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Level A2

Present Tense (المُضَارِع)

Learn the present tense conjugation system using prefixes and suffixes, expressing ongoing or habitual actions.

Forming the Present Tense

The present tense (المُضَارِع) in Arabic uses a combination of prefixes and sometimes suffixes added to the verb root. The prefix letters are أ ن ت ي (remembered by the mnemonic word أَنَيْتُ - anaytu). For the basic Form I verb, the present tense pattern is يَفْعَلُ (yaf'alu) or يَفْعِلُ (yaf'ilu) or يَفْعُلُ (yaf'ulu). The middle vowel must be memorized for each verb. The present tense expresses: • Actions happening now (I am writing) • Habitual actions (I write every day) • General truths

يَكْتُبُ
yaktubu
he writes / he is writing
Prefix يَـ (ya-) for third person masculine.
أَكْتُبُ
aktubu
I write / I am writing
Prefix أَ (a-) for first person singular.
نَكْتُبُ
naktubu
we write / we are writing
Prefix نَـ (na-) for first person plural.
تَكْتُبُ
taktubu
you write (m.) / she writes
Prefix تَـ (ta-) for second person and third person feminine.

2 more sections and 4 practice questions

"Present Tense (المُضَارِع)" 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
  • Complete Present Tense Conjugation
  • Common Present Tense Verbs

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Frequently asked questions

What is Present Tense in Arabic?

Learn the present tense conjugation system using prefixes and suffixes, expressing ongoing or habitual actions.

How do you use Present Tense in Arabic?

The present tense (المُضَارِع) in Arabic uses a combination of prefixes and sometimes suffixes added to the verb root. The prefix letters are أ ن ت ي (remembered by the mnemonic word أَنَيْتُ - anaytu).

What are common examples of Present Tense in Arabic?

Examples from this lesson include "yaktubu" (he writes / he is writing), "aktubu" (I write / I am writing), "naktubu" (we write / we are writing) and "taktubu" (you write (m.) / she writes).