Overview
This lecture introduces how to form and use the imperative (command) tense in Arabic to give orders, make requests, or offer advice.
Arabic Verb Tenses
- Arabic has three main tenses: past, present, and imperative (used for commands and requests).
- The imperative is not a future tense but is used to give direct orders or requests.
Forming the Imperative in Arabic
- To form the imperative from the present tense, remove the present tense prefix (usually "y").
- Add "ا" (alif) to the beginning if needed to facilitate pronunciation.
- Check the third letter: if it carries a "damma" (ُ ), the "ا" also takes a damma; otherwise, add "ا" with a kasra (ِ ).
- If the verb has "alif," "waw," or "ya" in the middle after removing the prefix, cut that letter to form the imperative.
- For verbs ending with "alif" and hamza (ء), add "ا" at the start and follow the previous rule.
- If left with "ya" without dots at the end, replace it by adding "ا" at the front and "kassra" to the second letter.
- For verbs longer than three letters, after removing the present prefix, the imperative usually resembles the past tense but with a different suffix.
Examples
- "يدرس" (he studies) becomes "ادرس" (study!).
- "يكنس" (he sweeps) becomes "اكنس" (sweep!).
- "يغسل" (he washes) becomes "اغسل" (wash!).
- "ينام" (he sleeps) becomes "نم" (sleep!).
- "يبدأ" (he starts) becomes "ابدأ" (start!).
- "يرمي" (he throws) becomes "ارمِ" (throw!).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Imperative — The command form of the verb, used to give orders or requests in Arabic.
- Present Tense Prefix — The "y-" or similar letter at the start of present tense verbs, removed to form the imperative.
- Alif (ا) — The first letter often added in imperative forms for pronunciation.
- Damma — A short vowel sign in Arabic written as (ُ), affects the vowel in imperative construction.
- Kasra — A short vowel sign in Arabic written as (ِ), affects the vowel in imperative construction.
- Hamza (ء) — A glottal stop letter in Arabic.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice converting present tense Arabic verbs into their imperative forms.
- Review commonly used daily verbs and their imperative equivalents.