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Level A1

Gender in Arabic

Learn the masculine and feminine system in Arabic, including the taa marbuta marker and rules for natural vs. grammatical gender.

Masculine and Feminine Nouns

Every noun in Arabic is either masculine (مُذَكَّر) or feminine (مُؤَنَّث). There is no neuter gender. Most feminine nouns are marked with taa marbuta (ة) at the end. However, some nouns are feminine without this marker (natural gender or convention). Default rule: If a noun does NOT end in ة, it is usually masculine.

مُعَلِّم / مُعَلِّمَة
mu'allim / mu'allima
teacher (m.) / teacher (f.)
Adding ة makes the feminine form.
طَالِب / طَالِبَة
tālib / tāliba
student (m.) / student (f.)
Same pattern: add ة for feminine.
طَبِيب / طَبِيبَة
tabīb / tabība
doctor (m.) / doctor (f.)
The taa marbuta is the most common feminine marker.
كَبِير / كَبِيرَة
kabīr / kabīra
big (m.) / big (f.)
Adjectives also change for gender.

2 more sections and 4 practice questions

"Gender in Arabic" 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
  • Taa Marbuta (ة)
  • Feminine Nouns Without Taa Marbuta

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Frequently asked questions

What is Gender in Arabic?

Learn the masculine and feminine system in Arabic, including the taa marbuta marker and rules for natural vs. grammatical gender.

How do you use Gender in Arabic?

Every noun in Arabic is either masculine (مُذَكَّر) or feminine (مُؤَنَّث). There is no neuter gender.

What are common examples of Gender in Arabic?

Examples from this lesson include "mu'allim / mu'allima" (teacher (m.) / teacher (f.)), "tālib / tāliba" (student (m.) / student (f.)), "tabīb / tabība" (doctor (m.) / doctor (f.)) and "kabīr / kabīra" (big (m.) / big (f.)).