What is the imperative tense in Arabic?

The imperative tense in Arabic is a verb form used to express commands, requests, or advice in the second person singular, second person plural, and sometimes the first person plural.

How is the imperative tense formed in Arabic?

The imperative tense is formed by using the base form of the verb without any prefixes or suffixes. The vowel patterns may change depending on the verb's conjugation class.

What are some examples of verbs in the imperative tense in Arabic?

Some examples of verbs in the imperative tense in Arabic include: قُمْ (qum) "stand up", اِقْرَأْ (iqra') "read", and حَضِّرْ (ḥaddir) "prepare".

What is the difference between the imperative tense and the subjunctive and jussive moods in Arabic?

The imperative tense is used to give commands, requests, or advice directly to the listener, while the subjunctive and jussive moods are used to express desired or imagined states or to give commands indirectly.

How does the imperative tense differ between the singular and plural forms in Arabic?

In the singular form, the imperative tense is usually identical to the base form of the verb. In the plural form, the imperative tense typically involves adding a suffix to the base form of the verb.

What are some common expressions that trigger the imperative tense in Arabic?

Some common expressions that trigger the imperative tense in Arabic include: تَكَرَّمْ (takarram) "please", لا تَفْعَلْ (lā taf'al) "don't do", and هَيَّا (hayya) "come on".

How is the imperative tense used in formal versus informal settings in Arabic?

In formal settings, the imperative tense is often replaced by the subjunctive or jussive mood, or by more polite expressions such as "please". In informal settings, the imperative tense is commonly used to give direct commands.

How can I practice using the imperative tense correctly in Arabic?

To practice using the imperative tense correctly in Arabic, it is important to study the grammar rules, practice with examples, and pay attention to the context and tone of the sentence. Working with a native speaker or language tutor can also provide helpful feedback and guidance.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the imperative tense in Arabic?

Common mistakes to avoid when using the imperative tense in Arabic include using the wrong verb conjugation, omitting the appropriate pronoun, or using the wrong tone or register for the situation.

Where can I find more resources to learn about the imperative tense in Arabic?

You can find more resources to learn about the imperative tense in Arabic by consulting Arabic grammar books, taking online courses, or seeking out native speakers or language tutors for guidance and feedback.

Arabic grammar: Intermediate

The imperative tense / الأَمْر

ByTeacher Kiyan-Mehdi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Form I / الوَزْن الأَوّل

The Arabic imperative verb is formed by stripping away the prefix تَـ from the 2nd person jussive and adding a hamzatu l-waṣl.

مُثَنّى (dual)	جمع (plural)	مُفْرَد (singular)	الأَمْر Imperative
اِفْعَلا	اِفْعَلُوا	اِفْعَلْ	المُذَكَّر masc.	المُخاطَب 2nd person
اِفْعَلا	افْعَلْنَ	اِفْعَلِي	المُؤَنَّث fem.	المُخاطَب 2nd person

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Note: The vowel of the hamzatu l-waṣl is a ḍamma if the verb has a ḍamma on the middle root letter, otherwise it is a kasra.

اُدْخُلْ enter!	← الأَمْر Imperative	← دَخَلَ يَدْخُلُ to enter
اِفْتَحْ open!		← فَتَحَ يَفْتَحُ to open
اِجْلِسْ sit!		← جَلَسَ يَجْلِسُ to sit

Augmented forms / الأَوْزان المَزِيدة

For the imperative of augmented forms (الأَوْزان المَزِيدة) the following models will be used:

Example	Corresponding pattern	Form
فَكِّرْ think!	فَعِّلْ	II
حاوِلْ try!	فاعِلْ	III
أَسْلِمْ submit!	أَفْعِلْ	IV
تَكَلَّمْ speak!	تَفَعَّلْ	V
تَداوَلْ trade!	تَفاعَلْ	VI
اِنْحَسِبْ retreat!	اِنْفَعِلْ	VII
اِرْتَجِلْ improvise!	اِفْتَعِلْ	VIII
اِحْمَرِرْ blush!	اِفْعَلِلْ	IX
اِسْتَسْلِمْ surrender!	اِسْتَفْعِلْ	X

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As you progress in your understanding of the Arabic grammar intermediate level, mastering these augmented forms is crucial for effectively using various verb patterns. This knowledge becomes especially important for constructing imperatives, reflexive verbs, and causative actions.

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The imperative tense

Learn how to give commands and express orders in Arabic using the imperative tense. Our comprehensive guide covers the forms, usage, and variations of this important aspect of Arabic grammar. Master the imperative and enhance your communication skills in Arabic today!

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Course Provider Name: ArabiKey

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Form I / الوَزْن الأَوّل

Augmented forms / الأَوْزان المَزِيدة

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The imperative tense

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