Plural in Arabic – broken, irregular form

Please note:
The vast majority of Arabic nouns builds its plural with the so called 'broken' (irregular, inner) form.
This irregular plural has the same ending as the singular form, but changes within the word.
That's why we are talking about an irregular form of plural here.

There are approximately 30 different templates to build the broken, irregular plural of Arabic nouns.

If you start out to learn Modern Standard Arabic (MSG), please...

always, always, always (!) if you work on a new noun, find out whether its plural is regular or irregular.
If it is an irregular noun, learn the singular and broken plural form by heart.
always check whether a new adjective or participle you want to acquire is regular or irregular.
If it is irregular, always start by researching and learning both forms.

The following table presents you with some first examples of Arabic nouns with a broken plural.
(Our tip: You could prepare yourself a sheet where you collect irregular nouns.)

Examples for Arabic nouns with a broken form in the plural:
vocalised	not vocalised		vocalised	not vocalised
رَّجُلُ	رجل	man	رِجالٌ	رجال	men
ضَيْفٌ	ضيف	guest	ضُيُوفٌ	ضيوف	guests
كِتابٌ	كتاب	book	كُتُب	كتب	books

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Plural in Arabic – broken, irregular form

Arabic Grammar

Introduction

Articles

Nouns

Adjectives & Adverbs

Verbs

Useful information

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