asaf
min Hisn il-HaZZ
,)'..1>.- ,j!O
J-!r:;o
l...L...'i' r:;o
,;,,-> ,j!O
Other Adyerbs
Some adverbs are different from MSA.
MSA
-.
afterwards, bacda'ithin
later
..
slowly baTli'an

very jiddan
a lot kaaliran

a little qallilan

also ayDan

this way, thus haakathaa IJ.U
together sawiyyan,
rnaCan
free, no cost bilaa Say'

rnajjaanan
15.
1. Tabcan b-acrif suu b-tu'Sod.
(Of course I know what you mean.)
2. iqtanaCt iktlir bi-s -Sagle.
(I was completely convinced about the matter.)
262
LA
bacdeen

swayye swayye

ktlir

ktlir

swayye

kamaan wt..s"
heek

sawa
4S.,
b-balaas ..
1,)"'1
.. J .e.L, ta..J.,
. .,- ...r. .

3. bi-I-Caks, ana mwaafi' macak.
&1.,. b\
(On the contrary, I agree with you.)
4. aHyaanan m-nishar la-nuSS il-Iee!.

(Sometimes we stay up until midnight.)
5. raH-insaafir baCd-ma xalliS il-maSTUu
c
mubaasaratan.
.; t",PI .)L:. C">
(We're going to leave right after I finish the project.)
6. niHna naadiran-ma naakol bi-hal-maTCam.
.r--W41 JSb l.
(We seldom eat in this restaurant.)
7. maa-b-aCrfo abadan.

(I don't know him at all.)
8. axiiran ittiSal fiyyi.
'. I I . I
.1) ..r.:>
(He finally got in touch with me.)
9. raH-tuxTob Can 'ambo
'. t.,..:u Cl..>
(She will get engaged soon.)
10. bi-yiktob la-ahlo ktlir.

(He writes to his family a lot.)
11. xalliina nitHaaka mac bacD CaSiyye.
_.. ..t
. J-.!
(Let's talk together this evening.)
263
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
fd'atan faatu cal-beet.
. I -tj y ibd . _.
(Suddenly they entered the house.)
laazim tibCat Hada badaali.
1..1> rj"J
(You must send someone instead of me.)
bi-I-ficel, hal-balad Hilwe. *
.i}> ,j.AJ4
(Actually, this countrylcity is nice.)
xalliina nirtaaH swayy.
C
b
,,;
(Let's rest a little.)
ana xaayif uuSal mit'axxir.
.J'-b. J-.J' b\
(I'm afraid I'll arrive late.)
fib-li l-iwraa' Haalan. wid-dafaatirkamaan.
j
(Bring me the papers immediately. And the notebooks too.)
m-ni'der inHill hal-miskle b-suhuule?
! 4J.J+-! .;.JA:..
(Can we solve this problem easily?)
b-yitsakka b-istimraar.

(He complains constantly.)
bi-S-SaraaHa, la'.
._'i
(Frankly, no.)
264
21. biddo yyaah b-balaas.

(He wants it for nothing.)
22. HuTT iswayy kamaan.

- ,
(Put in (add) a little more.)
*The word /baladl can be either masculine or feminine.
Function Words with I-mal
These function words tie together phrases and clauses. They are prepositions,
interrogatives, and other forms that have the suffix I-mal attached. They are usually called
"adverbial particles" in grammar books.
Here is a list of the most frequent words, most of which are easily identified as close to
MSA. They all have a I-mal suffix when fol1owed hy a verb, as in MSA. This usually causes the
subject to be expressed after the verb, as in Sentence 3 below.
after baCed-ma
before 'abel-rna t..J;
while been-rna

without biduun-ma
t..
bala-ma
instead of badal-rna
as long as Taala-ma t.. Jl1,
according to Hasab-ma
the way that mitel-ma*
however, any way kiif-ma
that
whatever suu-ma t.. ..
.J-'
265
however much 'add-rna L....\i
whoever miin-ma
L.,:r.:
to, for whomever la-miin-ma

wherever ween-rna
L. ,;r...,
from wherever mineen-ma L. . .
..:r.:--o
as soon as awwal-ma
L. J,JI
every time kill-ima
WS
the time when, eemta-ma
whenever
since, due to the bi-mainn
fact that
*This is often fzayy-mal L. IS) in Palestinian and Jordanian, especially with the verb "to tell," as
in fzayy-ma b-a'ul-lakl, "as I'm telling you."
There is a use of fCumr-f with pronouns and fmaal which means "have/has never."
1. Cumri maa-zuret ameerka.
u..)j L.
maa b-cumri zuret ameerka.
L.
(I've never visited America.)
2. cumerha maa-kaanet hoon.
.,j.,.. L.
maa b-Cumerha kaanet hoon.
.,j.,.. L.
(She's never been here.)
266
1. kill-rna bakaret, bi-ykuun aHsan.
(The earlier the better.)
2. laazim iyHaakiik 'abel-rna ysaafir.
(He has to talk to you before he leaves.)
3. badal-rna nruuH il-yoom niruuH baCdeen.
(Rather than go today, let's go later.)
4. saawiih mitel-ma biddak.
(Do it however you like.)
5. mitel-ma b-tacrif, niHna mitzaacliin mac baCeD.
(As you know, we're angry at each other.)
6. luu-ma Talab, bi-yHaawlu ysaawuu-lo yyaah.
(Whatever he wants, they try to do it for him.)
7. luu-ma CaTeetni mniiH.
(Whatever you give me will be fme.)
8. eemta-ma biddak truuH, ana HaaDir.
(Whenever you want to go, I'm ready.)
267

L.
L. J..I.!
.I!l..l.f L.

,J L.
L. ..
v-=-- .J-"
..,.,..-6. lil I!l..l.f L.
9. Hasab-ma 'aal-li, huwwe maalo mas'uul. DIAI,OGUFS
.JJ';- .JL. 'j Jti L.
(According to what he told me, he's not responsible.)
Number 1
10. 'add-rna triid, xood.
.:J",> L. .Ji
(However much you want, take it.)
11. Zaawib Cala 'add-rna b-ti' dir.
.) I j-: L. .Ji J.&:. Y J\>..
(Answer as much (well) as you can.)
12. awwal-ma fitet, wa"af w sallam Caleyyi.
rL J L. JJl
(As soon as I entered, he stood up and greeted me (shook my hand).)
13. Taala-rna ba'yaan hoon, ana ba'yaan kamaan.
bl L. Ju,
(As long as you're staying here, I'll stay too.)
14. bi-ma innak msaafir, xalliina nruuH iz-zabadaani.
,,}L- 4.t
(Since you're (planning to) travel, let's to go zabadani.)
15. bi-ma innak rnit'axxir, la-kaan ana Ha-isb'ak.
bl '.,.,>6
(Since you're (running) late, I'll be there before you.)
16. taCa eemta-rna bi-tkuun faaDi.
LJ L. h.:!1 L.:;
(Come whenever you're free.)
A. Cam-itCammru beet?

B. eeh, cam-incammir beet akbar.
..;$1 ;.urC
A. ween?
!.y...J
B. bi -1- mhaaZriin.

A. Calaxeer.
...r.:>
B. alIa yxalliiki.

A. eemta b-tixallSu?
h.:!1
B. Hasab il-muhandis, baCed Saber, inlalla.
....Llu.:,1 ..la.!
Number 2
. A. rniin Cazamet Cal-gada?
! c....:r- ;,r.:o
B. Cazamet kill rif'aati bi-l-maktab. rniin-ma yHibb yiZi, ahla wa sabIa fOO.
l.;,r.:o
A. ayye saaCa?

B.
awwal-rna b-yixlaS iI-lugel, Hawaali s-saaCa jl.J> L. JJI
268 269
Number 3 Number 2
A. marHaba. A. Whom did you invite to lunch?
.4>.;0
B. I've invited all my friends in the office. Whoever wants to corne is welcome.
B. marHabteen. kiifkon?
A. At what time?

A. B. As soon as work finishes, about one o'clock.
. dill ' aa1 kint bi -1- rnistaSfa. .1r _ tl
b-xeer, il-Ham a. xeer, .le;.to. ..uJ
B. eeh walla, s-sahr il-maaDi.
Number 3
,JJI."
A. nsalla sirt aHsan.
A. Welcome.
.w->\
B. eeh, il-Hamdilla. maa Caad fIi sii. B. Welcome to you. How are you-p?
L. ..JJ
A. Fine, thank God. May you be well, it's said that you were in the hospital.
B. Yes, last month.
TRANSlATIONS A. And you're better now, I hope.
B. Yes, thank God. There's no longer anything wrong.
Number 1
A. Are you-p building a house?
B. Yes, we're building a bigger house.
A. Where?
B. In Muhajireen.
A. May it tum out well.
B. God keep you.
A. When will you fmish?
B. According to the engineer, after a month, if God wills.
270
271
four years arba
c
sniin
,:r.;-
five times xames marraat

10. NUMBERS
six girls sitt banaat
seven pages saba
C
SafHaat

Counting
eight streets tmenn sawaari
c
**

The numbers "one" through "ten" are listed here. Note that "one" and "two" have nine rooms tisaCuwaD .

masculine and feminine forms when used as nouns or adjectives. The masculine forms of these two
words are used for counting; the others are feminine. ten minutes CaSar da'aayi'
Although the alif in IwaRdel is usually pronounced as a short vowel the correct Arabic
spelling will be retained.
*This word varies in the Levantine dialects; it may also be lt3.lat/, Itlatt/, or Itlaatl.
one waaHid, waRde
i..bo-\.J 4..bo-\.J
**This varies; it may also be lt3.manl, Itmannl, or Itmaanl.
two tneen, tinteen
4r:r.?
three tlaate The numbers "eleven" through "nineteen" have an independent (short) form and an extra
43*
suffix I-arl when used with nouns.
four arbaCa

five xamse Independent Form Before Nouns

(not on tape)
six sitte
c.....
seven sabCa eleven idaCs idacsar

eight tmaani HidacaS' HidacS'ar

nine tisCa twelve tnaCs tnaCsar

ten CaSara thirteen tleTTacs tleTTacS'ar ..
i?
fourteen arbaCTacs

arbaCTacS'ar ..) A. t..:)
When the word "one" is used with a noun, it follows it. fifteen xamesTacs
At..
xamsTacS'ar
At..
'-' t' r> ..) . .....
sixteen siTTacs siTTacS'ar .d

only one boy
walad waaHid bass
..1.>\.J .JJ.J
d seventeen sabaCTacs u'" I.,. t sabaCTacS'ar ..)A.t....
only one girl/daughter bintwaHdebass -..J i..bo-\
v .J
eighteen tmenTacs
A L.-
tmenTacS'ar
A t...
...)' I
LJ '
M
tisaCTacs .. t.. - .. t.
When numbers "three" through "ten" are used with nouns they have a "short form,"
the
nineteen U tee, tisaCTacS'ar J'_.' ...
same as in MSA.
three years
tlett isniin* ,:r.;-
272 273
As in MSA, nouns above "ten" remain singular when preceded by the number.
eleven employees idaCsar mwazzaf
uJo,
.JA

the eleven li-mwazzafiin il-idacs

employees
.
sixteen trees siTTachr Sdara - A to A
0
eighteen soldiers tmenTacsar zmdi I.S..J;>. L- A
.. ..)' , &
The higher numbers are invariable. Units and tens are combined as they are in MSA.
twenty Cisriin

thirty tlaatiin

forty arbaCiin

fifty xamsiin

sixty sittiin
,:r.::
seventy sabCiin

eighty tmaaniin ..\+i

ninety tisCiin
,;r--:;
forty-five xamse warbaCiin

fifty-two tneen w xamsiin

ninety-three tlaate w tisCiin
.
one hundred, miyye
.
4...
hundred
two hundred miiteen
-
seven hundred sabaCmiyye

three hundred tlett miyye
tlaat miyye

eight hundred tmenn miyye 4... .
-
tmaan miyye
The word lmiyyel has a short form when it precedes a noun because it is in a construct.
one hundred dinars miit diinaar 4...
.) -
one hundred times miitmarra

three hundred years tlaat miit sine

the three hundred years li-tlaat miit sine
one thousand alf uJl
two thousand alfeen
one hundred thousand miit alf uJl4...
The other "thousands" are a combination of the long-form (feminine) number and the
word laalaafl in a construct phrase (sometimes transcribed ltaalaafl
seven thousand sabCat aalaaf
ten thousand CaSart aalaaf
Note also the plurals liyyaam/, "days," and lishor/, "months" after the long-form
numbers "three" through "ten." These plurals may also be transcribed Itiyyaaml rL:i and Itishorl
In Jordanian the plural "months" is lishuurl .
The other "hundreds" are a combination of the short-form number and the word lmiyye/,
except that the numbers "three" and "eight" are slightly different.
three days tlett iyyaam
r -
six days sitt iyyaam
rl:!1 ,
four hundred arba
C
miyye

ten days CaSart iyyaam
rl:!1
274 275
eight months tmennt ishor :j.,.i
It's eight 0' clock. s-saaCa tmaani.
five months xamstishor

It's nine 0' clock. s-saaca tisca.

The numbers "one" and "two" come after nouns. Usually when expressing large numbers
ending in "one" or "two" the noun itself is repeated or a dual is used.
It's ten o'clock. s-saaca cdara.

1001 nights aIf leele w leele
aJ
.,J
aJuJ\

It's eleven 0' clock. s-saaca idacs.

802 pounds (money) tmaan miyye w liirteen
,;;:;;.,;:),J l.Jt..J
It's twelve 0' clock. s-saaca tnacs.
...;..:.:;
tmaan miyye w itneen liira*
;.,;:) wt..J
As in MSA, the words for "half," "a third," and "a quarter" are also used, in addition to
"twenty minutes," "forty etc. Using "a third" and "a quarter" is more common than
stating the number of minutes literally (shown as the second variant in this list).
*Since this is a difficult and awkward phrase some speakers use the numbers without mentioning
the noun I1iiral.
It's 6:30.
("six and a half")
Tel1ing Time
It's 4:15.
("four and a quarter")
When telling time Is-saaCal is used with the independent form of the numbers. Numbers
"one" and "two" are feminine to agree with the word IsaaCal.
It's 4:45.
It's one o'clock.
("five minus a quarter")
s-saaCa waHde.

It's two o'clock. s-saaCa tinteen.
("four and forty-five

minutes")
It's three o'clock. s-saaCa tlaate.
.43*
It's 10:05.
It's four o'clock. s-saaCa arbaCa.

It's five 0'clock. s-saaCa xamse.
It's 12:10.
.
It's six o'clock. s-saaCa sitte.

It's 12:40.
("one minus a third")
It's seven 0' clock. s-saaCa sabCa.

276
s-saaCa sitte w nuSS.

s-saaCa arbaCa w rube
c
.

s-saaCa xamse illa rube
c
.
L.>
s-saaCa arbaCa w xamse w arbaCiin da'il'a.
.z.J,) L.>,J
s-saaCa CaSara w xamse.
.L.>.J
s-saaca tnaCs w CaSara.
.i .J ..;..:.:;
s-saaCa waRde illa tilet.

277
("twelve and forty s-saaCa tnaCs w arbaCiin da'ii'a.
minutes")

It's 2:55. s-saaCa tlaate illa xamse.
("three minus five")
.4-.> 'il
It's 2:20. s-saaCa tinteen w tilet.
("eleven and a third")

It's 11:25. s-saaCa idaCs w nuSS illa xamse.
("half minus five")
.4......>'i1
It's 9:35. s-saaCa tisCa w nuSS w xamse.
("half and five")
.4......>.J
The day is divided into many time periods. Those that correspond to Islamic prayer times
are numbered (1) through (5).
a.m. 'abl iD-Duher

p.m. baCd iD-Duher

dawn (1) il-fder

(dawn prayer) (Salaat il-fder)

morning is-SubeH

the forenoon iD-DuHa

(forenoon prayer; (Salaat iD-DuHa)

optional)
midday, noon (2) iD-Duher

(noon prayer) (Salaat iD-Duher)

278
afternoon baCd iD-Duher
late afternoon (3) il-caSer
(afternoon prayer) (Salaat il-CaSer)
evening il-masa
il-Casiyye
sunset (4) il-magrib
(sunset prayer) (Salaat il-magrib)
at night bi-l-leel
(evening prayer) (5) (Salaat il-Cisa)
1. mi-nsuufkon bukra baCd iD-Duher.
(We'll see you tomorrow in the afternoon.)
2. wiSlu 1-masa.
(They arrived in the evening.)
3. mi-nruuH is-SubeH.
(We'll go in the morning.)
4. taCa s-saaCa tinteen.
(Come at two 0' clock.)
279

-r-JI
(-r-JI
WI

y,.,all
(y,.,all

.
.WII)-.J

t.:;
Ordinal numbers "first" through "tenth" can occur before or after nouns. If they occur
before they are in the masculine singular. If they are after the noun they match it in gender. (This
Ordinal Numbers is also discussed in Chapter 3.)
another time marra taanye i
r
Ordinal numbers "first" through "tenth" are masculine and feminine, as they are in MSA.
the second time taani marra i
r

Masculine Feminine
iI-marra t-taanye i.).1
first awwal uula J,JI
the first day awwalyoom
J,JI
second taani b taanye
iF
third taalit taalte the fifth year xaamis sine
fourth raabi
c
raabCa is- sine 1-xaamse 4-.l=;J1

fifth xaamis
t> xaamse 4-.t>

the third girl taalit binet
sixth saadis saadse
seventh saabi
c

saabCa
the last time aaxirmarra i
r
.,,>i
eighth taamin taamne
l.i-
b
ninth taasi
c
taasca Fractions

tenth CaaSir CaaSra
...r'
These are formed with a special vowel pattern, similar to MSA.
Numbers higher than this use the same form for cardinal and ordinal numbers.
one third tiIet ..:..J.:;

fourteenth arbaCTaCs one fourth ribec/rube
c

"'- L_. 1

one fifth ximes

the fourteenth floor iT-Taabi'l-arbaCTaCs one sixth sides ...l;...,

"'- L_. 'il - LW\

one tenth CaSer
r
the twentieth time iI-marra l-Cisriin
i.).1
To express plural fractions the pattern lifCaall is used, similar to MSA.
on the twelfth of Ramadan b-itnaCs ramaDaan
three fourths tlett irbaa
c
t
lt
.>!
280 281
four fifths arbaCet ixmaas
V"'L.>I
Fractions above "tenth" are expressed with the numbers linked by ICala!, "on."
seven twelfths sabca cala tnaCs

"First" and "Last"
The words lawwal/, "first," and laaxir/, "last" are used in front of definite and indefinite
nouns. Note the meaning when used with definite nouns as compared with the use illustrated
above.
the first part of the year awwal is-sine

the last part of the year
aaxir is-sine
,.,>\
the last part of the month
aaxiris-Saher
,.,>\
the end of the street
aaxir is-saaric
t.)W\ ,.,>\
The plural of "last" is often used with periods of time.
the last part of the month
awaaxir is-saber
,.,>1..,1
the last part of the
awaaxir is-sabCiinaat
seventies, the late seventies
,.,>1..,1
- .
282
Some other expressions are also used.
the beginning of the month bidaayetis-saber

awwal is-saber

the middle of the month nuSS is-saber

the end of the month aaxiris-saber
,.,>\
Days of the Week
These are the days of the week. Saturday is considered the first day of the week.
Saturday yoom is-sabt
r.J!.
Sunday yoom il-aHad
.l>'il r.J!.
Monday yoom it-taneen*
r.J!.
Tuesday yoom it-talaata
r.J!.
Wednesday yoom il-arbaca
r.J!.
Thursday yoom il-xamiis

- r.J!.
Friday yoom iZ-mmCa
r.J!.
*A1so common is Iyoom il-itneenl, r.J!. .
Months
In Syria, Lebanon, and Iordan (as well as Iraq and Bahrain) the Semitic months are used.
The Western names of the months (Julian calendar) are used in other Arab countries but rarely
heard in Levantine Arabic.
Parentheses indicate that part of a word is optional.
283
II
2. I-yoom sitte tisriin it-taani.
Month Semitic name*
. ,y"""::;
(Today is the sixth of November.)
January kaanuun (it-) taani

3. imbaariH kaan tlaatiin tammuuz.
February sbaaT
wlS
March aadaar
.>bi
(yesterday was the thirtieth of July.)
April niisaan

4. il-Ciraaqiyye Htallu li-kweet itneen aab.
May ayyaar

.yi
June Hzeeraan (The Iraqis occupied Kuwait on the second of August.)
w1...r..:r-
July ta:mmuuz

5. il-yoom awwal yoom il-Ciid.
August aab yi
.I J"I
September eeluul (Today is the first day of the Bid (holiday period).)

October tisriin (il-) awwal
,y..,r.:;
November tisriin (it-) taani
,y"""':':;
The Phrase /w Taali
c
/
December kaanuun (il-) awwal
wylS
The phrase Iw Taalicl is used as an idiom to mean "from (time) on. "
*The names of months in Hebrew are very similar to these although they differ as to which month
has which name.
from tomorrow on min bukra w Taali
c
/I..f..!
Using Dates from next Monday on min it-taneen w Taali
C

Dates are expressed the same as they are in MSA. Cardinal numbers (two, five) are used 6. min it-talaata w Taali
C
, raH-kuun bi-I-maktab.
instead of ordinal numbers (second, fifth) except for lawwal/, "first," which is optional.
w1
(From Tuesday on, I'll be in the office.)
1. il-yoom awwal ayyaar.
J"I
il-yoom waaHid ayyaar.
. r
(Today is the first of May.)
284 285
1. haada Saar sint alf w tsa
c
miyye w itneen w tmaaniin.
. ..4:; . ,cl A..-J uJl t- \..u
,"".J .) c
(That happened in the year 1982.)
2. Cumra tneen w sabCiin sine.
.c tA ....c.
.
(She is 72 years old.)
3. riHet cal-xalii1 idacsar marra.
,Or
(I've gone to Hebron eleven times.)
4. Canna arba
C
Sibyaan w binteen.
c' 1':_
c'
(We have four boys and two girls.)
5. hal-iktaab tlaat miyye w xamsiin Saffia.
,;r--.>.J CJ*
(This book is 350 pages (long).)
6. 'addees Ha"a? Hawaali miiteen alf diinaar.
uJl __c
(How much does it cost? About two hundred thousand dinars.)
7. kam binet iZet? tinteen. itneen. (Both are correct.)

v--- - .. r-'
(How many girls came? Two.)
8. Cist ib-almaanya sitt isniin.
.,j:i-
(I lived in Germany for six years.)
286
9. binti bi-S-Saff il-awwal.
(My daughter is in first grade.)
10. saakniin bi-T-Taabi' ir-raabi
c
.
(They live on the fourth floor.)
11. i'ra S-Saffia t-taalte.
(Read the third page.)
12. min awwal marra sifto Habbeeto.
(The first time I saw him, I liked him.)
13. saawiiha marra taanye.
(Please do it again.)
14. aaxir marra kint maCo min Sahreen.
(The last time I was with him was two months ago.)
15. Hsaabkon sittiin liira.
(Your-p bill is sixty pounds.)
16. tneenaaton biddon yaaxdu 1-baakaloorya.
(Both of them want to <;>btain the Baccalaureate degree.)
17. Cisna hniik b-awaaxir is-sabCiinaat.
(We lived there at the end of the seventies.)
287
... t\ u-JL ,';:;"
. J . 'ri'

Or
. Or
"- Or
o.,.r.) .:f...!I.-:>
.
.\
c' c ";>.J.
18. xalliina n'afiilla-bacd awwal il-laher. DIALOGUES

(Let's postpone (it) until after the first of the month.)
Number 1
19. b-idfac-lak ba'iyyet il-masaari b-aaxir iI-Saber. _
A. HaDDir id-dars is-saadis min SafHa arbaCa w xamsiin la-SafHa xamse w sittiin.
. I$.;W\ clJ
(I'll pay you the rest of the money at the end of the month.) ',j:!-J 4-.> J V"''>W\ V".;..ul .;
B. HaaDir, yaa aanisa.
20. bi-ySallu xams marraat bi-1-yoom. .wT

A. w Zaawbu Cala nuSS il-as'ile cala l-a'all.
(They pray five times a day.) .Ji-il J&. J&. J
B. la-eemta?
21. kam leele biddak tib'a? tlett layaali?
-.
! JW l' __
IF-
A. t-taneen.
(How many nights will you stay? Three nights?)
22. Tilcet il-uula bi-S-Saff. Number 2

(She came out first in the class.)
A. kam marra riHet Cala maCraD il-Culuum?
rS
I
I
B. marrteen. marra maC xaalid w marra la-Haali.
I
I
.j6J ; J ..ul.> c:- ; ..,ji;..r
I
A. w CaZabak la-had-dame?

B. eeh, fii aktar min Cilriin ZinaaH.
. .?\ -J
I
Iii
III.
I"
Number 3 II
Iii
!III
!I!I
A. yaa tara, fii Iii maTCam b-hal- 'ume? !II!
! r-J- -J '"Ji l:!
B. akiid fii waaHid hoon.
..l.>I
J
-J 4 1
A. Iuu ra'yak inruuH-10? ana CaTIaane.
bl 1'.J 41.)
288 289
B. . . .-X-c cal-maktab bacd nuSS saaca. \ .....t
Tayytb. bass laazlffi lr;Ul .. _
A. Why? What are your work hours in the afternoon?
A. lees? suu aw' aat sUglak bacd iD-Duher? B. From 2:00 to 6:00.

B. min it-tinteen la-sitte.
.;,..-.-JI
TRANSlATIONS
Number 1
A. Prepare the sixth lesson, from page 54 to page 65.
B. Yes, Miss.
A. And answer at least half of the questions.
B. When is it due?
A. Monday.
Number 2
A. How many times did you go to the Science Exhibition ("Exhibition of Sciences")?
B. Twice. Once with Khaled and once by myself.
A. You liked it that much?
B. Yes, there are more than twenty sections.
Number 3
A. Is there a restaurant in this area, I wonder?
B. Surely there's one here.
A. What do you think about us going to it? I'm thirsty.
B. OK. But I have to go back to the office in half an hour.
290 291
You may also hear Imaal with full or partial pronouns, used mostly in the third person:
11. SENTENCE STRUCTURE
(not on tape)
We will deal here with three grammatical processes that affect an entire sentence. not he maa huwwel maahu .,.L. I.,. L.
not she maa hiyyel maahi
L.
Negatiye
not they maa hinnel maahon L.
One of the ways to negate sentences is with the word Imuu/, used especially in Syrian. In
other Levantine dialects the negating word is Imaal or lmis/.
Equally common in Syrian is negation with Imaal-I and pronoun suffixes (negative
pronouns). These are used only when referring to people. In Lebanese the word is Imann-I with
pronoun suffIXes. In Palestinian and Jordanian a I-sl suffix is used; note that the vowels are
lengthened before the suffixes. All of these are transcribed as single words (rather than
compounds, which they were originally) because they take stress like a single word. Negative
pronouns are more used in Syrian and Lebanese than in Palestinian and Jordanian.
1.
2.
huwwe muu hoon. huwwe maalo hoon.
(He is not here.)
haada muu SaHiiH.
.;;.,. 4!L. ,;;",.r'"

;11
1
!I
11"
Note: the negative ofYe.Ihs is discussed in Chapter 14. (That's not true.)
Negatiye pronouns
3. li-ktaab muu tabaCi.

he is not
she is not
Syrian
maalo
maala
.JL.
4JL.
l.ebanese Palestinian/Jordanian
(not on tape) (rare)
manno ma-huu-s
manna ma-hii-s
4. ana muu taCbaan. ana maali taCbaan.
(The book isn't mine.)
(I'm not tired.)
jL. lil .r li\
they are not maalon
mannon ma-hum-s 5. ana maali raayiH.
.O!I.; jL. lil
you-m are not maalak mannak ma-nti-s (I'm not going.)
you- f are not
you-p are not
maalik
maalkon

mannik
mankon
ma-ntii-s
ma-ntuu-s
6. 1-bank muu msakkir.
.
lam not maali jt.. manni ma-nii-s
(The bank isn't closed.)
weare not maalna WL.
292
manna ma-Hnaa-s
293
7. d-daktoor muu mawmud.
oJ.J>.'''' .,. .).,,:6'.JI
14. maa-lak Ha" . maa-lak-s Ha" lHagg.
. L.
.J>
(The doctor is not in.)
(You have no right (to do that).) :,'1" I
8. maalak mistaa' -lo?
,il:
1
rAJ
15. maa ilo taariix imHaddad. ma-luu-s taariix imHaddad.
"I
t='...;u AJl L. t='...;u L.
1.11 "I
(Don't you miss him?)
(It has no fixed date.)
1:1'
I'i
ii'
9. muu haada yelli waSSeet caleeh.
II
ii
16. maa fii candi wa'et. ma-candii-s wa'et/waget.
I
j,',"I
.ci.J ;.J L. I'
(This isn't what I ordered.) II!'
maa candi wa'et. l"ill
.ci.J L.
10. muu heek, heek.

(I don't have time.) r"l,jl
II'
Iii
(Not like that, (it has to be) like this.)
III
II
17. maa ftih sii. rna-fiihuu-s isi.
L.
11. maalna aSdiqaa' .
."r-l L.
.pti..L-I ljL. maa ftiha sii. rna-fiihaa-s isi.
'"r- L. '"r-l -\.: L.
(We're not friends.)
(There's nothing wrong with it.)
12. maalo aHsan il-yoom, a11a yTawwil cumro.
AJL.
18. n-naas maa candon sugel. * n-naas ma-Candahaa-s sugel.
I L. """lj\ L. """lj\
(He's not any better today, may God lengthen his life.)
(The people don't have work.)
Imaal is used before some prepositions when the meaning is "there is/are not." These
prepositions include ICalal and Ila-I (lil-I with pronoun suffixes). Usually when the preposition is *The word Inaasl may be considered either plUral or feminine singular grammatically; this is
ICandl the expression Imaa fiil is used. common in most Arabic dialects.
In Palestinian and Jordanian a prefix-suffix combination Imaa- -sl is sometimes used.
Vowels are lengthened if they precede the 1-sl suffix.
In classicisms which have become common phrases you will hear Ilaal.
LA PalestinianuQrdanian
(not on tape)
19. laa suker cala waaZib.
. ..f..:. 'i
13. maa Caleeh Talab iktiir. ma-caleehuu-s Talab iktiir.
.
(No thanks (needed) for a duty.)
.
(There isn't a big demand for it-m.)
294 295
'''I I,
The word /Sii/ can also be used to indicate a question. It is usually at the end of the 20. laa budd minno.
(It's inevitable.)
InteuQgatjye
"Yes-no" questions are distinguished from statements by intonation.
1. muu SaCeb Caleeh.
(It's not difficult for him.)
2. muu SaCeb Caleeh?
(Isn't it difficult for him?)
3. t'axxartu.
(You-p are late/you were late.)
4. t'axxartu?
(Were you-p late?)
5. hayy fikra mniiHa.
(This is a good idea.)
6. hayy fikra mniiHa?
(Is this a good idea?)
296

.Iy,)..b
!Iy,)..b

sentence and means "yet."
7. xallaSet is-sugel sii?
(Have you finished (any of) the work yet?)
8. riHti cal-matHaf sii?
(Have you-f gone to the museum yet?)
Inverted WQrd Order
To place emphasis on the predicate (complement) part of a sentence the word order may
be inverted so that the subject is mentioned last.
1. baCdeen, baCdeen mi-nruuH.

(We'll go
2. Cam-itgiib is-sames s-saaCa sabCa taqriiban.

(The sun sets at approximately seven o'clock.)
3. bidet tinzall-maTar.
illl
I
.,."..w.\
(It started to rain.)
CQDdjtjQnal
Conditional sentences contain the word "if." As in MSA, the Arabic dialects distinguish
between conditions that are UkeJy tQ happen and conditions that are llnUkely Qr unreal.
\i
297
'I
l
Ii':,
i' r""
','I ;1
II
Ij ',I'i

!I
i
1,111
I
,

1111
I
I
I'
I ,
I
,'"
I
iii
'I
Ii
,
"
For conditional sentences where the action is likely to occur the word for "if" is /iza/
in MSA). Usually the verb in the perfect (past) tense is used (this is considered better speaking
style) but other tenses may be heard. 3. iza qarrart itruuH maCna, caTiini xabar.
u.))
(If you decide to go with us, let me know.)
if I see you tomorrow... iza b-suufak bukra...
. .. "
iza siftak bukra...
if it rains... iza nizlet maTar...
..
....;l-
iza laH-suufak bukra...
.." 1!li",..:,1
if it's going to rain... iza b-tinzel maTar...
....;l- J
r

please (do it, etc.)... iza mumkin...
...,-.
4. iza nizlet maTar, m-nilgi s-seeraan.
if necessary... iza kaan Daruuri... '.;l-
.. 01S
(If it rains, we'll cancel the picnic.)
iza Daruuri...
'i
I
..
1
I if you come... iza b-tffi...
1,11
if you want... iza biddak... ...

5. iza b-tiZi, ahla w sabIa.
1. iza b-suufak ihniik, xalliina nu'Cod sawa.
.\ t:...1> I!li At.,
.,- - - .,-;
(If you come, welcome.)
(If I see you there, let's sit together.)
6. iza msiina Cala haT-Tarii'a, raH-ninZaH.
" 2. xood waaHid iza biddak.
..I>I
J
.).,,>
(If we follow this method, we'll succeed.)
(Take one if you want.)
7. iza b-tistannaani, b-istacZll.
-:
If a situation is entirely hypothetical the verb after /izal is always in the perfect tense. If
the situation is likely the verb can be perfect or imperfect. Using the imperfect-tense verb implies (If you wait for me, I'll hurry.)
that the speaker expects the action to happen.
8. iza nsiit, ana b-izakkrak.
if you go with us... iza riHet maCna... b\ 1,;\
... ..::...:...) 1';1
(If you forget, I'll remind you.)
iza bi-truuH maCna...
... 1';\
298 299
9. b-ixaaf yitrok iza 'ilt-illo la' .
._'1 .J 1';\
(I'm afraid he'll leave if I tell him no.)
For conditional sentences where "if" refers to an unreal condjtion the word flawf is used
(the same as MSA J). The unreal condition often refers to an action or state in the past- - "if I
had... ," etc., and t'he verb is in the perfect tense.
The phrase flaw sarnaHtf ' ."J means "if you please" and is used to express a polite
request (using flawf indicates that a response is not taken for granted).
flawf is used with verbs and other words and the time period is not always precise.
if I had known... law kint b-acrif...
... I.:..:S ."J .
10. law kint b-aCrif, kint 'ilt-illo.
. .J
(If I had known, I'd have told him.)
if my father were here, law kaan abi hoon...
had been here...
...,) ,)15 ."J
11. law kaan abi hoon, kaan ziCil.
j ,)15 ,,) ,)15 ."J
(If my father were here, he'd have gotten angry.)
if I were in your place, law kint ..
had been in your place...
...
12. law kint maHallak, kint nabbihton.
I.:..:S ."J
(If I'd been in your place, I'd have warned them.)
300
The phrase flaw kaanl is used before a preposition.
if I had money (now), law kaan maGi maSaari...
if I had had money...
. ..,:?.)L- tr" ,)15 ."J
13. law kaan maGi maSaari, kint dayyintak.
.'-1- I.:..:S '':?.)L- tr" ,)15 ."J 1,'Ii
II
(If I'd had money, I'd have lent (it) to you.)
I
flaw-lal means "if it were not for" or "but for"; it can be used alone or with a pronoun
'I'
suffix. When used with a pronoun suffix the second syllable is lengthened to flaa-f before the Iii
ending. 'I
1,,1
11
1:
14. law-la wlaadi, kint inta'alet. I'
.1- 1;-',1 '':?,)'1J '1."J I
Ii,
j!
(If it were not for my children, I'd have moved.) 1'1
'I"
1:1
15. law-laaha, kint waHiid iktiir. I'll
1;1'
...;::S oJ.:.>J I.:..:S ,IA'1."J ",I
(If it were not for her, I'd be very lonely.)
I,
,I
16. law-laah, maa-kint il'eet il-beet.
II
I ,:oil I.:..:S La '6'1."J
1"1,,
(If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have found the house.)
,I
III"
I
I
III
When flawf is used with imperfect-tense verbs it means "if only" or a suggestion. IIi
I"
I,
,I
II'I1
I1
17. lawb-yacrif 'addees muhimm! I
l-u II"
'1'111
(If he only knew how important this is!)
til
I,ll
I"
I
301
18. bass law b-i'der iHki maCo!
!..
(If only I could talk to him!)
Sometimes flawl is used to refer to a future possibility, when the condition is likely or
unlikely. It can also imply a suggestion.
19. law sifto maa-b-taCerfo.
4i.,.,.-::-t L. ci..:, Y
(If you (were to) see him you wouldn't know him.)
law bi-tsuufo, ma-laH-taCerfo.
.4i..,..:; cJ L. ,4iAY
(If you see him you won't know him.)
20. law iZiit la-waHdak, bi-ykuun aHsan.

(If you come alone, it will be better.)
The words lizaI and llawl are also used with prepositions to mean "unless" and "even if."
21. ma-b-iruuH ilia iza iZiit maCi.
. \oil 'i\ L.
(I won't go unless you come with me.)
22. xalliina ma-n'il-la ilIa iza kaan Daruuri.
.l.j.),J.,.- LJ\S loil 'i\ L.
,
(Let's not tell her unless it's necessary.)
23. maa-laH-saawii-10 yyaah Hatta law ziCil minni.
.,j. Y i.?> oJ l.j,JLI L.
(I won't do it for him even if he gets mad at me.)
302
24. kinna Daayeiin Hatta law iZu maCna.
\,J>.-1 Yi.?> L:S
(We'd have gotten lost even if they'd come with us.)
1. iza sa'al canni, ana bi-l-maktab.
bl
(If he asks about me, I'll be in the office.)
2. iza nizlet maTar, iT-Ta'es bi-yboorid. *
'.,;l-
(If it rains, the weather will get cooler.)
3. iza kint marDaan, lees maa-truuH Cal-beet?
! L. to 1,LJw.
. t.r::' ...,..
(If you're sick, why don't you go home?)
4. law dams kaan niZeH.
LJ\S .,J
(If he'd studied he would have passed.)
5. lawkaan candi wa'et kint riHet.
ci,J LJ\S Y
(If I'd had time I would have gone.)
6. law kaan maCi maSaari, kint istareet kill sii.
JS' t=..;S 'l.j.)L... LJ\S Y
(If I'd had money, I'd have bought everything.)
7. law kaanet hoon, kint sa'alta saxSiyyan.

(If she'd been there, I'd have asked her personally.)
303
I
Iii ,
!;I
I
II
,:11
III'!
II
8. law 'aal-Ii kint 'ilt-illak.
.clJ ..::..S J Jti }
(If he'd told me, I'd have told you.)
*Note that this is an irregular imperfect verb from /barad/, "to become cold. "
DIALOGUES
Number 1
A. sloon bi-t'uul hal-ki1me bi-I-caammi?
r;w'-1
B. mi-n'illa Soobya.
,.1:'_

A. w kilf bi-t'uula bi-1-fuSHa?
r - 1.1 -- US
_"
B. mi-n'illa madfa'a.

A. biddi itCallim kalimaat iktiir bi -l-Caammi Hatta cabbir Can nafsi b-suhuule.
. V-
W
'-1..r.::S
B. bi-Sakel caam il-Iuga l-Caammiyye Cam-b-tifri' ktiir Can 1- fuSHa.
. ;r ..r.::S Jp rl&.
Number 2
A. axiiran xalSet il-Harb ib-Iibnaan.
'..;:>'
B. w heek il-baayin. ttafa'u cala waqefiTlaaq in-naar wil- Haale haadye halla'.
.,t:JI ui" ljU:J
A. w suu b-ra'yak raH-iykuun door suuriyya?
t:.,
B. allaahu aClam* suu raH-iySiir bi-l-mista'bal.
t:.,
A. riBt Cala Iibnaan mu'axxaran?

..;>
". t.. It"
. l.s
. ill . 't-ma balldet il-Hareb. _ At _ '.1 _ t.. ..t
B. la', maa-riBt- a nun wa
*This is a classicism.
305 304
Number 3
A. lees maa-zibt li -wlaad maCak?
,)':/}I L.
B. maa-kaanu HaaDriin. law biddi istannaahon, kint iwSilt mit' axxir.
..,.,,>b J .::..;S .loi"-",",l> 1ylS L.
A. maasi 1-Haal. bass balla marra taanye Zllbhon macak.
. i...;A .JkJl
B. insalla. w kiif Cimlu wlaadik bi- fHuuSon, sloon kaanet nataayizon?
r ,j '1ft- l!J,)':/J 1#u.:$J ..ill!":':'I
A. TilCet kam maadde. li -kbiir IDZah. bass lissa li-sgiir rna- TilCet natllZto.
. L. .:. _1\ ...J <II .i,)L. _(
* '-....r.::-- r"' ..;:-
B. ma-tihkeli hamm, inSalla.
A. nitwakkil cala alla.
TRANSlATIONS
Number 1
A. How do you say this word in colloquial Arabic?
B. We call it (a heater) "Soobya."
A. And how do you say it in Standard Arabic?
B. We call it a "madfa'a."
A. I want to learn many words in colloquial so I can express myself easily.
B. In general, the colloquial language differs a lot from Standard Arabic.
Number 2
A. Finally the war has ended in Lebanon.
B. Yes, it appears so. They agreed on a ceasefire and the situation is calm up until now.
306
A. And what, in your opinion, will the role of Syria be?
B. (Only) God knows what will happen in the future.
A. Have you gone to Lebanon recently?
B. No, I haven't gone from the time the war began.
Number 3
A. Why didn't you bring the children with you?
B. They weren't ready. If I'd waited for them I would have arrived late.
A. Never mind. But please bring them with you next time.
B. If God wills. And how did your children do in the exams, how were their results?
1
1
A. (The results of) some subjects have come out. My oldest son passed. But the younger
:'1
I)'
one's results haven't come out yet.
/111
B. Don't worry, he'll pass, if God wills.
A. We depend on God.
lijl
l
:Ii
'I
\.1.
II
:il'I.:1
ill
J

1
".1
ll
f

III1
I

i\.I.1 ,
:i
o
I'ii'
307
..ill!":':'1 L.
..illl
Sound Verbs
Note that the second short vowel may be dropped in the "she" form. The forms for
12. PERFECT AND IMPERFECT VERB TENSES "she," "you-m," and "I" are the same if the same stress pattern is used.
Most variations in stress are the same as in MSA.
Levantine Arabic has two verb tenses, perfect (much like past tense) and imperfect (much
like present tense). LA
The person and tense markers have been modified and two MSA moods, subjunctive and
jussive, have been dropped (subjunctive is expressed in another way, Chapter 14). The dual and he wrote katab
~
the feminine plUral forms of the verb have also been dropped (except in isolated rural areas).
she wrote kambetlkatbet c...;:S
Usually the subject comes before the verb, unlike the MSA word order.
they wrote katabu I ~
In this chapter we will deal with types of verbs in Form I (Jd). you-m wrote kambet c...;:S
you-f wrote katabti
~
Verbs are conjugated in the traditional Arabic order: third person, second person, first
person. you-p wrote katabtu 1#
I wrote katabet c...;:S
The Perfect Tense ( ~ I 1 I ) we wrote katabna
~
The person markers for the perfect tense have been modified but they are still Some common sound verbs are listed in the next section of this chapter that deals with the
recognizably based on MSA. Note that the "I" and "you-m" forms are the same. imperfect tense.
Parentheses indicate that a helping vowel is optional. If it is used for the "I" and
"you-m" forms these are distinguished from the "she" form by their stress.
Form I Verbs of "Becoming"
LA Jordanian
Verbs which express "becoming (a certain quality)" have two short vowel patterns.
he -(no ending)
she -et
they -u -aw LA.
I you-m -(e)t
i
you-f -ti he/it became big/ grew kiber
~
you-p -tu
he/it became smaller Siger
I -(e)t
we -na he became sick mireD *
~ ~
he/it became cold barad ~ . . ; !
308 309
it became hot (food) saxan
:?c
he counted cadd
he became tired tiCeb

youll counted caddeet

he became tall, grew Tuwel

he became blind Cimi

he bit CaDD

youll bit CaDDeet

Doubled verbs
he passed by marr (Cala)
(J.c) ..r
Note the long vowel/eel before second- and first-person suffixes. youll passed by marreet e..."...".,..
he put HaTT J he doubted sakk d..:,
she put mTTet
youll doubted Sakkeet

they put HaTTu

he cut 'aSs

you-m put HaTTeet youll cut 'aSSeet

you-f put HaTTeeti

he threw away kabb

you-p put HaTTeetu

youll threw away kabbeet
4
I put HaTTeet
,M 1,,>..
he answered radd (Cala) (J.c)
we sent HaTTeena t:.....1a>
youll answered raddeet
Other common doubled verbs are listed in the perfect in the "he" form and the "you-mII he showedlguided dall J:J
and "I" form.
youll showedlguided dalleet
he liked Habb

he took apart fakk de
youll liked Habbeet

youll took apart fakkeet

he solved Hall
J>
youll solved Halleet

Hollow verbs
he blocked sadd In the second and first person the long laal of the third person is replaced by short Iii. In
...l...o.I
Palestinian and Jordanian short Iii and short lui are both used, usually the same as in MSA.
youll blocked saddeet

310 311
The short vowel is often different than in MSA; short IiI can occur with verbs that have
either liil or luul in the imperfect (imperfect fonns are listed in the next section of this chapter).
Since this does not always follow the pattern in MSA it is best to simply learn which verbs
take luI because they are few.
The leI in the "you-mil and "I" fonns is a helping vowel which disappears when the word
is followed by a vowel or in rapid speech. Some speakers say Ibict/, Izirt/, etc., without a short
vowel.
Syriana&banese PaJestjnianlJordanian
(not on tape)
he sold baa
c
t. (same)
she sold baaCet

they sold baacu

you-m sold _ . biCet

(MSA:
you-f sold bicti

you-p sold biCtu

I sold biCet

we sold biCna

he visited zaar (same) )j
she visited zaaret
they visited zaaru
I",)j
you-m visite9 ., ziret/zuret
zuret
(MSA: zurta .)j)
you- f visited zirti
";.)j zurti
you-p visited zirtu
I"':;.)j zurtu
I visited ziret
zurt
we visited zirna zuma b.)j
312
Other common hollow verbs are listed here in the "he" fonn and the "you-m" and "I"
fonn.
The Palestinian/Jordanian fonns are listed in parentheses where they differ (these are not
on tape).
Syrjana-&banese PaJestjnianlJordanian
(not on tape)
he was kaan
youn were kinet kunet
he saw Saaf
youn saw sifet sufet
he bought Zaab y\>..
youll brought tibet . .
(same)
he went raaH

youn went riHet/ruHet t.::..>..) ruHet
he drove saa' JL.,
youll drove si'et/su'et su'et/suget
he became Saar .)i
youn became Siret

(same)
he lived CaaS ..
V'"
youll lived Ciset (same)
he woke up faa' Jli
youll woke up fi'et
,- ;; (same)
313
i
!II
ii,
iii
Iii
Ii
III!
he got lost Daa
c
tL.;,
youll got lost DiCet ~ (same)
he said 'aal
Jti
youll said 'ilet/'ulet ~ 'uletlgulet
he slept naam
r
b
youll slept nimet ~ (same)
he got up 'aam
r
ti
youll got up 'imet ~ 'umet/gumet
he was afraid xaaf Jt::;..
youll were afraid xifet ~ xufet
he fasted Saam
rt
youll fasted Sumet ~ (same)
Defectiye (Final Weak) Verbs
These verbs end in short I-al (or rarely, short I-it) in the perfect tense. They are quite
different from MSA. The final-weak and final-harnzated verbs haye fallen together and are
treated as the same type of verb. Two final- harnzated (in MSA) verbs are at the end of this verb
list.
Note that some verbs have long leel in the "youll" form and some have long lii/.
MSA LA.
he gave aCTaa caTa*
~ I
~
she gave caTet ~
they gave caTu
I ~
314
you-m gave CaTeet
~
you-f gave caTeeti
~
you-p gave caTeetu
I ~
I gave aCTaytu
~ I
caTeet ~
we gave CaTeena ~
*Some speakers keep the alif and pronounce the verb as laCTa!, etc.
Other common final-weak verbs are listed in the perfect in the "he" form and the
"you-m" and "I" form. MSA is listed in the "he" and "I" forms only.
MSA SyrianU..ebanese PaJestjnianUordanian
(not on tape)
he talked, Hakaa Haka (same)
~ ~
spoke
youll Hakaytu Hakeet
~ ~
talked, spoke
he found laqiya la'a la'a!laa'a
~ ~
laga!laaga
youll laqaytu ,- ,:;il la'eet ~
found
to to
he walked maSaa misi (same)
~ ~
youll maS'aytu imsiit
~ ~
walked
he forgot nasiya nisi (same)
~ ~
youll nasaytu insiit
~ ~
forgot
315
he cried bakaa boo (same)

(2) Many quadriliteral verbs are slang, derived from another verb. These vary
youll bakaytu bkiit considerably in different areas; the words here are used in Damascus.

cried
he stayed baqiya bi'i ba'a/baga Damascus
t/:!
M youll baqaytu b'iit
M 1 ':h
stayed he rejoiced farfaR
I
I'
';1
he cut, snipped 'as'aS

1
Ii
he knew, daraa diri (same)

became aware of
youlIknew daraytu dreet
he read qara'a l,} 'ara
IS,}
'ara/gara
youll read qara'tu Cll,} 'areet 1. katabet maktuubeen imbaarHa.
'1,1'
.)4--1
'I'll
II he came jaa'a iZa

aZaJaja (I wrote two letters yesterday.)
' .
youllcame ji'tu iZiit e->1 M
2. wiSilna mit' axxriin. Ii
'i'
. 8..".,
il',
0Ne arrived late.)
QJladriJitera] Verbs
I,ll
3. akalt s-saaCa sabCa.
I,I

Most of these verbs are quite regular. There are two basic types.
(I ate at seven 0' clock.)
(1)
Some quadriliteral verbs are of foreign origin. These are usually regular, the same
as in MSA. 4. darasu bi-z-hamca arba
C
sniin.
(:!."I
LA
(They studied in the university for four years.)
1'1
I,
he translated
tadam 5. Sarfet iktiir Cala awaaCiiha.
,!,
r=-:-";;
ci,r
he proved
barhan
'I,

(She spent a lot on her clothes.)
he scratched xarmaS'
.. .
v-J>
he made a mistake xarbaT J.:a.., . 6. ziret ameerka min 'abel?
.J>
CI.)j
:1:11
i!
(Have you visited the United States before?)
316 317
II
ill
I"
7. Ciset b-Suur tlett isniin.
(I lived in Tyre for three years.)
8. si' et sayyaartak.?
(Did you drive your car?)
9. suu 'ilet?
(What did you say?)
10. ween met?
(Where were you?)
11. suunbet?
(What did you bring?)
12. kam saaCa nimt imbaariH?
(How much did you sleep last night?)
13. kint xaayif inno maa-yim
c
.
(I was afraid he wouldn't come back.)
14. insiit ismo.
(I forgot his name.)
15. ayye saaca iZa?
(What time did he come?)
318 319
.'
.,;,r--
! c.L...,
..
.J-"
.:r..J
..
.,.J-"
I
I
rS I
t...ul
.

.
16. iZeet b-wa'tak..
(You came just at the right time.)
17. maC miin iZiitu?
(Who did you come with?)
18. fataHu l-baab.
(They opened the door.)
19. maa- 'areet sii.
(I didn't read anything.)
20. 'addees ib'iitu?
(How long did you-p stay?)
21. iZu z-muud Hawaali I-CaSer.
(The soldiers came in the late afternoon.)
22. sifto l-yoom bass maa-Hakeet maCa.
(I saw him today but I didn't talk to him.)
23. lissa maa-tadamto.
(1 haven't translated it yet.)
24. had-da'ii'a Tile
c
.
(He just left.)
.Ar;>!

!I.,,-}!
...,.-JI ",I,J> 1,J>.-1
... t.. r.,,:1\
t......J

The Imperfect Tense (t.>WJ.1)
The person markers for the imperfect tense have also been modified, but are similar to
MSA. These are prefixes and prefix- suffix combinations. Note that the "she" and "you-m"
forms are the same.
Parentheses indicate optional variations. Short Ia! after the person marker is quite rare.
he y(i)- *
she t(i)
they y(i)- * -u
you-m t(i)
you-f t(i)- -i
you-p t(i)- -u
I i- **
we n(i)
*The Iyl is often pronounced like Ii-I, especially after the /b-I prefIX..
**This is usually pronounced Ii-I although it can be la-I in some verbs and omitted entirely in
others. This omission will be shown in the English transcription but the alif will remain in Arabic
for clarity. This prefix is la-I in Palestinian and Jordanian, as in MSA.
The imperfect-tense verb usua)) h f
unprefixed (subjunctive) form. yas pre lXes (Chapter 14); it is listed here in its
There are more irregularities in the imperfect tense than in the perfect so more types of
verbs have to be mentioned.
Sound Verbs
The imperfect stem of a sound verb usually has Iii as the first short vowel.
to write katab, yiktob

he writes yiktob

320
she writes tiktob

they write ylktbu/yildtbu

you-m write tiktob

you-f write tlktbi/tikftbi

you-p write tlktbu/tikftbu

I write iktob
we write niktob

Some common sound verbs are listed here in both tenses.
The second short vowel varies in different areas, especially in the imperfect tense. This
does not affect meaning.
Remember that consonant and vowel may be switched before the luI and IiI suffixes in
any of these verbs, as in lyaC1mlu/, lyaClrfu/, Iy' idru/, etc.
to do, make carnal

yaCmil

to know caref
J-.r
yaCrif
Jfi
to be able 'ider
.>..\!
yi'der
.>
...liJ
-
to study daras

yidros

to leave tarak -
..r
yitrok

to spend Saraf J.,.rt' yiSrof
JJ"""!.
to kill 'atal

yi'til

to pay dafa
c
.

yidfa
C

to open fataH

yiftaH

to drink sireb u ..
. .r
yisrab u ..
. ..;-1.
to return rlZe
c
t>.'.>
yim
c
t>.'J!.
to hear sime
c

yisma
c

to wash gasal
J-i:.
yigsil

321
to make a mistake gileT yiglaT J.a.li..,
to envy Hasad ...l..-> yiHsid to be satisfied, riDi yirDa

pleased
to invite Cazam yiczim
rj&-
rfi
to become blind Cimi yicma

to ask sa'al
JL yis'al

to escape harab
Y..;A
yihrob

Doubled Verbs
to swim sabaH yisbaH

to ask for, Talab

yiTlob Doubled verbs are regular in the imperfect tense. The first short vowel is usually not

request
It
pronounced. This is variable and does not affect comprehension. Helping vowels may also appear.
to fail fisel yifSal

I
l
to fail (an exam) sa'aT J.ai..., yis'oT to put HaTT, yHoTT

to sit 'aCad yi'Cod ..1aJ
I
he puts (y)HoTT*
to tum lafat c..AJ yilfit

she puts (i)tHoTT .La:.:::;
to send baCat yibCat

II (', they put (y)HoTTu*
to cut 'aTac
yi'Ta
C

to mention zakar yizkor you-m put (i)tHoTT .La:.:::;
ill

..Jolt.
to understand fihem yifham you-f put (i)tHoTTi

to hUrry, rush rakaD

yirkoD you-p put (i)tHoTTu

,
!.
Ii
I put (i)HoTT .1a>\
.
Verbs of "Becomjng"

I' we put (i)nHoTT
!

to become big kiber yikbar
A
*or liHoTT/, liHoTTu/. The short IiI may also disappear entirely, as in !HoTT/, !HoTTu/.
to become small Siger yi5gar Iii
I
t
to become sick mireD yimraD

III
Doubled verbs may have IiI or 101 as the second vowel in the imperfect. This is not
II
f- to become cold
t "
barad
yibrod always the same as in MSA but does not affect comprehension.
(i
t
t yboorid The Palestinian and Jordanian forms are listed in parentheses where they differ (not on
.),J-:!.
t
I. tape). ,
to become hot
saxan
;.r;c- yisxon

to become tired tiCeb yitCab
' ..-;

to become tall Tuwel
J"l, yiTwal

322 323
Some common doubled verbs are listed here.
they eat yaaklu
Syriana.ehanese
palestinianl10rdanian
(not on tape) you-m eat taakol
(listed if different)
you-f eat taakli

to like Habb

yHibb you-p eat taaklu l}Sli

to solve Hall
J>
yHill

I eat aakol
to block sadd ..J...", ysidd

we eat naakol
to count cadd yCidd

to bite CaDD

yeoDD yeuDD

Another common verb of this type is:
to pass marr
.r
ymirr
..;+!.
ymurr
by
to take axad ...1>1 yaaxod
to doubt Sakk ysikk ysukk
to cut 'aSs

y'oSS y'uSS/yguSS

Defectiye (Injtial Weak) Verbs
to throw kabb ykibb
ykubb

away
These verbs are quite different from MSA in the imperfect tense, in that they usually
to answer radd yridd
YrUdd
retain the Iwl which becomes luu/. There is an alternate pronunciation which is closer to MSA, but
(Cala) it is not as common.
to show, dall
ydill

guide
to arrive wiSel, yuuSal/yiSal
J,...J:! ,J,..J
to take fakk yflkk ,'1;.: (MSA: waSala, yaSilu) yfukk
apart
he arrives yuuSal
J,...J:!
Injtial Harnzated verbs
she arrives tuuSal J,..ji
they arrive yuuSalu
I}-.J:!
In these verbs the initial harnza is dropped in the imperfect tense, resulting in a long vowel
laal. In some Levantine dialects it is luul or 1001; you will hear; for example, lyuuxidl and
Iyooxid/, "he takes, " lyuukill and Iyookill, "he eats. " you-m arrive tuuSal J,..ji
you-f arrive tuuSali
J-y
to eat
akal, yaakol you-p arrive tuuSalu
I}-ji
he eats
yaakol I arrive uuSal
J,..JI

she eats
taakol we arrive nuuSal
J-y
324 325
Some common initial-weak: verbs are listed here. Note that the second vowel can be lal
or Iii. Any of these verbs could have the alternate pronunciation, Iyi' aCI, Iyiwzan/, lyiCad/, etc.
to fall wi'e
c
.

yuu'a
c

to weigh wazan
0jJ yuuzin
to promise waCad JS,J yuuCid
to describe waSaf
u-J
yuuSif

to stand up wa'af Ui
J
yuu'af
Ui>!
to hurt wize
c
(;>."J
yuuZac

Hollow Verbs
As in MSA. the imperfect of hollow verbs can have the long vowels lii/. luul, or laa/.
These are the same as in MSA.
Consistent with IA pronunciation, the first short vowel in the imperfect is lost because it
precedes a long vowel.
With liil
to sell aa, 11
b c ybc

he sells ybii
c

she sells tbiiC

they sell ybiicu \

you-m sell tbii
C
(:j:iJ
you-f sell tbiiCi

you-p sell tbiiCu

326
I sell (i)bii
C
we sell nbii
C
Some common hollow verbs with liil include:
to bring bab yt>.
to become Saar .)L.
to live
CaaS

to wake up faa' Jti
to get lost Daa
c
t\..;,
to be absent gaab
to increase zaad .)Ij
to fly Taar .)U-
With hIllI
to visit zaar, yzuur
he visits yzuur
she visits tzUUf
they visit yzuuru
you-m visit tzUUf
you-f visit tzuuri
you-p visit tzuuru
I visit (i)zuuf
we visit nzuur
327

b'
yZllb

ySiir

yCiis
..

yfii'

yDii
C

ygiib

yziid ..u..j:!
yTiir

.)J,j!. .)j
.)J,j!.
.)Jj'
IJ.)J,j!.
.)Jj'
\S.).Jj'
1.J.)Jj'
.)Jjl
.)J:;
Some common hollow verbs with luul include:
Defectiye (Final Weak) Verbs
to be
to see
kaan
saaf
wts
I..JL:,
ykuun
ysuuf

In the imperfect tense final-weak verbs may have IiI or lal as their second vowel. In the
imperfect tense, like the perfect, flnal-harnzated verbs are as final-weak.
to go raaH

yruuH

Note that if the second vowelis IiI the "you-m" and "you- f" fonns are the same.
to drive
to die
saa'
maat
JL.,

ysuu'
ymuut
JJ-;!

With IiI
to say 'aal
Jli y'uul
J.*
to give CaTa, yaCTi
to get up
to fast
'aam
Saam
li
r
rt
y'uum
ySuum
r.JA!.
r.J*'&!.
he gives
(MSA:
yaCTi
aCTaa, yuCTii)

With faal
she gives
they give
taCTi
yaCTu

to sleep
he sleeps
she sleeps
they sleep
naam, ynaam
ynaam
tnaam
ynaamu

t:...
r

r
It:...
.,.
I
I
!
you-m give
you-f give
you-p give
I give
taCTi
taCTi
taCTu
aCTi

\"J-:;

you-m sleep
you-f sleep
you-p sleep
tnaam
tnaami
tnaamu

r
".,.

.,. With lal
we give naCTi

I sleep
we sleep
(i)naam
nnaam
b\
r
b
r
to forget nisi, yinsa
(MSA: nasiya, yansaa)

(,
Another common hollow verb with laa! is:
he forgets
she forgets
yinsa
tinsa

to be afraid xaaf 1..Jt> yxaaf

they forget yinsu I .

328 329
you-m forget tinsa

you- f forget tinsi

you-p forget tinsu I .

I forget insa 1
t.r'"'.
we forget ninsa

Some common final-weak verbs are listed here.
to talk, speak Haka

yiHki

to find la'a

ylaa'i*
trI
to walk maS'a
'"

yimsi
'"

to cry boo

yibki

to stay bi'i

yib'a

to read 'ara** \,.,i yi'ra
I _
fi
to begin bada**
l...lf yibda

*Note that this verb is irregUlar.
**These are fmal-harnzated verbs in MSA. In Palestinian and Jordanian the verb libtadal in Fonn
VITI is also used to mean "to begin. "
The Verb "to come"
This is irregular in the imperfect tense so it is listed separately. The imperfect may have a
short Iii or a long liil vowel. The short Iii is used in Syria but the long liil is more common in the
other Levantine dialects.
to come iZa, yiZi/yiiZi

(MSA: jaa'a, yajii'u)
,;\>..)
330
Sytiana.ebanese paJestinjanOordanian
(not on tape)
he comes yiZi/yiiZi I yiiZi/yiiji

_I _
she comes tiZi/tiiZi tiiZi/tiiji

they come yiZu/yiiZu I II yiiZu/yiiju

_I _
you-m come tiZi/tiiZi tiiZi/tiiji

you-f come tiZi/tiiZi tiiZi/tiiji

you-p come tiZu/tiiZu
tiiZu/tiiju
I come iZi

aZi/aji
we come niZi/niiZi niiZi/niiji

QuadriUteral Verbs
to translate tadam ytarZim
r>.-JJ
to prove barhan ybarhin

to scratch xannas '" . yxarmis '" .
v-..;>
J.a.,. J.a.,.
to make a xarbaT
...;>
yxarbiT

mistake
. .
to rejoice farfaR
-e..;t
yfarfiH
-efi
to cut, snip 'aS'aS - - y'aS'iS

You will hear the imperfect verb used without prefixes to mean a snggestion or an offer to
do something. The imperfect verb is also without a prefix when it follows another verb or a
helping word such as Ilaazim/, "must." (This is further discussed in Chapter 14.)
331
1. laazim ibCat-lo yyaahon.
(I have to send them to him.)
2. maa-'deret (i)Hill hal-miskle.
(I wasn't able to solve this problem.)
3. biddna nruuH 'abel- rna yidacu 1-wlaad.
(We want to leave before the children return.)
4. muu Daruuri tiE maCi.
(You don't have to come with me.)
5. laazim itliff CaS-smaal.
(You have to tum left.)
6. awwal-ma saaf is-sirTa, harab.
(The moment he saw the police, he ran away.)
7. kill yoom b-imsi kiilometreen.
(Every day 1 walk two kilometers.)
8. b-tacrif isem ra'lls il-wuzara?
(Do you know the PriIne Minister's name?)
9. iza HaTTeetha hoon ib-tuu'ac.
(If you put it-f here, it will fall.)
332
.J
J>\ CJ.;..a L.
1.,,-:-..;1. L. (,JJ' li-,-!
'-i';,J..r4.r

Ju L. J,JI
. -# AL JS
.;r....;- -
!1.;j.,JI r-I
..
10. b-idac bacdeen.
(I'll come back later.)
11. mi-nsuufkon baCd-ma nida
c
, insalla.
(We'll see you after our trip, if God wills.)
12. Ha- stannaak taHet.
(I'll wait for you downstairs.)
13. aCmil-lak saay?
(Shall 1 make you some tea?)
14. raaH 'abel-rna nuuSal.
(He left before we arrived.)
15. b-imorr Caleek bukra s-saaCa tmaani.
(I'll stop by (for you) tomorrow at eight o'clock.)
16. b-suufak baCd swayy.
(I'll see you after a little while.)
17. biddi yyaak twarZiini beeruut.
(I want you to show me Beirut.)
18. maa-direet bi-l-Haadis.
(I wasn't aware of the accident.)
333

. L. .J&t

!'-iU

.J&t
'-i-'-!
L.
19. ween b-i'dar laa'i mHaITet banziin?
,j"J1 IY...J
(Where can I find a gas station?)
20.
law kaan maCi li -siriiT, kint sammaCtak iyyaah.
, wlS}
(If I had the tape with me, I'd have you listen to it.)
21. wCidni maa-b-taCmilha marra taanye.
i.",. l.
(Promise me that you won't do it again.)
22.
raH-ill l-candak msaan niHki b-Sagle bi-thimmak.
. wl;..ltJ..L:.a.J
(I'm coming to see you about a matter that concerns you.)
23. lissaato maa-la' a sugel.

(He hasn't found work yet.)
24. alla ywaff'ak w yirDa' Caleek.
. AUI
(May God give you success and bless you.)
25. yaCTiikon il-Caafye.

May God) give you strength.)
(Said when seeing a person working.)
26. alla yirHamo.
.04>..,):! AUI
(May God have mercy on him.)
334
DIALOGUES
Number 1
A. stareet barraad iZdiid.

B. mabruuk. weeno?
Y4W...J .ltJ.J-ft"
A. raH-iywaSSluu-li yyaah.
."l:!1 ."r..,
B. eemta laH-yiZiibuuh?

A. bukra aw baced bukra, in Su' allaah.
.AUI wi
Number 2
A. Candak fikra cal-islaam?
ifi
B. eeh, bi-sakel caam. b-acrif inno nizell-waHi cala n-nabi muHammad, Salla allaahu
Calayhi w sallam*, bi-I-qim is- saabi
c
il-miilaadi.
t'!WI 'rL.J AUI Jjj oUl
A. eeh, maZ'buuT. nizel il-waHi wa'et-ma kaan ir-rasuul bi- makke. **
J."..,,JI wlS l. ci.J Jjj
B. w baCdeen il-musilmiin hadaru la-l-madiine. ***
l.JfttA
A. wb-taCrifkamaaninno Saar fii aHdaas muhimme hoon bi-s- Sum?
e.,,1..l.>1 oUl wL.S
B. eeh TabCan, l-imawiyyiin Camlu CaaSmiton hoon bi-dimdq.
'
A. w iZ-Zaamic il-umawi lissaato mawZuud. sifto?
Yc&..:, .J>.''''' Ii.".'JI t--
B. eeh, sifto. b-i'der zuur makke w il-madiine?
K. .c&..:,
335
A. la', bass il-mus1imiin b-yi'dru iyruuHu.
.I.J>",,):! I".> I;*! ,_"'J
*This is a classicism, which is abbreviated in Arabic text as r-!-.
**The full name of this city is Imakke 1-mukarramel 4.pl .
***The full name of this city is lil-madiine 1-minawwarel i.>:,al .
Number 3
A.
Hamdilla Cala salaamtak. bi-1-ficel isti' naa-lak.
.dJ 1;;* ""'1 c?.ill..1.t>
B. walla ana kamaan ista't-ilkon.
,* ;* "",I wt..s' bl .illl"
A. Tamminna, insalla xallaSt diraastak?
1'd:....,Ij3 ,* .r.;"
B. eeh, il-Hamdilla xallaSt il-maaZisteer.
. ,* .r;.. ,411
*
A. mabruuk! w halla' suu naawi taCmil?
l'J,..:; ':?"b J.l.e" !
B.
'addamt Cal-bank il-markazi. lissaa
c
l. t
W
r.F.J'!" . *
TRANSlATIONS
Number 1
A. I bought a new refrigerator.
B. Congratulations. Where is it?
A. They're going to deliver it to me.
B. When will they bring it?
A. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, if God wills.
336
Number 2
A. Do you have an idea about Islam?
B. Yes, in a general way. I know that the revelation descended upon the Prophet
Mohammed, peace be upon him, in the Seventh Century, A.D.
A. Yes, that's right. The revelation descended at the time the Messenger was in Mecca.
B. And later the Muslims emigrated to Medina.
A. And do you know also that there were important events here in Syria?
B. Yes, of course, the Umayyads made their capital here in Damascus.
A. And the Umayyad Mosque is still in existence. Have you seen it?
B. Yes, I've seen it. Can I visit Mecca and Medina?
A. No, only Muslims can go.
Number 3
A. Thank God for your safe return. We really missed you.
B. And I also missed you-po
A. Reassure us, you finished your studies, we hope?
B. Yes, thank God, I finished my Master's.
A. Congratulations! And now what are you planning to do?
B. I've applied to the Central Bank. They haven't answered me yet.
337
13. DERIVED FORMS OF VERBS
(FORMS/CIASSESIMEASURES IT-X)
(jaLJl wlj,Jl)
All ten forms of the MSA verbs occur in the Arabic dialects.
In MSA each of the Forms IT through X have a semantic relationship to the Form I base,
e.g., causative, reciprocal, passive, etc.
In IA only Forms IT, V, VI, VII, IX, and X have a predictable relationship to meaning;
verbs in the other forms are not "productive" in determining meaning.
FormIT(Jd)
Form IT has a causative meaning in lA, the same as in MSA. Some Form IT verbs are
related to Form I as causative, but not all.
to clean naDDaf u1u ynaDDif

to fmish xallaS yxalliS

.
to decide qarrar yqarrir

to frighten xawwaf J"y- yxawwif
.

to lose Dayya
C yDayyiC

to allow xalla yxalli
J>

to sing ganna yganni

to beenough 'adOO

- y'addi

kaffa
;S
ykaffi

to pray Salla ySalli
J-

to return (something) raHac
yraHi
c

to close sakkar
J.-
ysakkir

to look for OOwwar
.
yOOwwir
.

(Cala)
338
.to .to
to stand; to stop* wa"af uJ,J
ywa"if
.
"
to teach (in school) darras

yOOrris

." ."
to introduce carraf

yearrif ufi
(Cala)
to postpone aZZa1
y'dZil

to remind zakkar
yzakkir

to replace, exchange baddal

ybaddil

" "
to renew ZadOOd yZaddid
.
"
SadOO' ySaddi'
to believe
"
to appoint Cayyan yCayyin

to teach
callam yCallim

" .
yfassir
to deliver waSSal

ywaSSil

to hand over sallam ysallim
to explain fassar
..;-I
rJ-
".
to change gayyar
..;:f-
ygayyir

to catch up laHHa'

ylaHHi'

"
wadOO
c ywaddi
C
.
to say goodby t.),J
to cost kallaf uIs' ykallif

"
to prepare HaDDar yHaDDir
..r-
.
to cause sabbab

ysabbib

to prefer faDDal

yfaDDil

"
to try Zarrab yZarrib
Yft Y...f'!C!.
*The Form I verb lwa'afl U;J may also be heard for "to stand" since this is not a causative verb.
Iwa"afl ui,J also has a causative meaning, "to stop (someone). "
339
Sometimes Form IT has an "intensive" meaning, as in MSA.
Form N (Jai1)
to break into pieces,
smash
to gather together
kassar
Zamma
c
;s

ykassir
yZammic

Form N does not have a predictable semantic function in LA. MSA distinguishes the
imperfect of Form N from the imperfect of Form I by the use of the short vowel lui; this
distinction is not present in LA.
Form N verbs are rare because in most cases a verb from another form is also available,
so Form N has come to sound rather formal.
Form N is likely to occur most in the third person (he, she, they).
Form ill does not have a predictable semantic function in LA. to insist aSarr
. \
.r
ySirr
.,r&!.
to do*
to help
saawa
saaCad
r.SJI.-,

ysaawi
ysaaCid
'iJ'-!.

to become a Muslim
to produce (a film,
for example)
aslam
axraZ
rL\

y'aslim*
yixriZ

to demand
to oppose
to travel
to answer
Taalab
(b-)
CaaraD
saafar
hawab

.}I.-,

yTaalib
yeaariD
ysaafir
yhawib

'L.,
J'.

to convince
to neglect
to show
to give
aqna
C
ahmal
ada**
aCTa***

j...6\

yiqni
c
yihmil
ywarZi
yaCTi

J.t+!
t,,?:'.)J'!.

to treat
to medicate
to agree
to meet
Caald
daawa
waafa'
'aabal

r.SJb
&\J
J.!li
yCaaliZ
ydaawi
ywaafi'
y'aabil

'iJ\..J.t.
.' \
&J'!.

*Note that this verb is
**Variations of this verb include Ifadal and Iwadal. All are in common use.
***This is a variant of ICaTai.
to compare
to bargain
qaaran
faaSal
w.)ti
j..,lj
yqaarin
yfaaSil

to attack
haaZam
r>.'t..
to exaggerate baalag
eJlt
*In other dialects this may be Form IT lsawwa, ysawwil 4r.S".,-
yhaaZim
ybaalig
r>.'4!

Form V is often the passive or reflexive of Form IT verbs, although not all Form Vverbs
have this semantic relationship. The Ita-I of MSA has become It- I.
to improve, tHassan yitHassan

be improved
to behave
to be united
tSarraf
twaHHad
..
1J.,rAJ

yitSarraf
yitwaHHad
.

.

to be appointed tCayyan

yitCayyan
..
340 341
to have lunch tgadda ,.s..w yitgadda ,.s
\;-.:
to converse tHaaku 1.Jbr::; yitHaaku
to have dinner tCassa .. - yitCassa ..

to help each other tsaacadu yitsaaCadu

to be promoted traffa
c

yitraffa
c
(

to reach an tfaahamu yitfaahamu

to be called/named tsamma
yitsamma understanding

"
to be married tZawwaz
j.YJ
yitZawwaz

to sPeCialize txaSsaS
.
.-
yitxaSsaS
.
A few Form VI verbs are not reciprocal.

(
to die twaffa
'S'y
yitwaffa

to be pessimistic tsaa'am
yitsaa'am L:.:.J
to be late t'axxar

yit'axxar

to be optimistic tfaa'al
yitfaa'al

to imagine, suppose txayyal yitxayyal

toleam tCallam yitCallam
rLu
to be fixed, tSallaH yitSallaH Form vn (Ju.;1>

repaired
to graduate txarra! yitxarra!
"
Form VII is used to express the passive of verbs in LA (and other dialects of colloquial

Arabic). It is by far the most common type of passive.
.
to take a walk tmassa .. -
yitmaSJa ..

.
Note that the In! becomes Iml before fbI in the first example (it may happen with other
to change, tgayyar yitgayyar verbs that have In!; this varies with speakers). If a verb is starts with It! this is doubled instead of
..;::&J ..).;-.:
be changed using In!. If a verb is initially harnzated in MSA the In! may become It!. Two of these words
appear at the end of the list.
to remember tzakkar ;}J:J yitzakkar .}J::.,.
."
to become acquainted tCarraf

to be pleased imbasaT J-.....I yimbisiT

introduced (Cala)
yitCarraf
."
. .

to be sold inbaa
c yinbaa
C

to progress t'addam
"
..\LJ yit'addam r
"
lii-.: I
r
I
to be sent inbaCat yinbaCit
!
"
to wish tmanna
"
yitmanna

to be exchanged inSaraf yinSirif .

(money)
Form VI to be broken inkasar yinkisir

to be known, inCaraf '1 yinCirif .
..;N.
Form VI the semantic meaning of reciprocity, as it does in MSA. However, famous
LA also expresses reciprocity with the word fbaCeD/, "each other." Form VI sounds more formal
than does the word fbaCeD/. Verbs are listed here in the third person plUral instead of singUlar. to be cheated, ingaSJ
" ....I
yingaSJ
" .. "
deceived

to cooperate tCaawanu I' W yitCaawanu to be solved inHall yinHill
YJ
to settle accounts tSaafu l."it-:; yitSaafu to be broadcast inzaac yinzaac
t
l
..bl
to avoid each other tfaadu lyUJ yitfaadu to get busy in, insagal yinsigil
Ja..:.:.l
342 343
tied upwith This word is not used in
hal-kilme maa-b-tustaCmal bi-l- Caammiyye.
to be translated ittadam
::1 yittarZim

to be founded it'assas hi yit'assas
v-'
to be built inbana '1 yinbini

Many passive verbs occur only in the imperfect tense, as a general description or
characteristic (in the perfect tense, the active verb is used). Note the translations.
to be worth seeing yinsaaf I.Jl .. '.:
to be likeable yinHabb
.

to be considered yinCadd

to be needful, deserving yinCaTa

to be portable yinHimil

to belong in a place yinHaTT

to be comparable yitqaaran
Listed here are two irregular initial-harnzated verbs in which the vowel is lengthened:
to be edible yittaakal

to betaken yittaaxad
A few verbs cannot be made into Form vn so the classicized form is used. This is
especially common with Form VITI verbs.
Lebanon is considered lubnaan b-yuCtabar min aqdam id- duwal.
one of the oldest countries.
.J,J..J\ r..Li\ .J- ..J:-'::
He is respected. He b-yuHtaram.
deserves respect.
,

He will be elected akiid b-yuntaxab.
for sure.
_.' , ..1.5'1
...
344
in spoken Arabic.
J .- .:: l.
Form VITI (J-:j1>
Form VITI does not have a predictable semantic function in LA.
to work stagal
yistigil

to believe iCtaqad yictiqed

to be compelled iDTarr :.,..Lw\
yiDTarr

to be interested, ihtamm

yihtamm

concerned
to need HtaaZ
yiHtaaZ

to rest, relax rtaaH Cb..;l
yirtaaH
C
b
J1.
to complain staka
yistiki

to buy stara
yistiri

to suggest iqtaraH
c.ri\
yiqtiriH
CA
.
to agree ittafa'
yittifi'

to disagree xtalaf uh>\ yixtilif

to wait ntaZar
yintiZir

to elect ntaxab
yintixib

to confess, admit iCtaraf J,r.\
yiCtirif

to occupy Htall J:>\
yiHtall

(militarily)
to select xtaar ..)1:.:>\ yixtaar
to celebrate Htafal (b-) Ji:>\
yiHtifil

to dependon ictamad
(cala)

yiCtimid

to respect Htaram
r..r>\
yiHtirim

345
I
Fonn X <Ju:-1)
Fonn X verbs do not always have a semantic relationship to Fonn I but some mean
"considering an item or person to have a certain quality," as in "to consider it expensive," etc.
No productive semantic function
to use, utilize staCmal
yistaCmil

to import stawrad
yistawrid

to do without stagna
(Can)
. ' I

yistagni

to inquire stafham

yistafhim

346
.1. bi-ykaffi hal-'add?

(W"ill this amount be enough?)
2. b-raZZiC-Iak ktaabak bukra, insalla.
4t:s'
(I'll return your book tomorrow, if God wills.)
3. xalliina n'aHill-Hafle la-I-isbuu
c
iI-haye.
acJl t;J>
(Let's postpone the party until next week.)
347
4. biddi gayyir Zaww swayy.
(1 want a change of scenery/to get away from things for a while.)
5. caZZll misaan maa-yibrod iI-ake!.
(Hurry up so the food doesn't get cold.)
6. maa-laHi'et sa11im caleeh.
(I didn't have time to greet him.)
7. maa-b-Saddi' yelli 'aalo.
(1 don't believe what he said.)
8. biddi itTalli
c
Caleeha.
(1 want to study it (the issue).)
9. xalliik w ana b-waSSlak bacdeen.
(Stay and I'll give you a ride later.)
10. in-naas mallet mil-Harb.
(The people are fed up with the war.)
11. walaa yhimmak!
(Don't worry about it!)
12. laH-Carrfak cala rfii'ti.
(I'll introduce you to my friend-f.)
348
.J>.' ,.&\
.jS'''J1 .)-.r.:! t..

..Jti Jl:! t..

I
I
I
bl.J
V"L:JI
!4"J."
.",-i).) cJ
13. laazim itZarrib iI-aId iI-hindi sii marra.
(You have to try Indian food some time.)
14. Talli
c
hawiitak 'abel-rna tfuut.
(present your In before you enter.)
15. b-ti'der twadiini kiif tinHall iI-mas' ale?
(Can you show me how the problem can be solved?)
16. laazim itHaawil.
(You have to try.)
17. T-Tullaab Taalabu b-aIyaa' iktiire.
(The students demanded many things.)
18. miin Cam-bi-yCaa1Zak?
(Who is treating you?)
19. azaacu l-xabar bi-r-raadyo.
(They announced the news (item) on the radio.)
20. hinne aSarru Cala hayy.
(They insisted on this.)
21. is-sirTi wa"afna.
(The policeman stopped us.)
349
.i.,r rj"J
t.. J;
y4JL.lI u.s -.)..L4:."
- - . .).Y .
.J."6.:::i rj "J .
.i..;::rS

1.,,:"-1

22. abuuh twaffa min zamaan.
(His father died ("was redeemed by God") a long time ago.)
23. l-aHwaal tHassnet iktiir.
(Conditions have improved a lot.)
24. xalliina nitCaSSa macon.
(Let's eat dinner with them.)
25. suu tgaddeet il-yoom'?
(What did you have for lunch today'?)
26. itraffa
C
s-sine l-maaDye.
(He was promoted last year.)
27. maa fii sii tgayyar.
(Nothing has changed.)
28. halla' tzakkaret.
(1 just remembered.)
29. tsarrafna b-macriftak.
(I'm ("we're") honored'to make your acquaintance.)
30. naawyiin yithwwazu baCd-ma yxallSu d-diraase.
.
(They plan to get married after they finish their studies.)
350
:r Jy #.J"!I
...;# ,- ." =V JI,f>'i\

!
r - -
A
. .1:.-11
" .- A.i l.
'..r.:--' tr'"
A

3l. b-yitHaasabu kill isbuu
c
.
(They settle accounts every week.)
32. bi-tfaaSil iktiir.
(She bargains a lot.)
33. axiiran ittafa'u.
(They (mally reached an understanding.)
34. min l-aIDal inno yitCaawanu.
(It's best that they cooperate.)
35. kill il-maSaari inSarfet.
(All the money has been spent.)
36. mbasaTna mSaankon.
(We were happy for you-p.)
inbaac il-maHsuul ib-siCer mac'uul.
(The harvest was sold for a reasonable price.)
37.
38. hal-izaaz maa-b-yinkiser.
(This glass is unbreakable.)
39. il-mayy maa-b-tinsireb.
(The water isn't drinkable.)
351

...;#

.Iy."la.::! 4i\
l:?.)W\ JS'
t 1" . .1
.J,;..
t.. .\
e'
t..j\
40. haz-zalame b-yuctabar min in-naas il-mutTarrfiin.
. """WI Lt.,;Jl..4l
(This man is considered an extremist ("one of the extremists") .)
41. il-baab maa-b-yitsakkar.

(The door doesn't close ("can't be closed").)
42. insaglu bi-l-caziime.

(They got busy with (the arrangements for) the occasion.)
43. inZabama niCmel heek.
.
(We were obliged to do that.)
44. b-istigil b-wizaart il-maaliyye.
.4JUI i I' 1.. - At..,
-
(1 work at the Ministry of Finance.)
45. istakaa-li CaIeeh.

(He complained to me about him.)
46. ana muDTarr irfoD Talabak.
.illL, .:d I L '-- bl
. . ..r--
(I'm obliged to refuse your request.)
47. ixtaaruuh ra'ils la-I-lame.

(They selected him as presidentlhead of the committee.)
48. lamma 'aalet haS-sil, iHmarreet.
U
(When she said that, 1 blushed.)
352
49. bayyaDet wissna.
_. ..;
(She made us proud of her ("whitened our faces").)
50. biddak tiTlac cal-maTaar nista'bilon?
!, "
(Do you want to come to the airport to meet them?)
51. iza rna-laH-itraffa
c
, biddi istaqiil.
'c!Jil cJ t... loil
(If 1 don't get promoted, I'll resign.)
52. killiyyaatna stafaadna min it-taHasson il-iqtiSaadi.
l:il.:1S' .
(All of us benefited from the economic improvements.)
53. haz-zalame b-yuHtaram.
Lt.,;Jl..4l
(This man deserves respect.)
54. b-istagrib kilf heek iysaawi.

(1 wonder how that could happen.)
55. maa-m-nistagni cannak.
..1.- ,,_. \
l,;; Lo
(We can't get along without you.)
56. astagfir allaah.

(I ask forgiveness of God.)
(This is a common expression used to deflect praise of oneself or said when hearing
something bad about someone.)
353
DIAWGUES
Number 1
57. iftakarto raaH.

(I thought he'd left.)
58. indamet caleeha bacdeen.
4:k
(1 regretted it later.)
59. xaITo maa-b-yin'ara.
.4.>..);:.1 L.
(His handwriting is illegible.)
60.
kint maasi min hoon, ista'rabet.
;.,- c..;S
(1 was going past, and found myself nearby (so 1 stopped in to see you) .)
A. ween hal-geebe? Saar-Ii zamaan maa-siftak.
B. gar'aaniin bi-Ii-fHuuSaat.
A. 'aaSiS saCrak. naCllman.
B. heek aryaH.
A. 'addees baa'ii -lak la-titxarraZ?
B. sine w nuSS, inSalla.
Number 2
A. saafar ibnak la-ameerka?
B. eeh, iI-aHad iI-maaDi.
A. insalla b-yida
C
bi-acla s-sihaadaat.
L. r
4
.iJtA,J-J

..Ll.Jl.,.:.jI

.Ll.Jl.,.:.j1
B. halla' Saaru kill iI-iwlaad barra, maa-bi'i geeri w immon.
. 1" 4i..r.f- ,}-! L. 't/..;! :J"i."J1 JS I".;L,
A. S'alla iyyaam zamaan lamma-rna kaanet iICeele killha Caayse bi-nafs il-balad.
CjlS L. U .Ll.J1
B. suu biddik taCmli? killna bi-1-hawa sawa.
WS
354
355
't
I
Number 3
B. Now all the children are abroad, only their mother and I are left.
A.
sift il-axbaar? Haku can Harb il-xaliiZ.
.
B.
eeh, sifet Suwart-tahdiim bi-1-Ciraaq.

A.
maa-TilCet min il-Harb walaa faa'ide.
'i" y,.rdl l.
B. kill iZ-Zihaat xisret.

A.
alIa yZiirna min sii aswa' .
.1.,...,\ b .illl
B. aamiin.

TRANSI ATIONS
Number 1
A.
What's this absence? I haven't seen you for a long time.
B.
I'm ("We're) drowning in exams.
A.
And you got your hair cut? "Grace" (expression for this occasion).
B.
It's more comfortable this way.
A.
How long is it until you graduate?
B.
A year and a half, if God wills.
Number 2
A. Has your son gone to America?
B. Yes, last Sunday.
A.
If God wills, may he return with the highest education.
356
A. How nice it was ("God's bounty") back when the whole family was living in the same
place.
B. What can you do? We're alI in the same situation ("in the wind together").
Number 3
A. Have you seen the news? They talked about the Gulf War.
B. Yes, I saw the pictures of the destruction in Iraq.
A. No benefit came out of the war.
B. All sides lost.
A. May God save us from anything worse.
B. Amen.
357
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14. OTHER VERB FEATURES
This chapter deals with:
- - verb prefixes
- - negation of verbs
- - commands
- - auxiliary words
- -compound tenses
- -verb phrases
Progressiye Markers ICarn -I (Ib- D
ICam-I is used with the imperfect verb and means that the action is continuous or going on
now. It can be considered a prefix or a separate word; it is written here as a prefix in the English
transcription but it conventionally written as a separate word in Arabic. Ib-I may also be heard as
well; it is used for this in some other Arabic dialects.
For the first-person "I" the combination ICam-b-1 is usually used. This is heard more in
Lebanese and Syrian than in Palestinian and Jordanian.
In some regions the pronunciation is varied. In Syria you may hear both ICam-1 and
ICamrnaal/. In some parts of Lebanon you hear ICama-I, ICan-I, ICa-I, Iman': I, or Ima-I.
Sometimes the word Iktiirl is inserted between the ICam-1 and Ib-I prefixes, as in ICam
iktiir b-yit'assar/, ...r.::S , "It has a great effect." This is done for emphasis.
1. suu Cam-taCmil?
..
!j...:;
(What are you doing?)
2. cam-b-iktob maktuub.

(I'm writing a letter.)
3. il-muZtama
c
cam-yitgayyar.
.
.
(Society is changing.)
4. cam-iysaaCidhon iktiir.
....r.::S
(He is helping them a lot.)
5. cam-yidfaCuu-Ii maSaariifi.

(They're paying (for me) my expenses).
6. halla' cam-yistigil.

(He is working now.)
7. miin cam-yiHki?

(Who's speaking?) (on the telephone)
Future Markers IraH(a)-lllaH(a)-llHa-IIb-1
The first three prefixes are regional variations; all are used when a future action is
anticipated and often mean "going to." They are more emphatic than Ib-I which is used when it is
assumed that the future action will take place.
In Damascus IraH-I and lIaR-I are used with equal frequency and are interchangeable. In
other dialects IraH-lor IraayiHl are more prevalent. In Lebanese you will also hear Ita-I (from
lHattal as in lta-nsuuf/, "we'll see" or "so we may see."
358 359
1. raH-yinZaH, insalla.
(He will succeed, if God wills.)
2. b-iHaakiik qariiban.
(I'll call you soon.)
3. maa- raH-tID?
(you're not going to come?)
4. maa-b-tiZi?
(Aren't you coming?) (I assume that you are)
5. eemta Ha-nuuSal?
(When are we going to arrive?)
6. raH-dawwir CaIa Hada ysaaCdak.
(I'll find somebody to help you.)
7. raH-ibCat-ilkon nisxa.
(I'm going to send you-p a copy.)
8.
raH-iZi l-candak il-isbuuc z-haye.
(I'll come to see you week.)
9. b-suufak baCdeen.
(I'll see you later.)
360
.
.y...}
t..

M
(..)

l::..d
I.l>
.

10. raH- 'il-lak.
.dJ
(I'll tell you.)
The Prefix Ib-I
Ib-I is also used to express what someone thjnks, knows, or BIl1s. In the "we" form the
Ib-I is usually changed to 1m-I to make pronunciation easier.
1. b-inSaHak innak tinsaaha.

(I advise you to forget her/it-f.)
2. maa-b-aCrif.
t..
(I don't know.)
3. aZunn inni b-aCerfo.

(I think 1know him.)
Ib-I can express general or habjtual actions.
4. b-yis'al cannak kill yoom.
jS"
(He asks about you every day.)
5. daa'iman m-naakol Siini.
jS"t=.. Wb
(We always eat Chinese (food).)
361
6. arbaca w xamsa bi-yiCmlu tisca.

(Four and five make nine.)
7. il-madaaris maa-b-tiftaH bi-I-caTal.
. t.. V"').J.1.\
(The schools don't open during holidays.)
Ib-I can mean "can" or "would" in that it expresses a sense of "possibility."
8. b-tiHki Carabi mniiH.

(You speak Arabic well.)
9. b-ti'der tidfac-li eemta-ma kaan?
t..
(Can you pay me whenever (as soon as) possible?)
10. maa fii sii b-yinCimeL
I -'. to U t..

(There isn't anything that can be done.)
11. b-yiCzbak haz-zaIame.
.aYLb
(You'd like this man.)
12. maa-b-istigil maCe abadan.

a'd never work with him.)
362
The Subjunctive Verb
The subjunctive verb (which expresses not facts but attitudes or one's feelings toward
events) is expressed with the unprefixed imperfect-tense verb. It may be used alone or with
auxiliary words.
The unprefixed verb is used alone for suggestions or to express the wish that something
may happen. It is common in blessings and curses.
1. suu ra'yak inruuH naakol?
YJS'b
(What do you think about us going to eat?)
2. nitmaSS'a swayy?
.

(Shall we walk a little?)
3. tHibb tOO?

(Would you like to come?)
4. alla ywaff' ak.
.' ,I;'.J'!. .ill\
(May God give you success.)
5. tiSbiH Cala xeer.

(Good night (May you be well in the morning).)
6. yislamu ideeki. alla ysallmak.
4U\
(May your-f hands be blessed. God bless you.)
7. alla ysaaCidon.

(May God help them.)
363
The unprefixed verb is used in a few set expressions.
I think... azunn... ...
I beg of you... arzuuk... L!J
I take refuge in God. aCuuZu bi-llaah. ';.J'='I
Usage with auxiliary words is described after the sections on negative and imperative
verbs.
Negation of Verbs
In Syrian and Lebanese the negative of verbs is expressed with the word Imaa-I (or Ima-I
in rapid speech) placed before the verb. This can be considered a prefix or a separate word. In
this course Imaa-I will be hyphenated as a prefIx in the English transcription but written as a
separate word in Arabic, as in MSA.
In Palestinian, Jordanian, and southern Lebanese a prefix- suffix combination Imaa- -sl is
used (as it is in Egyptian, Sudanese, and North African dialects).
When the I-sl suffix is used, vowels are lengthened before the suffix and stress changes,
which makes comprehension much more difficult. Both methods of negation are illustrated here
but only the Syrian form is used in the rest of the course.
Note that I-sl is pronounced I-isl after two consonants to avoid pronouncing three
consonants together.
. In Palestinian and Jordanian the Ima-I is frequently omitted and the negative has only the
I-sl suffix. Because of the stress in these phrases they are easy to recognize. You will also hear
the Imaa-I prefix used alone in these dialects; this is especially common in certain expressions such
as lzamaan maa-suftakl, L. , "I haven't seen you for a long time." The Ima- -sl
negative is not as much used if the verb has pronoun suffixes.
SyrianlLebanese Palestinian/Jordanian
(not on tape)
1. maa-b-acrif. maa-b-acraf-s.
. L. L.
(I don't know.)
364
2. maa-Cirift iZaawib.
. Y.Jt>.-1 ci.r L.
(I didn't know how to answer.)
3. maa-bi-tlaa'i sii bi-s-suu'.
L.
(You don't find anything in the market.)
4. maa-i' dert xalliS.
CoJ.).J.i L.
(I couldn't finish.)
5. maa-riHna.
.b.) L.
(We didn't go.)
6. maa-b-i'der m.
. L.
(I can't come.)
7. maa fii wa'et.
L.
(There's no time.)
8. maa-Zibton maCi.

(I didn't bring them with me.)
365
maa-carift-is daawib.
-carift-is ajaawib. I I. r t..
maa .Y.JL.>." v-
maa-bi-tlaa'fi-s isi bi -s- suu'.
maa-bi-tlaagfi-s isi bi-s- suug.
. L.
maa- 'idirt-is axalliS.
maa-gdirt -is axalliS.
.
maa-ruHnaa-s.
t..
maa-b-a'dar-s aZi.
maa-b-agdar-s aji.
t..
maa-fii-s wa'et.

maa-fi-ss waget. *
.ci.J t..
maa-Zibt-hum-s maCi.
maa-jibt-hum-s maCi.
,,/ "-.>'- t..
I
(base form) (tidros) (V".;..u)
9. rna-Cam-b-yistigil bi-hal-iyyaam. maa- b-yistigil hal-ayyaam.
. . t..
r -.. _. r - _.
(He isn't working these days.)
I
*In Jordanian Ifi -ss wagetl is also common.
I
Sometimes the word IktiirI is inserted between the negative prefix and the verb, as in
Imaa ktiir m-nacrif canna! Io.i ...r.:S t.. , "We don't know much about it. "
I
Commands and Requests (The ImperatiVe)
Commands in LA are very similar to MSA. Commands are formed from the "you" forms
of the imperfect without the It-I prefIX.
I
In Damascus and some parts of Lebanon themascuJine form of the command is irregular
:
I
I
for Form I verbs that are .smmd (not doubled, weak or harnzated). In the masculine form the I ,
!-
second short vowel is lengthened. But the long vowel of the masculine is reduced to a short vowel
I in the feminine and plural: laa! becomes Ia! and all other long vowels become Iii (see examples
f:
below). The quality of these shortened vowels may vary; they have no effect on meaning.
l
The other dialects form the command as in the right-hand column (not on tape). This is
heard more frequently so the irregular command is a distinguishing feature of the Damascus
dialect.
Consistent with the rules of LA pronunciation, short vowels may be lost or vowels and
consonants may be transposed (switched around) before suffixes.
FmDlI50und Verbs
Damascus Other Levantine
(sometimes Lebanese) (not on tape)
(base form) (tiktob)
write-m ktoob
Y#
iktob/iktib/uktub
write-f ktibi iktibi

write-p ktibu iktibu
366
study-m
study-f
study-p
(base form)
open-m
open-f
open-p
(base form)
retum-m
retum-f
retum-p
(base form)
do-m
do-f
do-p
(base form)
hold-m
hold-f
hold-p
(base form)
invite-m
droos
drisi
drusu
(tiftaH)
ftaaH
ftaHi
ftaHu
(tida
C
)
daa
c
daCi
dacu
(taCmil)
Cmeel
Cmool*
Cmili
Cmi.1u
(timsik)
mseek
msook*
msiki
msiku
(tiCzim)
czeem
Czoom*
367

t \>.-.;

(j...:;)

1#

\.,,:L.
(rj&i)

idros/udrus
idrisi
idrisu
iftaH
iftaHi
iftaHu
ida
c
idaCi
idacu
iCmil
iCmili
iCmi.1u
imsik
imsiki
imsiku
iCzim
invite-f czimi iCzimi

invite-p czimu iCzimu
I,.,..:r
(base form) (ti'Cod) (...u.Li)
sit, stay-m Cood

u'cud
sit, stay-f Cidi
4S..JS:. u'cudi
-
sit, stay-p Cidu u'cudu

*The form with 1001 is more common in Lebanese.
In the masculine form the long vowel becomes short when a pronoun suffix is added. see
examples in the sentences below.
1. driso mniiH.

(Study it-m well.)
2. ktib-li awwal-ma b-tuuSal.
l. J,JI trI
(Write to me as soon as you arrive.)
3. dfaa
c
l-maSaari. dfacha.
.4d:J .,:?.)WI t li:J
(Pay the money. Pay it.)
4. mseek haada. msiko.

I
(Hold this-m. Hold it-m.)
I
368 i
5. czeem kill in-naas. czimon.
.V"'t:J1 J5"
(Invite all the people. Invite them.)
Other Form I Verbs
If the Form I verb is doubled, hollow (medial weak), or defective (final weak), it is
formed in a regular way.
If a final-weak verb already ends in I-il the masculine and feminine forms are the same.
put-m HuTT b
put-f HuTTi

put-p HuTTu

bring-m Ziib

bring-f Ziibi

bring-p Ziibu

go-m ruuH

go-f ruuHi

go-p ruuHu Iy>,J.)
say-m 'uul
J;
say-f 'uuli ,,;;
say-p 'uulu
Ii;
forget-m insa

forget-f insi

forget-p insu

369
speak-m iHki

speak-f iHki

speak-p iHku

Initial-harnza verbs lose the first syllable and the masculine form has the vowel 101
lengthened to 100/.
Damascus Other I.eyantine
(base form) (taakol) (JS"l:;)
eat-m kool
J.,,5 kul
eat-f kill kuli

eat-p kilu kulu

(base form) (taaxod) (.l>l:;)
take-m xood xud
take-f xidi xudi

take-p xidu 1 .l> xudu
." ,
Commands from initial-weak verbs start with Iwl and the masculine form has a long
vowel.
Damascus Other Leyaotine
(base form) (tuu'af) (Uiy )
stand up-m w'aaf
wa"if/waggif
stand up-f w'afi

wa" fi/waggfi
stand up-p w'afu
370
l."d-'
wa' 'fu/waggfu
(base form) (tuuSal) (J-y)
arrive-m wSaal ooSal
Jt-."
arrive-f wSali ooSli
rj-."
arrive-p wSalu ooSlu

(base form) (tuuSef)
describe-m wSeef ooSif

wSoof*
describe-f wSifi ooSifi
".;-."
describe-p wSifu
I.,...,."
ooSifu
I
I
*This is Lebanese.
FonuS IT - X Verbs
Verbs from Forms II through X are formed in a regular way from the imperfect-tense
base without person markers.
.
select-m na"i

.
select-f na"i

select-p na"u

help-m saaCid
help-f saacdi

help-p saaCdu
371
go ahead-m tfaDDal

go ahead-f tfaDDali

go ahead-p tfaDDalu Ip
buy-m stira
I.Sr
buy-f stiri
I.S _ ...
_...r
buy-p stirn
I."r
rest-m rtaaH
C
b
.)
rest-f rtaaHi

rest-p rtaaHu l,J>b.)
use-m staCmi1

use-f staCm1i

use-p staCmlu

hurry-m CaHi1

hurry-f CaHli

hurry-p CaHIu

The Verb "to come"
As in MSA, the verb "to come" has an irregular command form. In Syrian the form does
not have a final /11 as in MSA, but there is a final /11 in the other Levantine dialects.
Svrian Other I.evantjne
(not on tape)
come-m taCa w tacaal(a)
Jw
come-f taCi

taCaali
Jw
372
come-p taCu I - taCaalu I}w
.J&I
Other Irre'mlar Commands
give-m CaTa

give-f caTi

give-p caTu

This command form is used as well as Iziibl for "bring." It is a more direct command (as
in "fetch" or "go get") and is less formal. Be careful about using it.
bring-m haat Colt..
bring-f haati -t..
4F
bring-p haatu Iyt..
1. 'il-Ii 'addees Ha"o. *

(Tell-m me how much is its price.)
2. 'ulii-Ii 'addees Ha"o. *

(Tell-f me how much is its price.)
3. dfaa
c
il-faatuura.
.i.)yWI t
(pay the bill.)
373
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ILL-/
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4. xood raaHtak.
(Make yourself comfortable.)
5. drisu druuskon.
(Study-p your lessons.)
6. xalliS sUglak b-sirCa.
(Finish your work quickly.)
7. tfaDDal cood hoon.
(Please-m sit down.)
8. tfaDDali Cidi hoon.
(Please-f sit down.)
!
t
I 9. taCu I-Canna s-saaCa sitte.
r
I
r (Come-p to our house at six.)
I 10. nb-li yyaahon.
I

I
! (Bring them to me.)
!
!
!
!
11. haatis-Jaay.
f

u
t
(Bring the tea.)

l
J

!
i 12. CaTiini waSel, iza mUmkin.
I
I

(Give me a receipt, please.)
f
,
!
374
.L!b.i.) J ,.,>
.;f-.J.)J I.."....,.)J

.c..., I.".:;

''iL.:J\
.;j... 1';1
i
I
13. rafiaCo la-hoon bacdeen.

(Bring it back here later.)
*Note that the short vowel becomes IiI in the masculine form before the 11-1 suffix whereas it
remains luI in the feminine and plural. Another common verb is !Sif-li/, Isufli-li/, ISufuu-li/, "see
for me" (find for me).
Negative Commands
Commands are made negative with the word Ilaa-I (or Ila-I) placed before the
second-person forms of the imperfect verb, as in MSA. This will be hyphenated as a prefix in the
English transcription. Imaa-I is also heard.
In Palestinian and Jordanian the Ima- -sl combination is usually used.
14. laa-truuH la-hiniik. maa-truuH la-hiniik.
."':"" r..J..fi L. r..J..fi
(Don't go-rn there.)
15. laa-t'uul heek. maa-t'uul heek.
J.,,&:; L. . J.,,&:;
(Don't say-m that.)
16. laa-tidfa
c
walaa 'ires.
'J
(Don't pay-m a single piastre.)
17. laa-tiraZcu bi-1-qiTaar.
. 1y>.-..fi
(Don't come back-p by train.)
18. maa-truuHi 'abel-rna txallSi kill sii.
. JS L. "r-.J..fi L.
(Don't leave-f before you've finished everything.)
375
19. maa caleek, laa-txaaf.
":J ,cl.k. t..
(Never mind, don't be afraid.)
Helping Words
There are several invariable words that are used before imperfect-tense verbs.
The Word Ixallj I
This invariable word comes from MSA /xallaal, ,1> "to let." It is most often used with
the "we" form to mean "let's" but sometimes it is used Wl1h other person forms to mean "let him,"
"let her," or "have him, II "have her," etc.
1. xalliina naaxod sarfiis.

(Let's take a "service" taxi.)
2. xalliina nhrrib marra taanye.
i.r
(Let's try again.)
3. xalliih yaaxod maHto.

..; -
(Have him rest/invite him to make himself comfortable.)
4. xalliih yiZi macak.
.cia.

(Have him come with you.)
5. xalliina nCayyid caleehon.
. I.. l.;,J,>
-
(Let's wish them a happy Eid.)
376
The Word Ilaazjrnl
When followed by an unprefixed verb in the imperfect /laaziml means "must," "should,"
or "ought to."
1. laazim insaawi kill sii.
JS' 'oS .":J
W" _,J r..;
(We have to do everything.)
2. laazim izuuro bi-1-mistaSfa.
"i"- tlo! "";,Jjl rj":J
(I have to visit him in the hospital.)
3. laazim inxalliS b-asra
c
wa'et mumkin.
.;f... ci,J t.",......4 rj":J
(We have to finish as soon as possible.)
4. laazim itZarrib ti'ra hal-maqaale.
.4JlAllA rj":J
(You ought to try to read this article.)
5. suu laazim iykuun il-Hall?

(What should the solution be?)
/maa laazim/ means "should not" or "must not. II
6. maa laazim yistigil.
rj":Jt..
(He must not work.)
377
7. maa laazim ti' ru Zaraayid bi-1- maktab.
..l;!lft I
J
? t..
(You-p shouldn't read newspapers in the office.)
/kaan 1aazim! is used to mean past tense "had to" or "should have. II /kaanl is uninflected
and invariable.
8. kaan laazim tib'a bi-1-beet.

_
- -
..
(You should have stayed at home.)
9. kaan laazim iy'il-Ii awwal-ma caref.

(He should have told me as soon as he found out.)
10. maa-kaan laazim inruuH.
rj"i L.
0Ne shouldn't have gone.)
!
I
11. kaan laazim tsaaCid imma.
I
t
.t.,.1
r
(She should have helped her mother.)
;
I

The Words /mumkjnl and lyimkjnl
!
These words are used alone and with verbs to mean "possible," "maybe," or "may. "
I
f.
I

1. mumkin.
.J.....
(It's possible. Maybe.)
I
l 378
r
2. muumumkin.
.J.....y
(It's not possible.)
3. yimkin.

(Maybe.)
4. kill sii mumkin.
.J.....
(Everything is possible.)
5. yimkin maalo daryaan ib-kill sii.

(Maybe he's not aware of everything.)
6. mumkin tHaakiini wa't-ma tuuSal-1ak il-macluumaat?
! }.J.I ..ill J-.Y L. ciJ J.....
(Can you call me when you have the information?)
7. yimkin xaayif.

(Maybe he's afraid.)
The Word l'aaCjdl
This is used to mark a progressive verb and means "is in the process of" doing something.
1. huwwe 'aaCid Cam-bi-y'il-Ii inno muu faaDi.
",I j J*
(He is telling me that he isn't free (to do it).)
2. 'aaCid b-yiDHak caleek.
.
(He's deceiving! making a fool of you.)
379
The phrase Imaa Caadl
This word may be used with or without pronoun suffixes and it is usually used in the
perfect tense (fcaad/, ICaadet/, etc.). It can be followed by an adjective or an unprefixed verb.
1. maa caad cam-yismac kilemti.

(He no longer listens to (obeys) me.)
2. maa caadet isgiira la-titSarraf heek.
. i..;:i- L.
(She's no longer young (enough) to behave like that.)
3. maa Cud fiyyi ictimid caleeh.

(I can no longer depend on him.)
Compound Tenses
These tenses are expressed with various forms of Ikaan, ykuunl, "to be," combined with
verbs and active participles. They often express the perfective tenses in English.
(1)
The perfect of /kaanl imperfect of verb
This construction means "used to."
1. kint suufon kill yoom.
JS"
(I used to see them every day.)
380
2. kinna niZtimi
c
bi-l-'ahwe.
(We used to meet in the coffeehouse.)
3. kaanu yidersu mac baceD.
(They used to study together.)
(2) The perfect of lkaanl jmperfect of verb wjth ICarn -I
This construction means "was doing."
4. kaan cam-yaakollamma wSilna.
(He was eating when we arrived.)
5. kint cam-b-idros lamma rann it-talifoon.
(I was studying when the telephone rang.)
(3) The perfect of lkaanl perfect of verb
This construction means "would have. "
6. lawkint b-aCrif uTbux, kint Cazamtak.
(If I knew how to cook, I would have invited you.)
7. law kaan canna wa'et,. kinna iZiina mackon.
(If we'd had time, we'd have come with you.)
381
M_,:IL ts
.
..J-.! t::;o \yts'
.t.:.I--' u wts'
.wp\::'..> U

..<- - l:..>\ wts' -t
,.r- M' -'
8. law kaanet saaftak, kaanet sallarnet caleek.
(If she'd seen you, she would have greeted you.)
.4k c..;\S }
3. badet tinzal iI-maTar.
(It's starting to rain.)
J?
(4) The imperfect of lkaanl perfect of verb
The verb WaUl "to go on, contjnue"
This construction means "will have done." This is from the MSA word jJ.,. The verb that follows usually has the prefix ICarn- I.
9. min hoon la-tuuSal, b-kuun xallast kill sugli. 4. aHyaanan mi-nDall carn-niHki la-nuSS iI-lee!.
1 .J:UI bl:>1
(By the time you arrive, I will have finished all my work.) (Sometimes we go on talking until midnight.)
10. s-saaCa tmaani mi-nkuun xallaSna ake!. 5. Dallet carn-tibki. .
.JSI u;.. w.;...
(By eight o'clock we will have finished eating.) (She kept on crying.)
6. b-yDall yitSakka.
(' A_. I ..
verb phrases

(He keeps on complaining.)
Some verbs are commonly used, with imperfect verbs following them, in "verb strings. "
These verbs can be in any form but the following verb must be imperfect and unprefixed. The The verb lHaawall "to try"
second verb is usually translated as infinitive in English ("to do," "to be," etc.).
7. Haawalt ittiSiI fUk.
The verbs lbadallbalJaI/"to be.gjn"
j..L;1
(I tried to get in touch with you.)
1. bada yistigil iI-isbuuc l-maaDi.
8. maa-tHaawil tJaggel is-sayyaara marra taanye.
. 1"'-1
;.,;A ; .>l::-J1 J."b.::i L.
(He began to work last week.)
(Don't try to start the car again.)
2. mi-nballis il-akel wa'et-ma l-akel ib-yuuSai.
L. ci."
(We'll start to eat when the food arrives.)
382 383
The Verbs l'ieier! aBsen! "to be able, can"
liHsenl is common in Syrian, not in the other dialects.
9. b-ti'der itsaaCidni?
r .).fir:
(Can you help me?)
10. maa- 'ider yilaa'i I-Iaaric.
t.)L.:J1 L.
(He couldn't find the street.)
11. maa-b-tiHsen it'uul heek.

(You can't say that (for sure).)
12. hayy Haale xaaSSa, maa-b-tiHsen itcammimha.
L.
(This is a special case, you can't generalize it.)
The verb IHabb! "to ljke to"
13. kaan bi-yHibb iyruuH kill yoom.
.r J5' C',;.!
(He liked to go every day.)
14. b-iHibb i'ra w isma
c
muusiiqa b-nafs il-wa'et.
.ci}1 t-'1" 1.}1
(I like to read and listen to music at the same time.)
Other verb Strings
As long as the meaning makes sense any two verbs can be combined in a verb string. The
first verb can be any form and any tense; the second must be the unprefixed subjunctive.
15. xaaf yis'aT bi-I-faReS.

(He was afraid he'd fail the exam.)
16. ttafa'na niZtimi
c
il-isbuu
c
il-z.aaye.
.4JbJl
-' \,.. - .
(We agreed to meet next week.)
17. ttafa'u ynaa'Iu l-mawDuu
c
bacdeen.
\ I
(They agreed to discuss the matter later.)
18. iZiit la-iHki macak.
.1!1-
(I came to talk to you.)
19. nisyet it- 'iI-Ii.

(She forgot to tell me.)
20. bi-I-axiir iDTarreet inni 'il-lha.

(I finally had to tell her.)
21. raH-niDTarr niterko.

(We'll be obIiged to leave him/it-m behind.)
384 385
Listen to these sentences: 9. b-ti'der itCallim muusiiqa?
" " L.,"

(Can you teach music?)
1. Saar-lak mistanni ktiir?
!..r.? ;.:.- clJ)_
10. maa-tSaddi' hal-isaaCaat.
(Have you been waiting a long time?) J:J...:; l.
(Don't believe those rumors.)
2. axadt geer baaS.

11. Cood koolli'me maCna.
(I took a different bUs.) .t.. J.,s'
(Sit and have a bite with us.)
3. laazim yikuunu wiSlu.
.\}-." Iyhrj'i
12. diir baalak Cala Haalak:.
(They must have arrived.) .clJ6- clJlt
(Take care of yourself.)
4. muu Daruuri txabbro 1-yoom.
.r.. # .JA
13. hal- 'uSSa nCarfet bi-1-balad.
(You don't have to inform him today.) ...lUG ci .\
..
(The matter has become known in the country.)
5. maa-nimt imniiH.

14. laazim in'aHill-Cires marra taanye.
(1 didn't sleep well.) V"',.,..J\ rj'i
(We have to postpone the wedding again.)
6. maa-stafaadet min sii.
.t.r'"
..

15. daa'iman bi-yqaamuuhon b-baCeD.
(I didn't benefit from anything.) .J-.H ,jIJy jLA.:!
(They always compare them to each other.)
7. Haawalu yitCaawanu aktar min 'abel.
\}.,,6
16. maa-stareetha la-inni stagleetha.
(They tried to cooperate more than before.) .1'\4");" l. t
(I didn't buy it-f because 1thought it was expensive.)
8. maalna bi-Hade la-msaacade.
l:J1.
17. laazim ibCat-lo iyyaahon.
(We don't need help.) rj'i
(I have to send them to him.)
387 386
18. biddi carrfak cala ahli.
(I want to introduce you to my parents.)
19. laa-tiftikir inni zaclaane minnak.
(Don't think that I'm-f mad at you.)
20. iza candak wa'et, taCa suufna.
(If you have time, come and see us.)
21. suu Cam-bi-ySiir?
(What's happening?)
22. Cam-itDayyiC wa'tak.
(You're wasting your time.)
23. il-waardaat Cam-bi-tziid ca-S-Saadiraat kill sine.
(Imports exceed exports every year.)
24. maa- raH- 'il-lak.
(I'm not going to tell you.)
25. law ni'der insuufhon 'abel-rna ysaafru!
(If only we can see them before they leave!)
26. muu mumkin yikuun SaHiiH.
(That can't be true.)
388
.
. A=,*'j
.l:.! ta:; ,ciJ
.&. ....
r .]-I
.cl:iJ t: ;,; rC
JS' rC c."b.;l.,J\
.d.l 1.0
1.0
L.J.h. ,;;..... JA
27. muu Daruuri.
(It's not necessary.)
28. bala-ma nSayyif ihniik has-sine.
(Let's not spend the summer there this year.)
29. maa fii sii rxiiS bi-s-suu'.
(There's nothing cheap in the market.)
30. nCazamet?
(Were you invited?)
31. biddo yidros Tibb baCed-ma yxalliS.
(He wants to study medicine after he finishes.)
.1$.>J..r4 JA

.J."...J4

1.0
389
DIALOGUES B. eeh, iza mawmud.
.,)
A. da'ii'a la-naadii-10.
Number 1
.41
A. baCd iznikon, biddi ruuH.
Number 3
c..".>i .J.Ia..f
B. lees hal-caZale? lissa fii wa'et, muu heek? (in a taxi)
4-1
A. candi mawCid is-saaca sitte. A. la-ween raayHa?

B. Tayyib, ruuHi w ana b-idfa
c
. B. imsi dugri. halla' liffyamiin Cand it-taqaaToC.
. bl.." ..".; Jl.t .':$..;i;-,)
A. maa-bi-ySiir! ana b-idfa
c
w maa Hada yiHki. A. wbaCdeen?
1..1.> l..." bl l.

B. Tayyib yalla, maaSi 1-Haal, sukran. B. cand il-isaara, wa"if. tfaDDal, xalli I-baa'i.
.\..;...:,
J>
A. b-xaaTirkon. A. alIa yeawwiD caleeki.
.
J,JI
B. alIa maCik. B. sukran.
J,JI
.1";"':'
Number 2
TRANSlATIONS
(on the telephone)
A. alIoo. Number 1
..."Ji
B. alIoo, marHaba. mumkin iHki mac xaaIid? A. With your-p permission, I have to go.

B. Why the hurry? There's still time, isn't there?
A. maalo mawmud. miin bi-yriido?
! .,)y>..,. 4Yl.
A. I have an appointment .at six o'clock.
B. anaaHmad. B. Go and I'll pay.
.J..>I bl
A. No way! I'll pay and nobody say anything.
A. ahleen. bi-tHibb tiHk:i mac Caadil?

B. OK, as you wish, thanks.
A. Goodby.
390 391
i-..l
,
.,.;,'
,.. J

B. God be with you.
Number 2
(on the telephone)
A. Hello.
B. Hello. May I speak to Khalid?
A. He's not here. Who wants him?
B. This is Ahmad.
A. Hello, would you like to speak to Adel?
B. Yes, if he's there.
A. One minute and I'll call him.
:. i .
t. : * i .:..,
Number 3
(in a taxi)
A. Where are you going?
B. Go straight. Now tum left at the intersection.
A. And then?
A. At the traffic light, stop. Here, keep the change.
B. May God compensate you.
A. Thank you.
392
9

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Do Not Remove this

health SiHHa SaHHa

in a hurry mistaCZll mistacZle mistaczliin

10. luu maCnaato Hakyak?

(How much this boy has grown!) (Which one-m is better?)

t> xaamse 4-.t>

to fail (an exam) sa'aT J.ai..., yis'oT to put HaTT, yHoTT

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