Arabic Grammar Terminology

One of the daunting aspects of learning Arabic (in Arabic) can be getting your head around the terms used to analyse language such as ‘noun’, ‘pronoun’, ‘adverb’, ‘relative clauses’ etc. This is called ‘meta-language’. Those who have studied a second language or linguistics will be aware of these terms. 

However, those who have not, may still find knowing the English terminology helpful in order to better understand the terminology in a context they’re familiar with e.g. if you’re not sure what an adverb is, you can look it up and compare sentences with adverbs in your own language with those in Arabic. 

It’s important to keep in mind however, there are some aspects of Arabic grammar non-existent in English so some phrases may only be understood by linguists. 

Here’s a table which can help you understand terminology. 

NOTE: Not understanding these words will NOT prevent you from learning or understanding Arabic grammar. If you’re learning Arabic, your teacher will go through this gradually, and knowing what it is in Arabic is definitely enough. 

Keen to memorise these grammar terms? Click the following link to our flashcards set on Quizlet – so you can learn the words and test yourself. 

Any words not included in the list above? Comment below!