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Nominal Sentences (الجُمْلَة الاسْمِيَّة)

Understand nominal sentences in Arabic, which begin with a noun or pronoun and do not require a verb for 'is/are' in the present tense.

Structure: Subject (المُبْتَدَأ) + Predicate (الخَبَر)

A nominal sentence (الجُمْلَة الاسْمِيَّة) consists of two main parts: 1. المُبْتَدَأ (al-mubtada') - the subject: always a noun or pronoun, always definite. 2. الخَبَر (al-khabar) - the predicate: provides information about the subject, usually indefinite. In Arabic, there is no equivalent of 'is/am/are' in the present tense. The sentence is complete with just a subject and predicate.

الكِتَابُ جَدِيدٌ
al-kitābu jadīdun
The book is new
Subject (definite) + predicate (indefinite). No verb needed.
البَيْتُ كَبِيرٌ
al-baytu kabīrun
The house is big
The 'is' is understood from context.
الطَّالِبُ ذَكِيٌّ
at-tālibu dhakiyyun
The student is smart
Definite subject + indefinite predicate = complete sentence.
هِيَ جَمِيلَةٌ
hiya jamīlatun
She is beautiful
A pronoun can also serve as the subject.

2 more sections and 3 practice questions

"Nominal Sentences (الجُمْلَة الاسْمِيَّة)" is one of 38 grammar lessons in Fahm Premium, each with worked examples and self-checking practice. The first 3 grammar lessons are free to try.

Also in this lesson
  • Definite vs. Indefinite in Sentences
  • Using Pronouns as Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What is Nominal Sentences in Arabic?

Understand nominal sentences in Arabic, which begin with a noun or pronoun and do not require a verb for 'is/are' in the present tense.

How do you use Nominal Sentences in Arabic?

A nominal sentence (الجُمْلَة الاسْمِيَّة) consists of two main parts:

What are common examples of Nominal Sentences in Arabic?

Examples from this lesson include "al-kitābu jadīdun" (The book is new), "al-baytu kabīrun" (The house is big), "at-tālibu dhakiyyun" (The student is smart) and "hiya jamīlatun" (She is beautiful).