Arabic Imperative: Giving Commands to a Woman
ـي (-i) ending to the masculine imperative verb.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
To command a woman in Arabic, add the suffix 'ي' (ee) to the base imperative form.
- Start with the present tense 'you' (tanta/tanteen) form.
- Drop the prefix 'ta' and the final 'n' if present.
- Add the 'ي' suffix to indicate the feminine singular target.
Overview
In Arabic, the imperative verb form is essential for giving commands, instructions, or making direct requests. Unlike English, which uses a single imperative form for all addressees ('Read!', 'Write!'), Arabic mandates grammatical agreement between the verb and the person being addressed. This explanation focuses on the feminine singular imperative, known in Arabic as فِعْلُ الْأَمْرِ لِلْمُفْرَدِ الْمُؤَنَّث (fiʿl al-amr lil-mufrad al-muʾannath).
It is used exclusively when addressing one female person. Mastering this specific form is crucial for accurate and natural communication, signaling your understanding of Arabic’s sophisticated grammatical system of person and gender agreement.
Arabic’s structure emphasizes clarity regarding the recipient of an action. Using the correct imperative form ensures that your command is not only understood but also grammatically appropriate, reflecting respect for the language’s inherent precision. The feminine singular imperative is distinguished by a unique suffix that serves as a direct grammatical marker, enabling immediate identification of the addressee.
This specific conjugation allows for nuanced interaction, differentiating a command given to a man, two people, or a group, making your speech both correct and idiomatically fluent.
How This Grammar Works
ـِينَ (-īna).كَتَبَ (kataba – 'to write') has the imperfect indicative تَكْتُبِينَ (taktubīna – 'you [f.sg] write').ـي (-ī) suffix that characterizes the feminine singular imperative is, in essence, the grammatical subject pronoun أَنْتِ (anti – 'you [f.sg]') embedded within the verb itself. This ي (yāʾ) functions as the feminine singular imperative marker. The final نَ (nūn) in the imperfect indicative ـِينَ is dropped when forming the imperative, a process known as dropping the final nun (حَذْفُ النُّون - ḥadhf an-nūn), which signals the jussive or command mood.شَرِبَ (shariba – 'to drink'). Its imperfect form for 'you [f.sg] drink' is تَشْرَبِينَ (tashrabīna). When forming the imperative, the تَـ prefix is removed, and the final ـنَ is dropped, leaving اِشْرَبِي (ishrabī).ي suffix acts as a clear and unambiguous signal to the listener that the command is directed at a single female. This grammatical mechanism is consistent across the vast majority of Arabic verbs, from the basic Form I to the more complex derived forms, though the specific stem might undergo modifications.Formation Pattern
ا, و, ي), then addressing common variations for clarity.
أَنْتِ (anti – 'you [f.sg]'). This form typically begins with تَـ (ta-) and ends with ـِينَ (-īna).
د-ر-س (d-r-s – 'to study'), the أَنْتِ imperfect is تَدْرُسِينَ (tadrusīna).
تَـ (ta-). This signifies the transition from indicative statement to imperative command.
تَدْرُسِينَ becomes دْرُسِينَ.
ـنَ (nūn) from ـِينَ (-īna). This marks the jussive mood, which is the basis for the imperative. The remaining ي (yāʾ) becomes the feminine singular imperative suffix.
دْرُسِينَ becomes دْرُسِي.
اُ or اِ at the beginning if the first letter of the verb stem now has a sukūn (vowelless). The vowel of this hamza (u or i) depends on the vowel of the middle radical in the imperfect tense. If the middle radical has a ḍamma (u-vowel), use اُ (u-). Otherwise, use اِ (i-).
دْرُسِي, the د has a sukūn. The middle radical of تَدْرُسِينَ (the ر) has a ḍamma (ـُ). Therefore, we add اُ.
اُدْرُسِي (udrusī – 'Study! [f.sg]').
أَنْتِ Imperfect (Indicative) | Derived Imperative Stem | Feminine Singular Imperative (with Hamzat al-Waṣl) | Transliteration | Meaning |
ك-ت-ب | to write | تَكْتُبِينَ (taktubīna) | كْتُبِي | اُكْتُبِي | uktubī | Write! (f.sg) |
ف-ت-ح | to open | تَفْتَحِينَ (taftaḥīna) | فْتَحِي | اِفْتَحِي | iftaḥī | Open! (f.sg) |
ذ-ه-ب | to go | تَذْهَبِينَ (tadhhabīna) | ذْهَبِي | اِذْهَبِي | idhhabī | Go! (f.sg) |
ش-ر-ب | to drink | تَشْرَبِينَ (tashrabīna) | شْرَبِي | اِشْرَبِي | ishrabī | Drink! (f.sg) |
و, ا, ي) in their root often undergo specific changes during conjugation. While the ـي suffix remains consistent, the verb's stem might adapt to accommodate it.
ق-و-ل for قَالَ – 'to say'). In the masculine imperative, the weak letter is often dropped (قُلْ). However, in the feminine singular imperative, the original weak letter (و or ي) typically reappears to form the long vowel sound before the ـي suffix.
قَالَ (qāla – 'to say'), the imperfect أَنْتِ form is تَقُولِينَ (taqūlīna). Removing تَـ and ـنَ yields قُولِي (qūlī – 'Say! [f.sg]'). Note the reappearance of the و.
بَاعَ (bāʿa – 'to sell'), imperfect تَبِيعِينَ (tabīʿīna) -> imperative بِيعِي (bīʿī – 'Sell! [f.sg]').
م-ش-ي for مَشَى – 'to walk'). The weak letter is often retained and merges with the imperative suffix.
مَشَى (mashā – 'to walk'), the imperfect أَنْتِ form is تَمْشِينَ (tamshīna). Removing تَـ and ـنَ yields مْشِي. Adding اِ (since the middle radical م has a sukūn and the original imperfect vowel was i) gives اِمْشِي (imshī – 'Walk! [f.sg]'). Here, the root's ي combines with the imperative ي.
دَعَا (daʿā – 'to call, invite'), imperfect تَدْعِينَ (tadʿīna) -> imperative اُدْعِي (udʿī – 'Call! [f.sg]').
When To Use It
- Direct Instructions: When guiding someone through a process or giving directions.
خُذِي هَذَا الْكِتَابَ إِلَى الْمَكْتَبَةِ.(Khudhī hādhā al-kitāba ilā al-maktabati.) – 'Take this book to the library.' (Addressing a female colleague)اِتَّبِعِي التَّعْلِيمَاتِ بِدِقَّةٍ.(Ittabiʿī al-taʿlīmāti bi-diqqatin.) – 'Follow the instructions precisely.' (To a female student)
- Requests or Entreaties: Asking someone to do something, often softened with polite phrases.
مِنْ فَضْلِكِ، اِجْلِسِي هُنَا.(Min faḍliki, ijlisī hunā.) – 'Please, sit here.' (To a female guest)أَرْجُوكِ، اِسْمَعِي مَا أَقُولُهُ.(Arjūki, ismaʿī mā aqūluhu.) – 'I beg you, listen to what I am saying.' (Emphatic request)
- Advice or Recommendations: Strong suggestions framed as commands.
اِقْرَئِي هَذَا الْمَقَالَ، إِنَّهُ مُفِيدٌ.(Iqraʾī hādhā al-maqāla, innahu mufīdun.) – 'Read this article, it is useful.' (To a female friend)لَا تَقْلَقِي كَثِيرًا.(Lā taqlaqī kathīran.) – 'Don't worry too much.' (Consoling a female family member. Note the prohibitiveلَاbefore the jussive form of the imperfect, which functions as a negative imperative).
- Everyday Situations: Common phrases used in daily life.
تَعَالِي إِلَى هُنَا!(Taʿālī ilā hunā!) – 'Come here!' (Calling a child or friend)اُنْظُرِي إِلَى هَذَا الْمَنْظَرِ.(Unẓurī ilā hādhā al-manẓari.) – 'Look at this view.' (Sharing an observation)
مِنْ فَضْلِكِ (min faḍliki – 'if you please' / 'please' [f.sg]) or أَرْجُوكِ (arjūki – 'I ask you' / 'please' [f.sg]). Without such additions, the imperative can sound abrupt in certain social contexts, just as in English.Common Mistakes
- 1Using the Masculine Singular Imperative Instead: This is the most prevalent error, especially for beginners who are first introduced to the masculine form. While generally understood, it sounds grammatically incorrect and can imply a lack of precision or even disrespect in certain contexts, similar to using 'he' for 'she' in English. The absence of the
ـيsuffix is the clear indicator of this mistake.
- Incorrect:
يَا لَيْلَى، اِكْتُبْ رِسَالَةً.(Yā Laylā, uktub risālatan.) – 'Layla, write a letter.' (Uses masculine imperativeاُكْتُبْ) - Correct:
يَا لَيْلَى، اُكْتُبِي رِسَالَةً.(Yā Laylā, uktubī risālatan.) – 'Layla, write a letter.' (Uses feminine imperativeاُكْتُبِي)
- 1Incorrect Formation of Weak Verbs: As discussed in the Formation Pattern, hollow and defective verbs undergo internal changes. Misapplying the rules for sound verbs to these irregular forms leads to errors.
- Incorrect for
قَالَ(to say):قُلِي(qulī). This attempts to simply addـيto the masculineقُلْ, but the weak letterوmust reappear. - Correct for
قَالَ:قُولِي(qūlī). - Incorrect for
مَشَى(to walk):اِمْشَى(imshā). This fails to incorporate theـيsuffix correctly, often retaining a masculine-like ending. - Correct for
مَشَى:اِمْشِي(imshī).
- 1Confusing with Other 'ـي' Endings: Arabic has multiple
ـيsuffixes. Differentiating the imperativeـيfrom other uses is crucial.
- Possessive
ـي(yāʾ al-mutakallim): This suffix means 'my' and attaches to nouns (e.g.,كِتَابِي– kitābī 'my book'). It does not attach to verbs in this manner. The context—noun vs. verb—clarifies the meaning. - Masculine Plural Imperative (
ـُوا-ū) vs. Feminine Plural Imperative (ـْنَ-na): Using the singularـيfor a group of women (اُكْتُبِيfor 'write!' to many women) is incorrect. The plural form isاُكْتُبْنَ(uktubna – 'write! [f.pl]'). Always ensure number agreement.
- 1Incorrect Vowel on Hamzat al-Waṣl: Choosing
اُinstead ofاِor vice-versa for the initial hamza of the imperative is a common phonetic error that marks a non-native speaker. Remember the rule:ḍammaon the middle radical in the imperfect meansاُfor the hamza; otherwise,اِ.
- Incorrect:
اِكْتُبِي(iktubī) instead ofاُكْتُبِي(uktubī) for 'to write', because the imperfectتَكْتُبِينَhas aḍammaon theتَـكْتُـبِينَ. - Incorrect:
اُفْتَحِي(uftaḥī) instead ofاِفْتَحِي(iftaḥī) for 'to open', because the imperfectتَفْتَحِينَhas afatḥaon theتَـفْتَـحِينَ.
Real Conversations
The feminine singular imperative is ubiquitous in everyday Arabic, appearing across various registers and communication channels. Its proper use enhances clarity and naturalness in dialogue, whether spoken casually or written formally.
- Casual Conversation and Texting: In informal settings, the imperative is a direct and efficient way to interact.
- Friend to friend: رَاوِينِي صُوَرَكِ مِنْ الرِّحْلَةِ. (Rāwīnī ṣuwaraki min al-riḥlati.) – 'Show me your pictures from the trip.' (The ـي suffix is clearly present, even in colloquial phrasing.)
- Text message: اِتَّصِلِي بِي عِنْدَمَا تَصِلِينَ. (Ittaṣilī bī ʿindamā taṣilīna.) – 'Call me when you arrive.' (Common way to coordinate plans.)
- Parent to child: كُلِي طَعَامَكِ كُلَّهُ. (Kulī ṭaʿāmaki kullahu.) – 'Eat all your food.' (A common directive from a mother to her daughter.)
- Social Media Interactions: Online, direct addresses to individuals frequently employ the imperative, especially in comments, replies, or captions.
- Comment on a post: شَارِكِي مَزِيدًا مِنْ هَذِهِ النَّصَائِحِ! (Shārikī mazīdan min hādhihi an-naṣāʾiḥi!) – 'Share more of these tips!' (Encouraging a female content creator.)
- Response to a query: اِضْغَطِي عَلَى الرَّابِطِ فِي الْبَايُو. (Iḍghaṭī ʿalā ar-rābiṭi fī al-bāyū.) – 'Click on the link in the bio.' (Giving an instruction on Instagram.)
- Formal and Professional Contexts (with politeness): While direct, the imperative can be rendered polite through the addition of phrases like مِنْ فَضْلِكِ or لَو سَمَحْتِ (law samaḥti – 'if you allow [f.sg]').
- Colleague to colleague: مِنْ فَضْلِكِ، أَرْسِلِي التَّقْرِيرَ قَبْلَ الظُّهْرِ. (Min faḍliki, arsilī al-taqrīra qabla aẓ-ẓuhri.) – 'Please, send the report before noon.' (A polite request in a professional email or conversation.)
- Service interaction: تَفَضَّلِي بِالدُّخُولِ. (Tafaḍḍalī bi-d-dukhūli.) – 'Please, come in.' (Used by a host or service provider. Note: تَفَضَّلِي is itself an imperative form meaning 'please [f.sg]').
Native speakers intuitively use this form to address women in diverse scenarios, making it an indispensable part of communicative competence. Observing its usage in authentic materials like social media, news, and informal conversations will further solidify your understanding of its natural application.
Quick FAQ
The imperative itself is a direct verb form. Its politeness is largely determined by context, tone of voice, and the inclusion of polite phrases. For instance, اِفْعَلِي (ifʿalī – 'Do!') alone can sound abrupt, but مِنْ فَضْلِكِ، اِفْعَلِي (min faḍliki, ifʿalī – 'Please, do') is courteous. The relationship between speakers also plays a significant role; it’s more acceptable between close friends or family.
For two people (male, female, or mixed), you use the dual imperative, which typically ends in ـَا (-ā) (e.g., اُكْتُبَا - uktubā – 'Write! [dual]'). For a group of three or more women, you use the feminine plural imperative, which ends in ـْنَ (-na) (e.g., اُكْتُبْنَ - uktubna – 'Write! [f.pl]'). These are distinct grammatical forms with their own rules and endings.
ـي ending apply to all verb forms (Form I, II, III, etc.)?Yes, the principle of adding ـي (-ī) to address a single female in the imperative mood is consistent across all verb forms (Form I to Form X). While the stem of the verb will change according to its form (e.g., فَعَّلَ for Form II, فَاعَلَ for Form III), the ultimate suffix for the feminine singular imperative remains ـي. The derivation process from the imperfect tense أَنْتِ form still applies; you remove تَـ and ـنَ and often add the hamzat al-waṣl if needed.
It is highly unlikely you will cause offense. Native speakers understand that learners are still acquiring the language. While it may sound grammatically incorrect, like saying 'He go to the store' instead of 'He goes to the store' in English, it is usually perceived as a learning error rather than intentional disrespect. The best approach is to correct yourself if you realize the mistake and continue practicing to internalize the correct forms. Most people will appreciate your effort to speak Arabic correctly.
Imperative Conjugation (Feminine Singular)
| Root | Present (You) | Imperative (Female) |
|---|---|---|
|
ك ت ب
|
تكتبين
|
اكتبي
|
|
د ر س
|
تدرسين
|
ادرسـي
|
|
ش ر ب
|
تشربين
|
اشربي
|
|
ق ر أ
|
تقرئين
|
اقرئي
|
|
ج ل س
|
تجلسين
|
اجلسي
|
|
ذ ه ب
|
تذهبين
|
اذهبي
|
|
ف ت ح
|
تفتحين
|
افتحي
|
|
س م ع
|
تسمعين
|
اسمعي
|
Meanings
The imperative mood is used to issue direct commands, requests, or advice. When addressing a female, the verb must be conjugated with the feminine singular suffix.
Direct Command
Issuing a direct order to a female.
“اجلسي هنا (Ijlis-ee huna) - Sit here!”
“اشربي الماء (Ishrab-ee al-ma') - Drink the water!”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + ي
|
اكتبي
|
|
Negative
|
لا + Present (You)
|
لا تكتبي
|
|
Polite
|
Imperative + من فضلك
|
اكتبي من فضلك
|
|
Short Answer
|
نعم/حاضر
|
حاضر، سأفعل
|
|
Question
|
هل يمكنك أن...؟
|
هل يمكنك أن تكتبي؟
|
Formality Spectrum
افتحي الباب من فضلك. (Asking someone to open a door.)
افتحي الباب. (Asking someone to open a door.)
افتحي الباب بسرعة. (Asking someone to open a door.)
افتحي الباب يا فتاة. (Asking someone to open a door.)
Imperative Transformation
Step 1
- Remove 'ta' Prefix
Step 2
- Remove 'na' Suffix
Step 3
- Add 'ee' Feminine Marker
Examples by Level
اجلسي هنا
Sit here
اشربي الماء
Drink the water
اقرئي الكتاب
Read the book
اكتبي الاسم
Write the name
اذهبي إلى البيت
Go home
افتحي الباب
Open the door
اسمعي الموسيقى
Listen to the music
ادخلي الغرفة
Enter the room
أغلقي النافذة من فضلك
Close the window please
ساعديني في العمل
Help me with the work
شاهدي هذا الفيلم
Watch this movie
اشتري الخبز
Buy the bread
أعطيني القلم لو سمحت
Give me the pen please
استخدمي الحاسوب الجديد
Use the new computer
حاولي مرة أخرى
Try again
أنهي التقرير اليوم
Finish the report today
راجعي الملفات قبل الاجتماع
Review the files before the meeting
تحدثي بوضوح أمام الجمهور
Speak clearly in front of the audience
نظمي وقتك بشكل أفضل
Organize your time better
توقعي الأفضل دائماً
Always expect the best
استوعبي التعقيدات في هذه المسألة
Grasp the complexities in this issue
استلهمي من التاريخ القديم
Draw inspiration from ancient history
تأملي في جمال الطبيعة
Contemplate the beauty of nature
استشيري الخبراء قبل القرار
Consult the experts before the decision
Easily Confused
Learners often use the masculine form as a default.
Both look similar in conjugation.
Mixing up the endings.
Common Mistakes
اكتب
اكتبي
تكتبي
اكتبي
اكتبين
اكتبي
اكتبا
اكتبي
اكتبو
اكتبي
اكتبه
اكتبي
اكتبا
اكتبي
تكتبي
اكتبي
اكتبين
اكتبي
اكتب
اكتبي
اكتبين
اكتبي
تكتبي
اكتبي
اكتب
اكتبي
اكتبا
اكتبي
Sentence Patterns
___ (Verb) ___ (Object)!
___ (Verb) ___ (Object) من فضلك.
يا ___ (Name), ___ (Verb) ___ (Object).
___ (Verb) ___ (Object) قبل أن ___ (Verb).
Real World Usage
اكتبي لي العنوان.
اقرئي الصفحة.
اطلبي البيتزا.
شاركي المنشور.
تحدثي عن نفسك.
احجزي التذكرة.
Listen for the 'ee'
Don't use 'na'
Add 'please'
Context matters
Smart Tips
Always check for the 'ee' suffix.
Think of the present tense 'taktubeena' and strip the prefix and suffix.
Add 'min fadlik' after the command.
Ensure the 'ya' is written clearly.
Pronunciation
The 'ee' suffix
Ensure the 'ya' is long and clear.
Command
اكتبي! ↘
Falling intonation for direct commands.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of the 'ee' sound as 'ee-she', the command for a female.
Visual Association
Imagine a teacher pointing to a student and saying 'ee' to emphasize the feminine ending.
Rhyme
To tell a girl what to do, add 'ee' and you are through!
Story
Sarah is in class. The teacher says 'Iqra-ee' (Read). Sarah reads. The teacher says 'Uktub-ee' (Write). Sarah writes. She learns the 'ee' rule perfectly.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 commands you would give to a female friend in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Often uses 'ee' but might drop the initial alif.
Very common to add 'يا' before the name.
Formal commands are often softened with 'لو سمحتي'.
The imperative mood in Arabic is derived from the jussive, which is a shortened form of the imperfect tense.
Conversation Starters
ماذا أقول لصديقتي لتكتب الدرس؟
كيف تطلبين من أختك أن تفتح الباب؟
ماذا تقولين لزميلتك لتراجع التقرير؟
كيف تنصحين صديقتك لتدرس بجد؟
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
يا مريم، ___ (اكتب) الدرس.
Which is the correct command for a female?
Find and fix the mistake:
اكتبين الدرس (to a female).
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Drink the water (to a female).
Answer starts with: اشر...
A: يا سارة، ___ (افتح) الباب. B: حاضر.
Use 'ساعدي' (help) and 'أمي' (mother).
Which are feminine imperatives?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesيا مريم، ___ (اكتب) الدرس.
Which is the correct command for a female?
Find and fix the mistake:
اكتبين الدرس (to a female).
الدرس / اكتبي
Drink the water (to a female).
A: يا سارة، ___ (افتح) الباب. B: حاضر.
Use 'ساعدي' (help) and 'أمي' (mother).
Which are feminine imperatives?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesيَا فَاطِمَة، ... عَلَى الْكُرْسِيِّ.
Choose the correct sentence:
يَا أُخْتِي، اِقْرَأ هَذَا.
Read the book!
الْقَهْوَةَ / اِشْرَبِي / يَا نُور
Match the verbs.
... الْحَقِيقَةَ.
يَا أُمِّي، اُنْظُرْ!
Choose the correct sentence:
Go to the school!
Match the commands.
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
It is the grammatical marker for the second-person feminine singular.
No, that would be grammatically incorrect.
It can be blunt, so add 'min fadlik'.
You would use the dual form, not the singular.
The imperative is a separate mood, not a tense.
Some verbs have irregular stems, but the suffix remains.
Use 'la' + present tense.
Yes, the 'ee' suffix is standard across most dialects.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Imperativo
Arabic is gender-based; Spanish is formality-based.
Impératif
French is gender-neutral in commands.
Imperativ
German is person-based, not gender-based.
Meireikei
Japanese is highly context-dependent.
Amr
It is the standard.
Imperative
Chinese has no verb conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
Arabic Present & Future: The Imperfect Tense (Al-Mudari')
Overview The Arabic Imperfect Tense, known as `الفِعْل المُضَارِع` (`al-fiʿl al-muḍāriʿ`), is fundamental for expressing...
The 'Mansoub' Mood: Saying 'To', 'So That', and 'Will Not'
Overview Arabic grammar employs a system of verb moods that indicate how an action is perceived or intended, a concept d...
Talking to a Girl in Arabic: Present Tense (anti)
Overview In Arabic, precision in address is paramount, particularly when speaking to individuals. Unlike English, where...
Arabic Past Tense: He Did (kataba)
Overview The Arabic past tense verb for "he did" is not merely a conjugation; it is the **fundamental building block** f...
Arabic Past Tense: You (m) did it! (-ta)
Overview In Arabic, expressing a completed action directed at a single male requires a specific verb conjugation known a...
