← Grammar
Level A2

Adjective Agreement

Learn how Arabic adjectives must agree with the nouns they modify in gender, number, definiteness, and case.

Gender and Definiteness Agreement

In Arabic, adjectives follow the noun they describe and must agree in: 1. Gender (masculine/feminine) 2. Definiteness (definite/indefinite) 3. Case (nominative/accusative/genitive) 4. Number (with special rules) The adjective comes AFTER the noun and must match it: • Masculine noun → masculine adjective • Feminine noun → feminine adjective (add ة) • Definite noun → definite adjective (add ال) • Indefinite noun → indefinite adjective (with tanwin)

وَلَدٌ طَوِيلٌ
waladun tawīlun
a tall boy
Both indefinite, both masculine.
الوَلَدُ الطَّوِيلُ
al-waladu at-tawīlu
the tall boy
Both definite with ال.
بِنْتٌ طَوِيلَةٌ
bintun tawīlatun
a tall girl
Feminine noun → feminine adjective with ة.
البِنْتُ الطَّوِيلَةُ
al-bintu at-tawīlatu
the tall girl
Both definite, both feminine.
سَيَّارَةٌ سَرِيعَةٌ
sayyāratun sarī'atun
a fast car
Feminine noun → feminine adjective.

2 more sections and 4 practice questions

"Adjective Agreement" 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
  • Agreement with Plural Nouns
  • Multiple Adjectives

Free sample lessons stay free forever, and the whole dictionary, root explorer, conjugation tables and review queue are free for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

What is Adjective Agreement in Arabic?

Learn how Arabic adjectives must agree with the nouns they modify in gender, number, definiteness, and case.

How do you use Adjective Agreement in Arabic?

In Arabic, adjectives follow the noun they describe and must agree in: 1. Gender (masculine/feminine) 2. Definiteness (definite/indefinite) 3. Case (nominative/accusative/genitive) 4. Number (with special rules)

What are common examples of Adjective Agreement in Arabic?

Examples from this lesson include "waladun tawīlun" (a tall boy), "al-waladu at-tawīlu" (the tall boy), "bintun tawīlatun" (a tall girl) and "al-bintu at-tawīlatu" (the tall girl).