Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 determiner #1,200 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

كَم؟

kam? Top 1,200

At the A1 level, 'Kam' is your primary tool for survival and basic interaction. You will use it to ask for the price of items in a shop (Bikam hadha?), to ask for the time (Kam al-sa'ah?), and to ask simple questions about people's ages (Kam 'umruka?). At this stage, you don't need to worry too much about the complex grammar of case endings, but you should start practicing the habit of following 'Kam' with a singular noun. For example, instead of saying 'How many children?', you will learn 'Kam walad?'. This level focuses on the most common, everyday phrases that allow you to navigate a market or a basic introduction. You will also learn to recognize 'Kam' in listening exercises when someone asks you for your phone number or the number of people in your family. It is one of the first ten interrogative words every Arabic student learns because of its immediate practical utility.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'Kam' to include more varied contexts such as travel and daily routines. You will learn to ask about distances (Kam tab'udu...?), durations (Kam sa'atan tanamu?), and frequencies (Kam marratan fi al-usbu'?). The grammatical rule of the singular indefinite accusative noun (Tamiyiz) becomes more important here. You will practice adding the 'an' sound at the end of the noun, such as 'Kam kitaban' or 'Kam yaman'. You will also start to distinguish between 'Kam' as a question and the beginning of more complex sentences. A2 learners should be able to handle basic transactions involving multiple items and understand the difference between 'Kam' (quantity) and 'Bikam' (price). You will also use 'Kam' to talk about your hobbies, such as 'How many hours do you practice?', and your education, such as 'How many classes do you have today?'.

By the B1 level, you are expected to use 'Kam' with greater grammatical accuracy and in more abstract discussions. You will move beyond simple physical counts to asking about measurements, weights, and more complex social statistics. You will also be introduced to the 'Exclamatory Kam' (Kam al-Khabbariyyah), which is used to express 'How many!' or 'So many!' in a non-question format. For example, 'Kam min marratin...' (How many times...). At this level, you should be comfortable using 'Kam' in both Modern Standard Arabic and recognizing its variations in at least one major dialect. You will also learn to use 'Kam' in subordinate clauses and more complex sentence structures, such as 'I don't know how many people were there'. Your understanding of the 'Tamiyiz' should be solid, and you should rarely make the mistake of using a plural noun after the interrogative 'Kam'.

At the B2 level, your use of 'Kam' becomes more nuanced and stylistically varied. You will explore its use in media, news reports, and literature. You will learn how 'Kam' is used to frame rhetorical questions in political or social debates. You will also delve deeper into the classical 'Exclamatory Kam' and its different grammatical forms, such as when it is followed by a genitive noun or the preposition 'min'. B2 learners should be able to appreciate the rhythmic and emotional impact of 'Kam' in poetry and formal speeches. You will also learn more specialized synonyms like 'Ma miqdaru' or 'Ayya 'adadin' and know exactly when to use them instead of 'Kam' to sound more precise or professional. Your ability to switch between the interrogative and exclamatory functions of the word should be fluid, allowing you to express both curiosity and emphasis effectively.

At the C1 level, you are mastering the linguistic subtleties of 'Kam'. You will study its use in classical texts, including the Quran and pre-Islamic poetry, where 'Kam' often carries profound philosophical or emotional weight. You will understand the historical development of the word and its relationship to other Semitic interrogatives. Your grammatical precision will be near-native, correctly applying the rules of 'Tamiyiz' even in the most complex and inverted sentence structures. You will also be able to use 'Kam' to construct sophisticated arguments, using it rhetorically to highlight the scale of a problem or the frequency of an occurrence. At this level, you can also navigate the most subtle dialectal shifts in how 'Kam' is used across the entire Arab world, from Morocco to Iraq, understanding the cultural nuances that dictate its use in different social strata.

At the C2 level, you possess a complete and intuitive command of 'Kam' in all its forms—archaic, classical, modern standard, and colloquial. You can use it with the same versatility as a native scholar, employing it in creative writing, academic research, and high-level oratory. You understand the deepest grammatical debates surrounding the 'Tamiyiz' and the various interpretations of 'Kam' in classical exegesis. You can play with the word's dual nature as both a question and an exclamation to create double meanings or stylistic flair in your speech and writing. Your mastery allows you to use 'Kam' to evoke specific historical or literary registers, and you can effortlessly explain its nuances to other learners. At this stage, 'Kam' is not just a word you use; it is a tool you wield with precision and artistry to express the full range of human inquiry and wonder.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

كَم؟ en 30 secondes

Kam means 'How many' or 'How much' and is the primary way to ask about quantity in Arabic.
It is always followed by a singular noun in questions, even if you expect a plural answer.
When asking for a price, you usually add the preposition 'bi' to make it 'Bikam?'.
It can also be used as an exclamation to mean 'So many!' in formal or poetic contexts.

The Arabic word كَم (Kam) is a fundamental interrogative particle used to inquire about quantity, number, or degree. In English, it translates most directly to "How many?" when referring to countable items and "How much?" when referring to uncountable quantities or prices. However, its utility in Arabic extends beyond simple questioning; it serves as a cornerstone for navigating daily transactions, time management, and social inquiries. Understanding Kam is essential for any learner because it dictates the grammatical case of the noun that follows it, a concept known as the Tamiyiz (specification).

Interrogative Kam (Kam al-Istifhamiyyah): This is the most common form used to ask a direct question seeking a specific numerical answer. It is followed by a singular, indefinite noun in the accusative case (Mansub).
Exclamatory Kam (Kam al-Khabbariyyah): Used to express a large, indefinite quantity, similar to saying "How many times have I told you!" or "So many..." in English. It is often followed by a noun in the genitive case (Majrur) or the preposition 'min'.

كَم كِتَاباً قَرَأْتَ اليَوْمَ؟ (Kam kitaban qara'ta al-yawm?) - How many books did you read today?

In the marketplace, Kam is the primary tool for haggling and price checking. When preceded by the preposition 'bi' (with/for), it becomes بِكَم؟ (Bikam?), meaning "For how much?" or "How much is this?". This is perhaps the most frequent phrase a traveler will use in an Arab souq. The word is also central to asking the time: Kam al-sa'ah? (What time is it?, literally: How much is the hour?).

بِكَم هَذَا القَمِيصُ؟ (Bikam hadha al-qamis?) - How much is this shirt?

Beyond physical objects, Kam is used to ask about age: Kam 'umruka? (How old are you?, literally: How much is your age?). It is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between basic counting and complex abstract inquiries. In classical literature, Kam often appears in poetry to lament the passage of time or the vastness of a hero's deeds, showcasing its emotional range from a simple shopkeeper's query to a philosopher's reflection on the infinite.

The grammatical structure of sentences using كَم (Kam) is a defining feature of Arabic syntax. To use it correctly, one must master the relationship between the interrogative particle and the noun it modifies, known as the Tamiyiz. Unlike English, where we say "How many books" (plural), Arabic uses the singular form: Kam kitaban. This singular noun must be indefinite and in the accusative case, typically ending with the fathatayn (double fatha).

Direct Quantity Questions: Structure: Kam + [Singular Indefinite Accusative Noun] + Verb/Subject. Example: كَم لَاعِباً فِي الفَرِيقِ؟ (How many players are in the team?)
Price and Value: Structure: Bikam + [Noun/Pronoun]. Example: بِكَم التَّذْكِرَةُ؟ (How much is the ticket?)

كَم مَرَّةً زُرْتَ مِصْرَ؟ (Kam marratan zurta Misr?) - How many times have you visited Egypt?

When using Kam for time, the noun al-sa'ah (the hour) is usually definite because you are asking about the specific current time. However, if you are asking about duration, you revert to the indefinite singular: Kam sa'atan? (How many hours?). This distinction is vital for clear communication. Furthermore, in formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the case endings are strictly observed, whereas in dialects, the final vowels are often dropped, though the singular noun rule remains remarkably consistent across the Arab world.

كَم طَالِباً حَضَرَ المُحَاضَرَةَ؟ (Kam taliban hadara al-muhadarah?) - How many students attended the lecture?

Advanced usage involves the exclamatory Kam. Here, the noun is often preceded by min (from/of), creating a sense of "So many of...". For example, Kam min nabiin... (How many a prophet...). This structure is frequent in the Quran and classical poetry to emphasize abundance or frequency rather than seeking a numerical answer. Mastering both the interrogative and exclamatory forms allows a speaker to transition from basic functional Arabic to expressive, nuanced communication.

In the vibrant daily life of the Arab world, كَم (Kam) is ubiquitous. You will hear it the moment you step into a taxi, enter a grocery store, or meet a new acquaintance. It is the heartbeat of social and commercial interaction. In the Levant, Egypt, or the Gulf, while the pronunciation might vary slightly (sometimes the 'K' is softer or the 'm' is held longer), the function remains identical. It is the primary tool for navigating the complexities of a culture that values negotiation and social connection.

The Marketplace (As-Souq): "Bikam hadha?" is the opening line of almost every transaction. You'll hear vendors responding with prices, and customers using 'Kam' to ask about weights: "Kam kilu?" (How many kilos?).
Social Gatherings: When meeting families, people often ask "Kam waladan ladayk?" (How many children do you have?) or "Kam sanah ishta fī hadhihi al-madinah?" (How many years have you lived in this city?).

كَم السَّاعَةُ الآنَ؟ (Kam al-sa'atu al-an?) - What time is it now?

In educational settings, teachers use Kam to quiz students: "Kam harfan fi al-lugha al-Arabiyyah?" (How many letters are in the Arabic language?). In news broadcasts, anchors use it to report statistics: "Kam 'adad al-dahaya?" (How many is the number of victims?). It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the monumental. Even in modern technology, you'll see it on social media apps asking "Kam mutabi'?" (How many followers?).

كَم تَبْعُدُ المَدِينَةُ عَن هُنَا؟ (Kam tab'udu al-madinatu 'an huna?) - How far is the city from here?

Finally, the exclamatory use is heard in religious sermons or emotional speeches. A speaker might cry out, "Kam min marratin nasayna fadla Allah!" (How many times have we forgotten God's grace!). This usage shifts the word from a data-gathering tool to a rhetorical device intended to evoke reflection and humility. Whether you are buying bread or listening to a Friday khutbah, Kam is an ever-present element of the linguistic landscape.

For English speakers, the most frequent error when using كَم (Kam) is the tendency to use a plural noun after it. In English, we say "How many books?" (plural), but in Arabic, the rule is strictly singular: Kam kitaban?. Using the plural kutub is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake and can make the sentence sound fragmented or grammatically incorrect to a native speaker.

The Plural Trap: Mistake: *Kam kutub? Correct: Kam kitaban? (Always use the singular indefinite form for questions).
Ignoring the Case Ending: Mistake: *Kam kitabu? Correct: Kam kitaban? (The noun must be in the accusative/mansub case with fathatayn).

كَم مَرَّةً (Correct) vs كَم مَرَّات (Incorrect) Grammar Rule

Another common confusion arises between Kam (How many) and Kayfa (How). Learners often mix these up when asking about quality versus quantity. For instance, asking "Kam haluka?" is incorrect; the correct question is "Kayfa haluka?" (How are you?). Similarly, learners sometimes forget to add the preposition 'bi' when asking for prices, saying "Kam hadha?" instead of the more natural "Bikam hadha?". While "Kam hadha?" is understood, it sounds less idiomatic.

بِكَم هَذَا؟ (Correct for price) vs كَم هَذَا؟ (Less idiomatic) Usage Tip

Finally, the placement of Kam in a sentence is usually at the beginning. Attempting to place it elsewhere, as one might do in some English sentence structures, will lead to confusion. For example, "You have how many books?" must be restructured to "How many books you have?" (Kam kitaban ladayk?). Keeping the interrogative at the forefront is a standard rule in Arabic that helps listeners immediately identify the sentence as a question.

While كَم (Kam) is the most direct way to ask "How many" or "How much," Arabic offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the inquiry. Understanding these synonyms helps in developing a more sophisticated vocabulary and recognizing different registers of speech, from street slang to academic discourse.

أيُّ عَدَدٍ (Ayya 'adadin): Meaning "Which number?" or "What number of...?". This is more formal and specific than Kam. It is used when asking for a precise count in technical or mathematical contexts.
مَا مِقْدَارُ (Ma miqdaru): Meaning "What is the amount/extent of...?". This is used for uncountable quantities like effort, love, or liquid volume. Example: Ma miqdaru al-ma'? (What is the amount of water?).

مَا هُوَ عَدَدُ السُكَّانِ؟ (Ma huwa 'adadu al-sukkan?) - What is the number of the population?

In many dialects, Kam remains the king, but you might hear variations like Addaysh (Levantine) or Gaddish (Gulf/Sudanese) when asking about price or quantity. These are direct colloquial descendants of the phrase Ayya shay' (Which thing) or Qadra ayya shay' (The extent of which thing). While Kam is understood everywhere, using these dialectal forms can help you blend in more naturally in specific regions.

كَمِيَّة (Kammiyya) - Quantity. Related Word

Lastly, for exclamatory purposes, one might use Ya lahu min... (What a...!). For example, "Ya lahu min 'adadin kabir!" (What a large number!). However, the exclamatory Kam remains the most poetic and classical way to express abundance. By comparing Kam with Ma 'adad or Ma thaman (What is the price), a learner can see that Kam is the most efficient and versatile tool in the Arabic interrogative toolbox.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"كَم عَدَدُ السُكَّانِ فِي هَذِهِ المَدِينَةِ؟"

Neutre

"كَم كِتَاباً قَرَأْتَ؟"

Informel

"بِكَم هَذَا؟"

Child friendly

"كَم لُعْبَةً عِنْدَكَ؟"

Argot

"قَدِيش؟"

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'Kam' is so stable that it has remained virtually unchanged for over 1,500 years, appearing in the earliest pre-Islamic poetry with the same meaning it has in modern text messages.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kæm/

US /kæm/

The stress is on the single syllable 'Kam'.

Rime avec

Nam (Slept) Dam (Blood) Fam (Mouth - archaic) Amm (Uncle) Thamm (There - archaic) Gham (Grief) Tam (Complete) Samm (Poison)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like 'calm' with a long 'a'. It should be short.
Adding an extra vowel at the end (e.g., 'Kama').
Not closing the 'm' sound clearly.
Confusing the 'k' (ك) with a deeper 'q' (ق) sound.
Mumbling the word so it sounds like 'kan'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize; only two letters.

Écriture 1/5

Simple to write, but remember the 'an' ending on the following noun.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to say, but requires thinking in singular instead of plural.

Écoute 1/5

Distinct sound that is easy to pick out in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Ma (What) Man (Who) Ayna (Where) Mata (When) Kayfa (How)

Apprends ensuite

Adad (Numbers 1-10) Thaman (Price) Sa'ah (Time) Marratan (Frequency) Tamiyiz (Grammar rule)

Avancé

Kam al-Khabbariyyah Kammiyya Miqdar I'rab of Kam Classical Poetry usage

Grammaire à connaître

Tamiyiz (Specification)

كَم كِتَاباً (Kitaban is the Tamiyiz).

Accusative Case (Nasb)

The noun after Kam must end in fathatayn.

Singular Noun Rule

Use 'waladan' (boy) not 'awladan' (boys) after Kam.

Prepositional Influence

Bikam can be followed by a genitive or accusative noun.

Exclamatory Structure

Kam + min + Genitive Noun for exclamations.

Exemples par niveau

كَم السَّاعَةُ؟

What time is it?

Kam is used here with a definite noun to ask for the current time.

بِكَم هَذَا الكِتَابُ؟

How much is this book?

The preposition 'bi' is added to ask for the price.

كَم وَلَداً عِنْدَكَ؟

How many children do you have?

Note the singular noun 'waladan' (boy/child) after Kam.

كَم عُمْرُكَ؟

How old are you?

Literally: 'How much is your age?'

كَم قَلَماً هُنَا؟

How many pens are here?

Singular accusative noun 'qalaman'.

كَم مَوْزَةً تُرِيدُ؟

How many bananas do you want?

Singular 'mawzatan' is used even if the answer is plural.

كَم غُرْفَةً فِي البَيْتِ؟

How many rooms are in the house?

Asking about the quantity of rooms.

كَم يَوْماً فِي الأُسْبُوعِ؟

How many days are in the week?

A factual question about quantity.

كَم مَرَّةً تَأْكُلُ فِي اليَوْمِ؟

How many times do you eat in a day?

Asking about frequency.

كَم كِيلُومِتْراً تَبْعُدُ المَدْرَسَةُ؟

How many kilometers away is the school?

Asking about distance using a specific unit.

كَم سَاعَةً تَنَامُ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ؟

How many hours do you sleep every night?

Asking about duration.

كَم لُغَةً تَتَحَدَّثُ؟

How many languages do you speak?

Singular 'lughatan' follows Kam.

كَم طَالِباً فِي صَفِّكَ؟

How many students are in your class?

Standard interrogative structure.

كَم ثَمَنُ هَذِهِ السَّيَّارَةِ؟

How much is the price of this car?

Using 'thaman' (price) with Kam.

كَم مَدِينَةً زُرْتَ فِي حَيَاتِكَ؟

How many cities have you visited in your life?

Past tense verb with Kam.

كَم دَرَجَةَ الحَرَارَةِ اليَوْمَ؟

What is the temperature today?

Asking about a numerical value.

كَم لَاعِباً يَحْتَاجُ فَرِيقُ كُرَةِ القَدَمِ؟

How many players does a football team need?

Asking about requirements.

كَم مِنَ الوَقْتِ سَنَنْتَظِرُ؟

How much time will we wait?

Using 'min' with Kam for time.

كَم كِتَاباً قَرَأْتَ هَذَا الشَّهْرَ؟

How many books have you read this month?

Reviewing past actions.

كَم مِقْدَارُ السُكَّرِ فِي هَذَا الكَيْكِ؟

How much is the amount of sugar in this cake?

Using 'miqdar' for uncountable quantity.

كَم كَلِفَتْكَ هَذِهِ الرِّحْلَةُ؟

How much did this trip cost you?

Verb 'kalafa' (to cost) used with Kam.

كَم عَدَدُ سُكَّانِ العَالَمِ الآنَ؟

What is the world population now?

Asking for a large statistic.

كَم نَوْعاً مِنَ الفَوَاكِهِ هُنَا؟

How many types of fruit are here?

Asking about categories.

كَم مَرَّةً يَجِبُ أَنْ أَتَدَرَّبَ؟

How many times should I practice?

Asking for advice on frequency.

كَم مِن عَالِمٍ ضَحَّى بِحَيَاتِهِ لِلْعِلْمِ!

How many a scientist has sacrificed his life for science!

Exclamatory Kam (Kam al-Khabbariyyah).

كَم نِسْبَةُ النَّجَاحِ فِي هَذَا المَشْرُوعِ؟

What is the success rate in this project?

Asking about percentages.

كَم لَبِثْتُمْ فِي هَذِهِ الأَرْضِ؟

How long did you stay in this land?

Classical phrasing for duration.

كَم مَبْلَغاً تَمَّ اسْتِثْمَارُهُ؟

How much amount was invested?

Formal financial inquiry.

كَم مَسَافَةً يَقْطَعُ الضَّوْءُ فِي الثَّانِيَةِ؟

How much distance does light travel in a second?

Scientific inquiry.

كَم مِن جُهْدٍ بُذِلَ لِتَحْقِيقِ هَذَا؟

How much effort was exerted to achieve this?

Exclamatory use for abstract effort.

كَم عَدَدُ الدُّوَلِ المُشَارِكَةِ فِي القِمَّةِ؟

How many is the number of countries participating in the summit?

Political reporting context.

كَم كَانَ عَدَدُ الحُضُورِ فِي الحَفْلِ؟

How many was the number of attendees at the concert?

Past tense with a complex subject.

كَم قَصِيدَةً حَفِظْتَ لِلْمُتَنَبِّي؟

How many poems by Al-Mutanabbi have you memorized?

Literary context.

كَم مِن فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِيرَةً بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ.

How many a small group has overcome a large group by God's permission.

Quranic exclamatory Kam.

كَم تَبْلُغُ مِيزَانِيَّةُ التَّعْلِيمِ هَذَا العَامَ؟

How much does the education budget amount to this year?

Formal economic terminology.

كَم هِيَ عَمِيقَةٌ جِرَاحُ المَاضِي!

How deep are the wounds of the past!

Poetic exclamation.

كَم تَقْتَضِي هَذِهِ المَسْأَلَةُ مِنَ الوَقْتِ؟

How much time does this issue require?

Formal legal/logical inquiry.

كَم مِن مَرَّةٍ حَذَّرْتُكَ وَلَم تَسْتَمِع؟

How many times have I warned you and you didn't listen?

Rhetorical exclamatory use.

كَم بَلَغَتْ أَرْبَاحُ الشَّرِكَةِ فِي الرُّبْعِ الأَوَّلِ؟

How much did the company's profits reach in the first quarter?

Corporate reporting.

كَم يَبْلُغُ عُمْقُ المُحِيطِ فِي هَذِهِ النُّقْطَةِ؟

How much is the depth of the ocean at this point?

Scientific measurement.

كَم تَرَكَ الأَوَّلُ لِلآخِرِ مِن عِلْمٍ وَحِكْمَةٍ!

How much the predecessors left for the successors of knowledge and wisdom!

Philosophical exclamation.

كَم هِيَ وَاهِيَةٌ تِلْكَ الحُجَجُ الَّتِي سَاقَهَا!

How flimsy are those arguments he presented!

Advanced rhetorical criticism.

كَم مِن دِمَاءٍ سُفِكَتْ فِي سَبِيلِ الحُرِّيَّةِ!

How much blood has been shed for the sake of freedom!

Historical/Political exclamation.

كَم تَتَجَلَّى عَظَمَةُ الخَالِقِ فِي الكَوْنِ!

How much the Creator's greatness is manifested in the universe!

Theological reflection.

كَم بَيْنَ الثَّرَى وَالثُّرَيَّا!

How much difference there is between the moist earth and the Pleiades!

Classical idiom for vast difference.

كَم يُكَابِدُ المَرْءُ فِي سَبِيلِ لُقْمَةِ العَيْشِ!

How much a person suffers for the sake of a livelihood!

Societal reflection.

كَم هِيَ قَاسِيَةٌ لَحَظَاتُ الوَدَاعِ!

How harsh are the moments of farewell!

Emotional poetic expression.

كَم تَبَدَّلَتِ الأَحْوَالُ مُنْذُ ذَلِكَ الحِينِ!

How much conditions have changed since then!

Temporal reflection.

Collocations courantes

كَم السَّاعَةُ؟

بِكَم هَذَا؟

كَم عُمْرُكَ؟

كَم مَرَّةً؟

كَم عَدَدُ؟

كَم مَبْلَغُ؟

كَم مَسَافَةُ؟

كَم لَيْلَةً؟

كَم مِنَ الوَقْتِ؟

كَم كِيلُو؟

Phrases Courantes

كَم لَبِثْتَ؟

كَم وَكَم!

بِكَم الحِسَابُ؟

كَم نَحْنُ اليَوْمَ؟

كَم هُوَ جَمِيلٌ!

كَم تَبْعُدُ؟

كَم يُسَاوِي؟

كَم كَانَ؟

كَم بَقِيَ؟

كَم تُرِيدُ؟

Souvent confondu avec

كَم؟ vs Kayfa

Kayfa means 'How' (quality), while Kam means 'How much' (quantity).

كَم؟ vs Kamal

Kamal means 'Perfection' and is a name; it sounds similar but is unrelated.

كَم؟ vs Kama

Kama means 'As' or 'Like', used for comparisons.

Expressions idiomatiques

"كَم بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ"

A huge difference. Literally: 'How much is between the sky and the earth'.

الفَرْقُ بَيْنَهُمَا كَم بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ.

Literary

"كَم مَرَّةً عَلَيَّ أَنْ أَقُولَ؟"

How many times do I have to say? Expressing frustration.

كَم مَرَّةً عَلَيَّ أَنْ أَقُولَ لَكَ نَظِّف غُرْفَتَكَ؟

Informal

"كَم مِن فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ"

Refers to the idea that quality or faith matters more than quantity.

تَذَكَّرُوا أَنَّهُ كَم مِن فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ كَثِيرَةً.

Religious/Classical

"كَم لَبِثْتُمْ؟"

A rhetorical way to ask about the passage of time, often implying it was short.

قَالُوا كَم لَبِثْتُمْ؟ قَالُوا لَبِثْنَا يَوْماً أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ.

Classical

"كَم هُوَ مِسْكِينٌ!"

How poor/pitiful he is! Used to express deep sympathy.

كَم هُوَ مِسْكِينٌ ذَلِكَ الرَّجُلُ!

Neutral

"كَم لَكَ عِنْدِي؟"

How much do I owe you? Literally: 'How much for you with me?'.

يَا صَدِيقِي، كَم لَكَ عِنْدِي مِنَ المَالِ؟

Informal

"كَم أَنْتَ رَائِعٌ!"

How wonderful you are! A high compliment.

يَا لَكَ مِن صَدِيقٍ، كَم أَنْتَ رَائِعٌ!

Neutral

"كَم تَمَنَّيْتُ ذَلِكَ!"

How much I wished for that! Expressing deep desire.

كَم تَمَنَّيْتُ أَنْ أَزُورَ القُدْسَ!

Neutral

"كَم هِيَ الدُّنْيَا صَغِيرَةٌ!"

What a small world! Used when meeting someone unexpectedly.

أَنْتَ هُنَا؟ كَم هِيَ الدُّنْيَا صَغِيرَةٌ!

Informal

"كَم وَكَم مِنَ المَصَاعِبِ"

Countless difficulties.

وَاجَهْنَا كَم وَكَم مِنَ المَصَاعِبِ لِنَصِلَ إِلَى هُنَا.

Formal

Facile à confondre

كَم؟ vs كَمَا

Similar spelling and sound.

Kama is a conjunction meaning 'as', while Kam is an interrogative particle.

افْعَل كَمَا أَفْعَلُ. (Do as I do.)

كَم؟ vs كُلّ

Both deal with quantities.

Kull means 'all' or 'every', while Kam asks 'how many'.

كُلُّ الطُّلَّابِ هُنَا. (All students are here.)

كَم؟ vs كَيْفَ

Both are interrogatives starting with 'K'.

Kayfa asks about the manner or state, Kam asks about the number.

كَيْفَ حَالُكَ؟ (How are you?)

كَم؟ vs كَمَلَ

Same root letters in a different order or form.

Kamala is a verb meaning 'to be complete'.

كَمَلَ العَمَلُ. (The work was completed.)

كَم؟ vs قَمّ

Phonetically similar to non-natives.

Qamm is not a common word, but the 'Q' sound is different from 'K'.

N/A

Structures de phrases

Kam + Noun?

Kam walad?

Bikam + Noun?

Bikam hadha?

Kam + Noun-an + Verb?

Kam kitaban qara'ta?

Kam + Noun-an + ladayka?

Kam akh-an ladayka?

Kam min + Noun-in + Verb!

Kam min marratin qultu!

Kam + Verb + Subject?

Kam yublighu adadu al-sukkan?

Kam + Adjective + Subject!

Kam hiya qasiya al-hayat!

Kam + Noun-in + Verb!

Kam kutubin qara'tu!

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely frequent in all forms of Arabic.

Erreurs courantes

Kam kutub? → Kam kitaban?
Using the plural 'kutub' instead of the singular 'kitaban'.
Kam al-thaman hadha? → Bikam hadha?
While 'Kam al-thaman' is correct, 'Bikam' is more idiomatic for asking 'How much is this?'.
Kam haluka? → Kayfa haluka?
Confusing 'Kam' (quantity) with 'Kayfa' (state/manner).
Kam sa'ah? → Kam al-sa'ah?
Forgetting the definite article 'al-' when asking for the current time.
Kam yaman? → Kam yawman?
Misspelling the 'an' ending by omitting the Alif.

Astuces

The Singular Rule

Never use a plural noun after 'Kam' in a question. Even if you are looking at a hundred cars, ask 'Kam sayyaratan?' (How many car?).

Haggling with Bikam

When you ask 'Bikam?', be prepared for a higher price. It's the start of a friendly negotiation in many Arab markets.

Short and Sweet

Keep the 'a' in 'Kam' short. If you lengthen it, it might sound like another word or just unnatural.

The Alif Tanween

When writing the noun after 'Kam', remember to add the Alif at the end for the double fatha (e.g., يوماً).

Time is Kam

Unlike English 'What time is it?', Arabic uses 'How much is the hour?'. This is a key cultural difference in phrasing.

Exclamatory Nuance

If you hear 'Kam min...', it's almost always an exclamation of 'How many!' rather than a question.

Related Roots

Learn 'Kammiyya' (Quantity) alongside 'Kam' to see how Arabic builds nouns from particles.

Rising Tone

Arabic questions often rely on intonation. Listen for the rise at the end of 'Kam' sentences.

Regional Variations

In Egypt, 'Kam' is standard, but in the Levant, 'Addaysh' is very common for prices. Knowing both is helpful.

The 'Kount' Mnemonic

Associate 'Kam' with 'Count'. Both start with the 'K' sound and deal with numbers.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the English word 'Amount'. Both have an 'm' in the middle. Kam = 'Kount' the Amount.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant question mark made of coins. The word 'Kam' is written on each coin.

Word Web

Kam Bikam Kammiyya Adad Thaman Marratan Sa'ah Umr

Défi

Try to go through your day and ask 'Kam' for everything you see: Kam kitaban? Kam kursiyyan? Kam tiffahatan?

Origine du mot

The word 'Kam' originates from the Proto-Semitic interrogative root 'k-m', which is shared across many Semitic languages to denote quantity or 'how much'.

Sens originel : In its earliest forms, it was a simple particle used to inquire about the magnitude or number of objects.

Afroasiatic -> Semitic -> Central Semitic -> Arabic.

Contexte culturel

Avoid asking 'Kam' about personal income or private family matters in formal first-time meetings.

English speakers often struggle with the singular noun rule because 'How many' always takes a plural in English.

Quranic verse: 'Kam min fi'atin qalilatin...' Poem by Al-Mutanabbi using exclamatory Kam. Modern song 'Kam 'ashiqan' (How many lovers).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping

Bikam hadha?
Kam al-thaman?
Kam kilu?
Kam al-hissab?

Travel

Kam tab'udu?
Kam sa'atan?
Kam tadhkira?
Kam al-masafa?

Socializing

Kam 'umruka?
Kam waladan?
Kam lulgha?
Kam sanah?

School

Kam taliban?
Kam safahan?
Kam darsan?
Kam daraja?

Time

Kam al-sa'ah?
Kam al-waqt?
Kam bakiya?
Kam al-tarikh?

Amorces de conversation

"كَم مَرَّةً زُرْتَ هَذَا المَكَانَ؟ (How many times have you visited this place?)"

"كَم لُغَةً تَتَحَدَّثُ بِطَلَاقَةٍ؟ (How many languages do you speak fluently?)"

"كَم سَاعَةً تَقْضِي عَلَى الإِنْتَرْنِت؟ (How many hours do you spend on the internet?)"

"كَم كِتَاباً تَقْرَأُ فِي السَّنَةِ؟ (How many books do you read in a year?)"

"كَم عَدَدُ أَفْرَادِ عَائِلَتِكَ؟ (How many members are in your family?)"

Sujets d'écriture

اُكْتُب عَن كَمِيَّةِ السَّعَادَةِ الَّتِي تَشْعُرُ بِهَا اليَوْمَ. (Write about the amount of happiness you feel today.)

كَم هَدَفاً تُرِيدُ تَحْقِيقَهُ هَذَا العَامَ؟ (How many goals do you want to achieve this year?)

كَم مَرَّةً سَاعَدْتَ شَخْصاً هَذَا الأُسْبُوعِ؟ (How many times did you help someone this week?)

كَم مَدِينَةً تَتَمَنَّى زِيَارَتَهَا فِي المُسْتَقْبَلِ؟ (How many cities do you wish to visit in the future?)

كَم مِنَ الوَقْتِ تَحْتَاجُ لِتَعَلُّمِ العَرَبِيَّةِ؟ (How much time do you need to learn Arabic?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In questions (interrogative), 'Kam' is always followed by a singular indefinite noun in the accusative case. For example, 'Kam kitaban?' (How many books?).

The most common way is to use 'Bikam hadha?' (How much is this?). You can also ask 'Kam al-thaman?' (What is the price?).

Interrogative Kam asks a question and takes a singular accusative noun. Exclamatory Kam makes a statement of abundance ('So many!') and usually takes a genitive noun or is followed by 'min'.

No, 'How are you?' is 'Kayfa haluka?'. 'Kam' is only for quantities, prices, and numbers.

You say 'Kam al-sa'ah?'. Note that in this specific phrase, the noun 'al-sa'ah' is definite (has 'al-').

It means 'For how much' or 'At what price'. The 'bi' is a preposition meaning 'with' or 'for'.

This is because it is a 'Tamiyiz' (specification), which in Arabic grammar must be in the accusative (nasb) case.

Yes, 'Kam' is used in all dialects, though some regions have their own variations like 'Addaysh' or 'Gaddish' for prices.

Yes, but it is often paired with a unit, like 'Kam litran?' (How many liters?) or 'Ma miqdaru al-ma'?' (What is the amount of water?).

You say 'Kam marratan?'. 'Marra' means 'time' or 'instance' and it follows the singular accusative rule.