Arabic Ordinal Numbers: First, Second, Third (الأول، الثاني...)
فاعِل pattern.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Arabic ordinal numbers (1st-10th) function as adjectives, meaning they must match the noun's gender and definiteness.
- Use 'Al-Awwal' (first) for masculine and 'Al-Ula' for feminine.
- For 2nd-10th, follow the pattern 'Fa'il' (e.g., 'Al-Thani' for second).
- Always match the noun's gender (add 'Ta Marbuta' for feminine).
Overview
Arabic ordinal numbers denote position within a sequence, functioning identically to adjectives. Unlike English, where a suffix like '-th' is appended to most cardinal numbers, Arabic employs a highly systematic morphological transformation for its ordinals, primarily based on the فاعِل (fāʿil) pattern for numbers two through ten. This adjectival nature dictates their grammatical behavior: they must agree with the noun they describe in four key aspects: gender, number (singular, dual, plural), definiteness (presence or absence of ال, al-), and grammatical case (nominative, accusative, genitive).
Understanding this concord is fundamental to their correct application.
For instance, to specify 'the first chapter,' you would say الفصلُ الأولُ (al-faṣlu al-ʾawwalu), where both words are masculine, singular, definite, and in the nominative case. Conversely, 'a third woman' is امرأةٌ ثالثةٌ (imraʾatun thālithatun), both feminine, singular, indefinite, and nominative. This strict agreement contrasts with cardinal numbers (e.g., ثلاثة – three), which often exhibit gender disagreement with the counted noun for numbers 3-10.
The consistency of agreement in ordinals simplifies their application once the core patterns are mastered, allowing for precise sequencing in various contexts, from daily conversation to formal writing.
How This Grammar Works
فاعِل pattern commonly denotes the doer or agent of an action, or in this context, the positioner within a sequence. This linguistic connection explains why numbers 2-10 adopt this specific template, transforming a quantity into an ordered rank. The inherent agreement mechanism is not arbitrary but serves to maintain clarity and cohesion within the sentence structure.اليومُ الرابعُ (al-yawmu ar-rābiʿu). Here, الرابع (ar-rābiʿu) is masculine, singular, definite, and nominative, perfectly matching اليوم (al-yawmu). If we were discussing 'the fifth lesson' (feminine), it would be الدرسُ الخامسُ (ad-darsu al-khāmis is incorrect, al-ḥiṣṣatu al-khāmisatu - lesson being حِصَّة feminine), *correction for example, الدرس is masculine, so it should be الدرسُ الخامسُ (ad-darsu al-khāmis).المحاضرة (al-muḥāḍarah - lecture), it would be المحاضرةُ الخامسةُ (al-muḥāḍaratu al-khāmisatu). The number الخامسة (al-khāmisatu) takes on the feminine ة (tāʾ marbūṭah) to match. This grammatical congruence is non-negotiable for correct usage.فاعِل pattern exist, notably for 'first' and the structure of compound ordinals (11-19), but the principle of adjectival agreement remains constant throughout. The numbers 20 and above (العشرون, الثلاثون, etc.) are distinct; they are treated as sound masculine plurals and do not change for gender, though they still agree in definiteness and case, simplifying their application considerably.Formation Pattern
و-ح-د (w-ḥ-d), but its form is unique.
الأولُ (al-ʾawwalu) – used for masculine nouns.
الأولى (al-ʾūlā) – used for feminine nouns. Note the أفعَل (afʿal) pattern for the masculine and فُعلى (fuʿlā) for the feminine, which is also seen in some colors and superlatives. This form also functions as a mawsūf (described noun), allowing it to be used without an explicit noun if the context is clear (e.g., الْأَوَّلُ كَانَ جَيِّدًا - The first one was good).
فاعِل (fāʿil) pattern. This pattern signifies the active participle or agent noun, effectively turning the quantity into a rank.
ة (tāʾ marbūṭah) at the end of the masculine فاعِل form.
ath-thānī) | الثانية (ath-thāniyah) |
ath-thālith) | الثالثة (ath-thālithah) |
ar-rābiʿ) | الرابعة (ar-rābiʿah) |
al-khāmis) | الخامسة (al-khāmisah) |
as-sādis) | السادسة (as-sādisah) |
as-sābiʿ) | السابعة (as-sābiʿah) |
ath-thāmin) | الثامنة (ath-thāminah) |
at-tāsiʿ) | التاسعة (at-tāsiʿah) |
al-ʿāshir) | العاشرة (al-ʿāshirah) |
ath-thānī): This word is an ism manqūṣ (a noun ending in ي). Its final ي (yāʾ) may be dropped in the nominative and genitive indefinite forms (e.g., ثانٍ - a second), but when definite or in the accusative, it retains the ي (الثاني). At B1 level, focusing on its definite form الثاني and الثانية is generally sufficient.
فاعِل pattern (or الحادي for 1st). The second part (عشر or عشرة) agrees with the gender of the noun.
al-ḥādī ʿashara) | الحاديةَ عَشْرَةَ (al-ḥādiyah ʿashrata) |
ath-thānī ʿashara) | الثانيةَ عَشْرَةَ (ath-thāniyah ʿashrata) |
ath-thālith ʿashara) | الثالثةَ عَشْرَةَ (ath-thālithah ʿashrata) |
at-tāsiʿ ʿashara) | التاسعةَ عَشْرَةَ (at-tāsiʿah ʿashrata) |
-a ending for indefiniteness), fixed in fatḥa (fathatayn for feminine second part) irrespective of their grammatical function, except for the ي of الحادي or الثاني which remains. Example: الكتابُ الحاديَ عَشَرَ (al-kitābu al-ḥādī ʿashara) - 'the eleventh book'.
ال (al-). These numbers are treated as sound masculine plurals (جمع مذكر سالم, jamʿ muḏakkar sālim), meaning their ending changes based on their grammatical case, but they do not change for gender.
العشرون (al-ʿishrūn), الثلاثون (ath-thalāthūn), etc.
العشرين (al-ʿishrīn), الثلاثين (ath-thalāthīn), etc.
الحادي والعشرون - al-ḥādī wal-ʿishrūn), the first part (الحادي) follows its own rules of agreement, and the second part (العشرون) is treated as a sound masculine plural.
في القرنِ الحادي والعشرينَ (fī al-qarni al-ḥādī wal-ʿishrīn) - 'in the twenty-first century'. Here, الحادي agrees with القرن (masculine), and العشرين is in the genitive case because of في.
When To Use It
- Dates: To specify the day of the month. Example:
الخامسُ من مايو(al-khāmis min māyū) - 'the fifth of May'. Note the masculine ordinal is typically used, even if the word 'day' (يوم) is implied but not stated.
- Floors of Buildings: To indicate levels in a structure. Example:
في الطابقِ الثالثِ(fī aṭ-ṭābiqi ath-thālithī) - 'on the third floor'. Bothالطابق(aṭ-ṭābiq) andالثالث(ath-thālith) are masculine and definite.
- Chapters, Lessons, Sections: For sequencing parts of books, courses, or documents. Example:
الفصلُ السابعُ(al-faṣlu as-sābiʿu) - 'the seventh chapter'.المحاضرةُ الثانيةُ(al-muḥāḍaratu ath-thāniyatu) - 'the second lecture'.
- Centuries and Eras: To denote historical periods. Example:
القرنُ العشرون(al-qarnu al-ʿishrūn) - 'the twentieth century'. Hereالعشرونis nominative.
- Ranking and Order: In competitive contexts, lists, or any situation requiring sequential placement. Example:
المركزُ الأولُ(al-markazu al-ʾawwalu) - 'first place'.المتسابقُ الخامسُ(al-mutasābiqu al-khāmis) - 'the fifth competitor'.
- Hours of the Day: When telling time on the hour. Example:
الساعةُ الثالثةُ(as-sāʿatu ath-thālithatu) - 'three o'clock' (literally 'the third hour'). The exception isالساعةُ الواحدةُ(as-sāʿatu al-wāḥidatu) for 'one o'clock,' which uses a form related to the cardinal 'one' (الواحدة) rather thanالأولىfor clarity and common usage.
- Series and Editions: For numbered items in a sequence. Example:
الجزءُ الرابعُ من المسلسل(al-juzʾu ar-rābiʿu min al-musalsal) - 'the fourth part of the series'.النسخةُ الثانيةُ(an-nusḫatu ath-thāniyatu) - 'the second edition'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers: This is perhaps the most frequent error. Using
واحد(wāḥid- one) instead ofالأول(al-ʾawwal- first), orثلاثة(thalāthah- three) instead ofالثالث(ath-thālith- third). Remember, cardinal numbers quantify, ordinals position. For example,الغرفةُ ثلاثة(al-ghurfatu thalāthah) means 'room number three' (a common usage in some contexts but technicallyالغرفةُ رقمُ ثلاثة), not 'the third room'. For 'the third room,' it must beالغرفةُ الثالثةُ(al-ghurfatu ath-thālithatu). The latter emphasizes its sequence, not its label.
- Forgetting Adjectival Agreement: Ordinals must agree with their noun in gender, definiteness, number, and case. Neglecting any of these leads to grammatical incorrectness.
- Gender Mismatch: Using a masculine ordinal with a feminine noun, or vice-versa. E.g.,
السيارةُ الرابعُ(as-sayyāratu ar-rābiʿu) is incorrect; it should beالسيارةُ الرابعةُ(as-sayyāratu ar-rābiʿah).الرابعis masculine,الرابعةis feminine. - Definiteness Mismatch: If the noun is definite (
ال), the ordinal must also be definite. E.g.,الكتابُ خامسٌ(al-kitābu khāmisun) is incorrect. It must beالكتابُ الخامسُ(al-kitābu al-khāmis). Conversely, if the noun is indefinite, the ordinal must be indefinite. E.g.,مدينةٌ ثانيةٌ(madīnatun thāniyatun) - 'a second city'. - Case Mismatch: While often less noticeable in writing without full tashkeel, case agreement is grammatically essential. E.g., after a preposition like
في(fī), both the noun and the ordinal must be in the genitive case.في اليومِ الثالثِ(fī al-yawmi ath-thālithī) - 'on the third day'.
- Misforming Compound Ordinals (11-19): Learners often struggle with the dual-agreement rule for these numbers. Both parts of
الحادي عشر(al-ḥādī ʿashara) orالحادية عشرة(al-ḥādiyah ʿashrata) must match the gender of the noun. A common mistake is to only match the first part or to useعشر(ʿashar) for feminine nouns instead ofعشرة(ʿasharah). For example,الصفحةُ الحاديَ عشرَ(aṣ-ṣafḥatu al-ḥādī ʿashara) is incorrect; it should beالصفحةُ الحاديةَ عَشْرَةَ(aṣ-ṣafḥatu al-ḥādiyah ʿashrata). The fixedfatḥaendings for these also present a challenge.
- Incorrect Usage of
الثاني(ath-thānī): The finalي(yāʾ) can be a source of confusion. When definite (withال) or in the accusative case, theيremains. When indefinite and in the nominative or genitive case, theيis sometimes dropped, and atanwīn kasr(ــٍ) is added (e.g.,ثانٍ). However, for B1 learners, consistently usingالثانيandالثانيةwithالis a robust and widely accepted approach, as these are the most common forms.
- Overlooking
الساعةُ الواحدةُ: The standard usage for 'one o'clock' isالساعةُ الواحدةُ, which uses the feminine cardinal-like form of 'one' withال, rather thanالساعةُ الأولى. This is a specific idiom worth memorizing.
Real Conversations
Understanding how native speakers deploy Arabic ordinal numbers in natural discourse reveals their practical utility beyond textbook examples. From casual texting to professional emails, ordinals streamline communication by precisely locating items within a sequence. They are not merely grammatical constructs but integral tools for clarity in daily life.
- Texting/Social Media: Quick, informal sequencing is common.
- وينك؟ أنا في الطابق الخامس. (waynak? ʾanā fī aṭ-ṭābiqi al-khāmis.) - 'Where are you? I'm on the fifth floor.' (Informal, common for coordinating meetups).
- شفت الجزء الثاني من المسلسل؟ (shuft al-juzʾu ath-thānī min al-musalsal?) - 'Did you see the second part of the series?' (Discussing entertainment).
- هي المرة الأولى اللي أزور فيها دبي. (hiya al-marrah al-ʾūlā illī ʾazūr fīhā dubayy.) - 'This is the first time I visit Dubai.' (Sharing experiences).
- Work/Academic Contexts: For structuring reports, presentations, or project discussions.
- الرجاء مراجعة النقطة الثالثة في التقرير. (ar-rajāʾ murājaʿat an-nuqṭati ath-thālithati fī at-taqrīr.) - 'Please review the third point in the report.' (Formal email or meeting note).
- سنناقش الفصلَ السادسَ في المحاضرةِ القادمةِ. (sanunāqishu al-faṣla as-sādisa fī al-muḥāḍarati al-qādimati.) - 'We will discuss the sixth chapter in the next lecture.' (Academic setting).
- هذا هو المشروعُ الحاديَ عشرَ الذي أعمل عليه. (hādhā huwa al-mashrūʿu al-ḥādī ʿashara alladhī ʾaʿmal ʿalayh.) - 'This is the eleventh project I'm working on.' (Professional context).
- Shopping/Directions: Essential for navigation and identifying specific items.
- الدورُ الأولُ على اليمين. (ad-dūru al-ʾawwalu ʿalā al-yamīn.) - 'The first floor on the right.' (Giving directions in a mall).
- ممكن تعطيني القميصَ الثانيَ من اليسار؟ (mumkin tuʿṭīnī al-qamīṣa ath-thānī min al-yasār?) - 'Can you give me the second shirt from the left?' (Shopping).
These examples highlight that ordinal numbers are not confined to textbooks; they are actively used by native speakers to create precise, ordered communication, making daily interactions smoother and more efficient. Their consistent application, driven by adjectival agreement, is a hallmark of proficient Arabic.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can I use ordinal numbers without an explicit noun?
Absolutely, just like in English. If the context makes the noun clear, the ordinal number can stand alone and will retain its gender and definiteness based on the implied noun. For example, if discussing cars, you could say الثانيةُ أجملُ (ath-thāniyatu ajmalu) - 'The second (one) is more beautiful.' This is because السيارة (as-sayyārah) - 'car' - is feminine, so الثانية is used.
- Q: How do I form ordinals for numbers like '21st,' '32nd,' etc.?
For compound numbers after 20, you combine the ordinal for the units (1-9) with the plural form of the tens (20, 30, etc.), connected by و (wa - and). The units part follows its own gender agreement, and the tens part functions as a sound masculine plural, not changing for gender.
- '21st (masculine)':
الحادي والعشرون(al-ḥādī wal-ʿishrūn) - '21st (feminine)':
الحاديةُ والعشرون(al-ḥādiyatu wal-ʿishrūn) - '32nd (masculine)':
الثاني والثلاثون(ath-thānī wath-thalāthūn) - '32nd (feminine)':
الثانيةُ والثلاثون(ath-thāniyatu wath-thalāthūn)
العشرون, الثلاثون) agrees in case (nominative, accusative, genitive) with its position in the sentence, but not gender. For example, في الصفحةِ الحاديةِ والعشرينَ (fī aṣ-ṣafḥati al-ḥādiyati wal-ʿishrīn) - 'on the twenty-first page'. Here الحاديةِ is genitive to match الصفحةِ, and العشرينَ is genitive because of its connection to the preceding genitive term via و.- Q: Do ordinals always come after the noun?
Yes, as adjectives in Arabic generally follow the noun they describe. This is a consistent rule for basic adjective-noun phrases, including those involving ordinal numbers.
- Q: Is there any difference in usage between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and dialects?
While the fundamental concept of ordinal numbers exists across dialects, their full grammatical agreement and precise classical forms are most rigorously maintained in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). In many spoken dialects, a simplified system often emerges. For example, numbers 20 and above might predominantly use the cardinal form with ال (e.g., الدور عشرين instead of الدور العشرون). Also, the strict adjectival agreement might be relaxed or replaced by invariant forms in very informal contexts. However, for formal communication and written Arabic, adherence to MSA rules, including full agreement, is expected and crucial for clarity and correctness. For B1 learners, focusing on MSA forms provides a solid foundation for both comprehension and production.
- Q: How do ordinal numbers relate to fractions in Arabic?
It's important not to confuse ordinals with fractions, as they are morphologically similar but semantically distinct. The فاعِل pattern for ordinals (e.g., الثالث - the third) can resemble the pattern for fractions (e.g., ثُلث - one-third, فُعل). While الثالث (ath-thālith) refers to the third item in a sequence, ثُلث (thulth) refers to one part of three equal parts. For الثاني (ath-thānī - the second), the fraction is نصف (niṣf - a half). For الرابع (ar-rābiʿ - the fourth), the fraction is ربع (rubʿ - a quarter). Always consider the context: are you indicating order or a portion? For example, الربعُ الأخيرُ (ar-rubʿu al-ʾakhīr) means 'the last quarter' (referring to a part of something, not the fourth thing).
Ordinal Number Formation (1-10)
| Number | Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|---|
|
1st
|
الأول (Al-Awwal)
|
الأولى (Al-Ula)
|
|
2nd
|
الثاني (Al-Thani)
|
الثانية (Al-Thaniya)
|
|
3rd
|
الثالث (Al-Thalith)
|
الثالثة (Al-Thalitha)
|
|
4th
|
الرابع (Al-Rabi')
|
الرابعة (Al-Rabi'a)
|
|
5th
|
الخامس (Al-Khamis)
|
الخامسة (Al-Khamisa)
|
|
6th
|
السادس (Al-Sadis)
|
السادسة (Al-Sadisa)
|
|
7th
|
السابع (Al-Sabi')
|
السابعة (Al-Sabi'a)
|
|
8th
|
الثامن (Al-Thamin)
|
الثامنة (Al-Thamina)
|
|
9th
|
التاسع (Al-Tasi')
|
التاسعة (Al-Tasi'a)
|
|
10th
|
العاشر (Al-'Ashir)
|
العاشرة (Al-'Ashira)
|
Meanings
Ordinal numbers indicate the position of an item in a sequence. In Arabic, they behave like adjectives, following the noun they modify.
Sequence
Indicating rank or order in a series.
“الطابقُ الثاني (The second floor)”
“الساعةُ الثالثة (The third hour)”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Definite
|
Al + Noun + Al + Ordinal
|
البيتُ الثاني (The second house)
|
|
Indefinite
|
Noun + Ordinal
|
بيتٌ ثانٍ (A second house)
|
|
Feminine
|
Noun + Ordinal (Ta Marbuta)
|
السيارةُ الثانية (The second car)
|
|
Question
|
أي + Noun + Ordinal?
|
أيُّ طابقٍ هو الثاني؟ (Which floor is the second?)
|
Formality Spectrum
الطابقُ الثاني (Directions)
الطابق الثاني (Directions)
الطابق الثاني (Directions)
ثاني طابق (Directions)
Ordinal Number Logic
Gender
- Masculine No suffix
- Feminine Add Ta Marbuta
Definiteness
- Definite Add Al-
- Indefinite No Al-
Examples by Level
الدرسُ الأولُ
The first lesson
الطابقُ الثاني
The second floor
الساعةُ الثالثة
The third hour
المرةُ الرابعة
The fourth time
هذا هو الكتابُ الأولُ لي
This is my first book
أنا أسكنُ في الطابقِ الثالثِ
I live on the third floor
هذه هي المحاولةُ الثانية
This is the second attempt
وصلتُ في اليومِ الخامسِ
I arrived on the fifth day
كانتْ هذه المرةَ السادسةَ التي أزورُ فيها مصر
This was the sixth time I visited Egypt
الشارعُ السابعُ على اليمين
The seventh street on the right
هذا هو الجزءُ الثامنُ من الفيلم
This is the eighth part of the movie
الاجتماعُ التاسعُ سيبدأُ قريباً
The ninth meeting will start soon
يحتلُّ اللاعبُ المركزَ العاشرَ في البطولة
The player occupies the tenth position in the tournament
تعتبرُ هذه المرةَ الأولى التي نناقشُ فيها هذا الموضوع
This is considered the first time we discuss this topic
نحنُ في العقدِ الثاني من القرنِ الحادي والعشرين
We are in the second decade of the 21st century
القاعدةُ الثالثةُ هي الأهم
The third rule is the most important
يُعدُّ هذا العملُ الأولَ من نوعه في الأدبِ العربي
This work is considered the first of its kind in Arabic literature
في الفصلِ الرابعِ، يتناولُ الكاتبُ قضايا معقدة
In the fourth chapter, the writer addresses complex issues
المرتبةُ الخامسةُ تعكسُ جهوداً كبيرة
The fifth rank reflects great efforts
النسخةُ الثانيةُ من البرنامجِ أكثرُ تطوراً
The second version of the program is more advanced
يُشيرُ النصُ إلى الحقبةِ السادسةِ كفترةِ ازدهار
The text refers to the sixth era as a period of prosperity
تتطلبُ المهمةُ السابعةُ دقةً متناهية
The seventh task requires extreme precision
المرءُ يدركُ الحقيقةَ في المرحلةِ الثامنةِ من التأمل
One realizes the truth in the eighth stage of meditation
الفقرةُ التاسعةُ تلغي ما وردَ في الفقرةِ الأولى
The ninth paragraph cancels what was mentioned in the first paragraph
Easily Confused
Learners mix up 'one' (wahid) and 'first' (awwal).
Learners put the number before the noun like in English.
Learners use the masculine ordinal for feminine nouns.
Common Mistakes
البيت الثاني
البيتُ الثاني
الثاني بيت
البيت الثاني
السيارة الثاني
السيارة الثانية
بيت الثاني
البيت الثاني
الدرس الأول
الدرسُ الأولُ
الساعة الأول
الساعة الأولى
الطابق الثالثة
الطابق الثالث
المرة الثالث
المرة الثالثة
الخامس يوم
اليوم الخامس
الرابع جزء
الجزء الرابع
المرتبة الخامس
المرتبة الخامسة
الفصل التاسع
الفصلُ التاسعُ
النسخة العاشر
النسخة العاشرة
Sentence Patterns
هذا هو ___ (Ordinal) ___ (Noun).
أنا في ___ (Ordinal) ___ (Noun).
___ (Noun) ___ (Ordinal) هو الأفضل.
لقد وصلتُ في ___ (Ordinal) ___ (Noun).
Real World Usage
المنشور الأول لي
أول مرة أشوفك
هذه هي المرة الأولى لي في هذا المجال
الطابق الثاني في الفندق
الطلب الأول
الفصل الثالث من الكتاب
The Memory Rhythm
fā'il pattern: Thānī, Thālith, Rābi', Khāmis... it becomes muscle memory!Don't Forget the 'AL'
Century Shortcuts
First Among Equals
Smart Tips
Add 'Ta Marbuta' to the ordinal.
Ensure both noun and ordinal have 'Al-'.
Always put it after the noun.
Remember it's irregular: Awwal/Ula.
Pronunciation
Ta Marbuta
When adding the feminine suffix, the 't' sound is only pronounced if followed by another word.
Rising
الدرسُ الثاني؟
Questioning the order.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'Fa'il' (the doer) for 2-10, but 'Awwal' (the first) is the 'Awkward' one.
Visual Association
Imagine a race track. The winner is the 'Awwal' (First) standing on a pedestal. Everyone else behind him is just a 'Fa'il' (doer) running in order.
Rhyme
For two to ten, Fa'il is the way, but First is Awwal, come what may.
Story
Ahmed was the first (Al-Awwal) to arrive at the party. Sarah was the second (Al-Thaniya) to arrive. They sat on the third (Al-Thalith) chair from the door.
Word Web
Challenge
Look at the next 5 items you see (books, chairs, people) and name them in Arabic using ordinals.
Cultural Notes
In speech, the 'Al-' prefix is often dropped or shortened.
Formal MSA is strictly used in business.
Often uses 'أول' (Awwal) before the noun in casual speech.
Ordinals are derived from the root system of Arabic, specifically the active participle pattern.
Conversation Starters
ما هو الدرس الأول؟
في أي طابق تسكن؟
هل هذه هي المرة الأولى لك في مصر؟
كيف تصف تجربتك في المركز العاشر؟
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
الكتاب ____
Find and fix the mistake:
السيارة الأول
أي جملة صحيحة؟
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
The fourth time
Answer starts with: الم...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Feminine of Al-Khamis?
The 5th day is long.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesالكتاب ____
Find and fix the mistake:
السيارة الأول
أي جملة صحيحة؟
الثاني / البيت / هو
The fourth time
Match: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Feminine of Al-Khamis?
The 5th day is long.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesالساعة هي ___.
The second lesson
جميل / الطابق / الثاني
Match these:
Choose the correct one:
السيارة الرابع.
هذا هو الفصل ___.
The eighth girl
الصفحة / قرأت / التاسعة
Choose the correct answer:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It's an irregular form derived from a different root.
Yes, if the noun is definite.
No, use cardinal numbers for counting.
Use 'Al-Hadi 'Ashar'.
The core rules are the same, but pronunciation varies.
Usually, ordinals are used with singular nouns.
Always after the noun.
Yes, it's the feminine form of 'Al-Awwal'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Primero, Segundo
Spanish ordinals often precede the noun, while Arabic always follows.
Premier, Deuxième
French ordinals are usually placed before the noun.
Erste, Zweite
German ordinals are part of the noun phrase structure.
Dai-ichi, Dai-ni
Arabic uses suffix-based gender agreement.
Di-yi, Di-er
Arabic is highly inflected for gender.
First, Second
Arabic ordinals must agree with the noun in gender and definiteness.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
Arabic Superlatives: The Best of the Best (أَفْعَل + Definite Noun)
Overview You just ate the absolute best shawarma of your entire life. You pull out your phone to leave a 5-star Google r...
Arabic Adjective Agreement: Matching the Noun
Overview Arabic adjectives are not mere descriptive words; they are linguistic chameleons, meticulously adapting to the...
Arabic Color Patterns: Red, Blue, Green (أفعل/فعلاء)
Overview Ever tried to describe your new red iPhone in Arabic and realized the word for "red" suddenly changed because y...
Arabic Adverbs of Time: Today, Tomorrow, and Yesterday (Zarf al-Zaman)
Overview Arabic adverbs of time, known as **`ظَرْف الزَّمَان`** (`ẓarf az-zamān`), are essential linguistic tools for sp...
Arabic Ordinal Numbers: First, Second, Third (الأول، الثاني)
Overview Ordinal numbers in Arabic, much like in English, serve to indicate position, rank, or sequence within a series....
