Signification
A question to ask about quantity of countable items.
Contexte culturel
When asking about the number of children or family members, it is customary to say 'Ma sha' Allah' after hearing the answer to avoid the 'evil eye'. In daily life, people often replace 'Kam 'adad' with 'Adesh', which is more casual and versatile. Precision in numbers is very important in business contexts in the Gulf, where 'Kam 'adad' is used frequently in reports and meetings. Egyptians might use 'Kam wahed' (How many ones) for people, but 'Kam 'adad' remains the standard for formal education and media.
The Plural Rule
Always remember: Kam 'adad + Plural. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Uncountable Trap
Don't use this for water, sand, or feelings. Use 'Kam' or 'Kamiyya' instead.
Signification
A question to ask about quantity of countable items.
The Plural Rule
Always remember: Kam 'adad + Plural. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Uncountable Trap
Don't use this for water, sand, or feelings. Use 'Kam' or 'Kamiyya' instead.
The Evil Eye
When counting people, especially children, always be ready to say 'Ma sha' Allah'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask 'How many books are there?'
كم ____ الكتب؟
We use 'عدد' (number) to ask 'how many' of a countable noun like books.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to ask about the number of students.
'Kam 'adad' must be followed by a plural noun (الطلاب).
Complete the dialogue at the restaurant.
Host: أهلاً بكم! ____ الأشخاص؟ Customer: نحن خمسة أشخاص.
The host is asking for the number of people in the party.
Match the question to the situation.
Situation: You are at the airport check-in desk.
Bags (حقائب) are countable and relevant to an airport.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Kam vs. Kam 'adad
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesكم ____ الكتب؟
We use 'عدد' (number) to ask 'how many' of a countable noun like books.
Choose the correct way to ask about the number of students.
'Kam 'adad' must be followed by a plural noun (الطلاب).
Host: أهلاً بكم! ____ الأشخاص؟ Customer: نحن خمسة أشخاص.
The host is asking for the number of people in the party.
Situation: You are at the airport check-in desk.
Bags (حقائب) are countable and relevant to an airport.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, use 'Kam al-thaman' or 'Bi-kam'. 'Kam 'adad' is for counting items, not currency value.
Yes, it is slightly more formal and precise. 'Kam' is more common in quick, casual questions.
Because you are asking for the 'number of [items]', and a 'number' implies a group of things.
كم عدد الأشخاص؟ (Kam 'adadu al-ashkhas?)
Only if you are counting hours (e.g., How many hours?). To ask 'What time is it?', use 'Kam al-sa'a?'.
Usually 'Kam wahed' for people or just 'Kam' followed by the noun.
It can be for beginners. Practice it as a deep, constricted 'a' sound from the middle of the throat.
In formal writing, yes (Adadu). In speaking, you can just say 'Adad'.
Yes, 'كم عدد المرات؟' is correct, though 'كم مرة؟' is more common.
Yes, variations of the root 'Adad' and 'Kam' appear frequently regarding the number of years or people.
Expressions liées
كم الثمن؟
similarHow much is the price?
كم الساعة؟
similarWhat time is it?
ما كمية؟
contrastWhat quantity?
كم مرة؟
specialized formHow many times?
بكم؟
similarFor how much?
