Common Verbs in the Arabic Language
Arabic, a rich and expressive language, boasts a wide range of verbs that are essential for everyday communication. Understanding these common verbs is crucial for anyone learning the language, as they form the backbone of most sentences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most frequently used Arabic verbs, their meanings, and how they are used in context.
Al-Dirassa Institute offers an extensive range of online Quran interpretation courses, meticulously designed to cater to both beginners and advanced learners, ensuring that every student gains a profound understanding of the Quran’s messages.
Book your free trial lesson
Don’t want to go through the translation anymore?
30 free minutes with your qualified Egyptian teacher.
Common Verbs in the Arabic Language
كانَ (kāna) – To Be
One of the most fundamental verbs in Arabic, “كانَ” is the equivalent of the English verb “to be.” It is commonly used in past tense to describe a state or condition:
– Example: كان الجو حاراً. (kāna al-jaw ḥāran.) – The weather was hot.
ذهبَ (dhahaba) – To Go
“ذهبَ” is another essential verb, meaning “to go.” It is frequently used to describe movement from one place to another:
– Example: ذهبت إلى السوق. (dhahabtu ilā al-sūq.) – I went to the market.
أكلَ (akala) – To Eat
Eating is a universal human activity, and in Arabic, “أكلَ” is the verb used to describe this action:
– Example: أكلتُ الفطور. (akaltu al-faṭūr.) – I ate breakfast.
شربَ (shariba) – To Drink
Complementing “أكلَ,” the verb “شربَ” is used to describe drinking:
– Example: شربتُ الماء. (sharibtu al-mā’) – I drank water.
رأى (ra’ā) – To See
The verb “رأى” means “to see” and is frequently used in both literal and metaphorical contexts:
– Example: رأيتُ القمر. (ra’aytu al-qamar.) – I saw the moon.
سَمِعَ (sami’a) – To Hear
“سَمِعَ” is the verb used for hearing or listening:
– Example: سَمِعْتُ الخبر. (sami’tu al-khabar.) – I heard the news.
عَرَفَ (ʿarafa) – To Know
Knowledge and recognition are expressed through the verb “عَرَفَ”:
– Example: عرفتُ الجواب. (ʿaraftu al-jawāb.) – I knew the answer.
فعلَ (faʿala) – To Do
The verb “فعلَ” is a versatile verb that can be translated as “to do” or “to make”:
– Example: فعلتُ الواجب. (faʿaltu al-wājib.) – I did the homework.
قالَ (qāla) – To Say
Communication in Arabic often involves the verb “قالَ,” meaning “to say”:
– Example: قالَ الحقيقة. (qāla al-ḥaqīqah.) – He said the truth.
كتبَ (kataba) – To Write
Writing is a key skill, and “كتبَ” is the verb used to describe it:
– Example: كتبتُ رسالة. (katabtu risālah.) – I wrote a letter.
Usage and Conjugation
Arabic verbs conjugate based on the subject (first, second, or third person) and the tense (past, present, or future). For example, the verb “ذهب” (to go) is conjugated as follows in the past tense:
– I went: ذهبتُ (dhahabtu)
– You (m.) went: ذهبتَ (dhahabta)
– He went: ذهبَ (dhahaba)
In the present tense, it conjugates to:
– I go: أذهب (adhhab)
– You (m.) go: تذهب (tadhhab)
– He goes: يذهب (yadhhab)
Conclusion
Mastering common verbs in Arabic is a significant step toward fluency. These verbs are integral to daily conversations and provide the foundation for more complex expressions. Whether you’re just beginning your Arabic journey or looking to refine your skills, focusing on these verbs will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in the language.
Read more: Top 5 Arabic Courses for Adults with Al-Dirassa Institute
Chosen and Trusted by Thousands of Satisfied Learners
Discover the experiences of our delighted clients who have thoroughly enjoyed utilizing this standout feature.
Verified owner
Verified ownerAlhamdulillah I‘m very pleased with the arabic and Qur’an lessons I receive from teacher Umm Tasneem and I‘m also content with the al-dirassa administration team who were very quick in answering any questions I had. In a month I progressed a lot and I cannot wait to continue my studies with al-dirassa. May Allah reward everyone at al-dirassa.
Verified review - view original
Verified owner
Verified ownerMy Qur’an teacher is fantastic, she teaches me in a loving and kind way where I look forward to the lessons and learn so much. My Arabic teacher is equally as nice and has a lot of patience with me, she has great expertise in the field and I’ve progressed really quickly with her. Thank you Al-dirassa!
Verified review - view original
Verified owner