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Arabic Basics Textbook

A free, self-paced textbook in 8 chapters. Read a chapter, then drill it with the 206 companion flashcards using spaced repetition.

8 chapters · 206 cards · Updated

Chapters

  1. 1Alphabet, Letters, and Sounds

    The Arabic alphabet contains 28 letters, all of which represent consonants or, in a few cases, long vowels. Short vowels are not part of the alphabet itself but are instead marked...

  2. 2Greetings, Politeness, and Everyday Phrases

    Arabic greetings range from very informal to highly formal, and choosing the right one depends on context. The informal 'hello' is marhaba (مرحبا), which also means 'welcome'. A mo...

  3. 3Family, People, and Relationships

    Family vocabulary is central to Arabic, beginning with the most immediate kin. 'Father' is ab (أب) or al-ab, and 'mother' is umm (أم) or al-umm. Together they form 'ab wa umm', mea...

  4. 4Numbers, Time, and Counting

    The Arabic counting system uses both cardinal numbers and Eastern Arabic numerals, which differ from those used in the West. The numeral for 1 is ١, for 2 is ٢, for 3 is ٣, for 4 i...

  5. 5Food, Drink, and Daily Objects

    Food vocabulary in Arabic reflects everyday life. 'Water' is maa' (ماء), 'tea' is shaay (شاي), 'coffee' is qahwa (قهوة), and 'milk' is Haleeb (حليب). 'Sugar' is sukkar (سكر), often...

  6. 6Verbs, Pronouns, and Grammar Basics

    Arabic verbs appear in several forms, with Form I following the basic pattern fa'ala (فعل) in the past tense. For example, kataba (كتب, to write) becomes katabtu (كتبت) for 'I wrot...

  7. 7Culture, Travel, and Practical Conversations

    Cultural awareness is essential when interacting with Arabic speakers. Hospitality, known as diyafa (ضيافة), is a cornerstone of Arab culture, and offering coffee or tea is a sign...

  8. 8Religion, Colors, Adjectives, and Beyond

    Arabic vocabulary also covers key concepts in religion, time, and description. Ramadan (رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a time of fasting from dawn to suns...

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