Verb Forms I-V (الأَوْزَان)
Learn the first five of the ten Arabic verb form patterns (أَوْزَان), their characteristic shapes, and how each form modifies the base meaning of the root.
Form I (فَعَلَ) - The Base Form
Form I is the simplest verb form and the base from which all other forms are derived. It consists of just the three root letters with various vowel patterns. Common Form I vowel patterns: • فَعَلَ - فَعِلَ - فَعُلَ (past tense) • يَفْعَلُ - يَفْعِلُ - يَفْعُلُ (present tense) There is no single meaning pattern for Form I - it carries the basic meaning of the root. The voweling of Form I must be memorized for each verb, as it is not predictable. Form I is the most common form and appears in most dictionaries as the base entry.
2 more sections and 5 practice questions
"Verb Forms I-V (الأَوْزَان)" 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.
- Forms II and III - Doubling and Lengthening
- Forms IV and V - Causative and Reflexive
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Frequently asked questions
What is Verb Forms I-V in Arabic?
Learn the first five of the ten Arabic verb form patterns (أَوْزَان), their characteristic shapes, and how each form modifies the base meaning of the root.
How do you use Verb Forms I-V in Arabic?
Form I is the simplest verb form and the base from which all other forms are derived. It consists of just the three root letters with various vowel patterns.
What are common examples of Verb Forms I-V in Arabic?
Examples from this lesson include "kataba - yaktubu" (he wrote - he writes), "'alima - ya'lamu" (he knew - he knows), "kabura - yakburu" (he grew big - he grows big) and "dhahaba - yadhhabu" (he went - he goes).