Understanding Vowel Marks and Diacritical Signs in Arabic Writing
In the Arabic language, vowel marks and other diacritical signs are placed above or below letters to clarify pronunciation and meaning. These include fatha, damma, and kasra (the short vowels), as well as sukลซn. Additional marks are also used, such as tanwฤซn (an added nasal sound), shadda (gemination of a consonant), and the long vowels (alif, wฤw, yฤ').
A small diagonal stroke above the letter, pronounced with the mouth open (a).
A small wฤw above the letter, pronounced with rounded lips (u).
A small diagonal stroke below the letter, pronounced with the mouth pulled downward (i).
A small circle above the letter. Indicates that the consonant is pronounced without a vowel, i.e., with a pause.
Extends the 'a' sound
Extends the 'u' sound
Extends the 'i' sound
Pronounced as if an extra 'n' sound is added to the end of a word, though not written as a separate letter. It occurs in three forms:
A mark placed above the letter to indicate consonant doubling. The first occurrence is with sukoon, the second with a vowel.
A mark placed above alif, representing two consecutive alif sounds (ุฃุฃู). It simplifies pronunciation.
They help ensure proper pronunciation of words and sentences.
They prevent confusion between words that look alike in writing.
Essential in teaching Arabic, especially for children and non-native speakers.
They are an inseparable part of Qur'an recitation and understanding its precise meanings.
Click on the words below to hear their pronunciation and see how diacritical marks affect meaning: