Language Learning

1. باتعلم عربي

   Batʿallim ʿarabi

   I am learning Arabic

   Usage

   Said when introducing yourself; the form is the same for men and women.

   Grammar Note

   bi- + first-person imperfect expresses what you are doing now.

2. الكلمة دي معناها ايه؟

   Il-kilma di maʿnāha ē?

   What does this word mean?

   Usage

   For a word you have just heard.

   Grammar Note

   كلمة is feminine, so the demonstrative is دي.

3. بتقول ده ازاي بالعربي؟

   Bi-tʾūl da izzāy bil-ʿarabi?

   How do you say this in Arabic?

   Usage

   Ask while pointing at something. To a woman say بتقولي.

   Grammar Note

   ب is both the habitual prefix on the verb and "in (a language)" on العربي. A composed sentence with regular grammar.

4. فين اخد دروس عربي؟

   Fēn ākhud durūs ʿarabi?

   Where can I take Arabic lessons?

   Usage

   اخد دروس means "to take lessons".

   Grammar Note

   عربي after a noun names the language. A composed sentence with regular grammar.

5. مش فاهم، ممكن تكتبه؟

   Mish fāhim, mumkin tiktibu?

   I don't understand, could you write it down?

   Usage

   Said by a man; a woman says مش فاهمة, and to a woman say تكتبيه.

   Grammar Note

   مش negates participles and nouns; ممكن + subjunctive makes a request.

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