A1 · Beginner Chapter 29

Giving Commands

6 Total Rules
60 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock the power to lead, guide, and instruct others using the Arabic imperative mood.

  • Form basic commands from three-letter verb roots.
  • Adapt your instructions based on who you are talking to.
  • Master the subtle suffix changes for groups and pairs.
Command the room and lead the way in Arabic!

What You'll Learn

Hey there! Ready to learn how to tell people what to do in Arabic? In this exciting chapter, we're diving into the world of Arabic imperative verbs, so you can confidently give commands and instructions. We'll start with simple examples like 'write' (اُکتُب) and 'drink' (اِشرَب), and you'll quickly see how easy it is to transform regular verbs into powerful commands. Then, you'll discover how to precisely direct your commands: whether you're addressing a single man (اِفعَل), a woman (اِفعَلی), two people (اِفعَلا), or even a group of women (اُکتُبنَ) or men (اِفعَلوا). All these variations come with small, logical changes to the verb, much like pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly together. Imagine you're in a bustling market in Marrakech, wanting to say 'Look here!' (اُنظُر هُنا), or in a friendly gathering, wanting to say 'Listen up, everyone!' (اِسمَعوا). These practical skills will empower you to communicate clearly and swiftly in everyday situations. Don't worry, this part is easier than you think and will give you a huge confidence boost. Let's conquer Arabic together!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to form the basic masculine singular command for any regular verb.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to distinguish between masculine and feminine commands in spoken Arabic.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to address a group of people with the correct plural imperative suffix.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to an exciting journey into Arabic grammar A1! In this chapter, we're unlocking the power of Arabic imperative verbs, giving you the tools to confidently give commands and instructions in Arabic. This is a fundamental skill for any beginner learner at the CEFR A1 level, and mastering it will significantly boost your ability to communicate effectively in everyday situations. Forget complex conjugations for a moment; we're focusing on direct, actionable language.
Understanding how to form and use commands in Arabic is incredibly practical. Whether you're asking for help, giving directions, or simply encouraging someone, these verbs are your go-to. We'll start with simple, high-frequency examples like اُکتُب (uktub - write!) and اِشرَب (ishrab - drink!), showing you just how straightforward it is to transform a regular verb into a powerful instruction. This guide is designed to make learning giving commands in Arabic intuitive and fun, laying a solid foundation for more advanced studies.
By the end of this chapter, you’ll not only recognize Arabic imperative verbs but also be able to use them with precision. Imagine yourself confidently saying 'Look here!' (اُنظُر هُنا) in a bustling market or 'Listen up, everyone!' (اِسمَعوا) in a friendly gathering. These practical skills will empower you to interact more authentically and quickly in Arabic-speaking environments, proving that learning A1 Arabic can be immediately rewarding.

How This Grammar Works

At its heart, Arabic imperative verbs are all about telling someone to do something. Unlike English, where we often just use the base form of the verb (e.g., "go," "eat"), Arabic verbs change their form based on who you're addressing: a single man, a single woman, two people, or a group. This chapter covers the Imperative Mood in Arabic, showing you how these crucial transformations work.
Let's break down the different forms, starting with the basic Giving Commands (Masculine). For a single male, the imperative usually begins with an 'i' or 'u' sound (often from a hamzat al-waṣl) followed by the root letters. For example, from the verb كَتَبَ (kataba - he wrote), we get اُکتُب (uktub - write! [to a man]). Similarly, from شَرِبَ (shariba - he drank), it becomes اِشرَب (ishrab - drink! [to a man]).
Next, for Arabic Imperative: Giving Commands to a Woman, we simply add a ي (yā') sound at the end. So, اُکتُب (uktub) becomes اُکتُبی (uktubī - write! [to a woman]), and اِشرَب (ishrab) becomes اِشرَبی (ishrabī - drink! [to a woman]). This small change makes a big difference in addressing someone correctly.
When you're talking to two people, regardless of gender, you use the Commands for Two People (Dual Imperative). Here, an ا (alif) is added to the end. So, اُکتُب (uktub) transforms into اُکتُبا (uktubā - write! [to two people]), and اِشرَب (ishrab) becomes اِشرَبا (ishrabā - drink! [to two people]).
For a group of men, or a mixed group, we use the Arabic Group Commands: Addressing 'You All' (-ū). This involves adding a وا (wāw alif) to the end. So, اُکتُب (uktub) becomes اُکتُبوا (uktubū - write! [to men/group]), and اِشرَب (ishrab) becomes اِشرَبوا (ishrabū - drink! [to men/group]).
Finally, for Commands for Women: Plural (Uktubna), when addressing a group of only women, we add نَ (nūnal-niswa) to the end. This makes اُکتُب (uktub) become اُکتُبنَ (uktubna - write! [to women]), and اِشرَب (ishrab) becomes اِشرَبنَ (ishrabna - drink! [to women]). These logical additions are like puzzle pieces, ensuring your command is precise and respectful.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: اِشرَبُ (ishrabu)
✓ Correct: اِشرَب (ishrab)
*Explanation:* The imperative singular masculine form does not end with a dammah (ُ). It should have a sukoon (ْ) on the last letter, indicating the command form.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: اُکتُبين (uktubīn)
✓ Correct: اُکتُبی (uktubī)
*Explanation:* When commanding a single woman, the correct ending is a long 'ī' sound, represented by the letter ي (yā'), not ين (yā' nūn). The ن (nūn) is dropped in the imperative.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: اِجلِسوا (ijlisū) for two people
✓ Correct: اِجلِسا (ijlisā)
*Explanation:* The وا (wāw alif) ending is for a group of men or mixed group. For two people (dual), the correct ending is ا (alif).

Real Conversations

A

A

يا أحمَد، اِجلِس هُنا. (Yā Aḥmad, ijlis hunā.)
B

B

شُكراً يا أُستاذ. (Shukran yā ustādh.)

(A: Ahmed, sit here.

B

B

Thank you, teacher.)
A

A

مريم، اِشرَبي الشاي الساخن. (Maryam, ishrabī ash-shāy as-sākhin.)
B

B

حسناً، سأشرب. (Ḥasanan, sa-ashrab.)

(A: Maryam, drink the hot tea.

B

B

Okay, I will drink.)
A

A

يا أولاد، اِذهَبوا إلى الباب. (Yā awlād, idhhabū ilā al-bāb.)
B

B

نعم يا أبي. (Naʿam yā abī.)

(A: Children, go to the door.

B

B

Yes, father.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How do I form the imperative verb in Arabic from a root?

You generally take the present tense form addressing "you" (masculine singular), drop the initial "ta-" prefix, and adjust the end vowel/add a prefix vowel (hamzat al-wasl) and suffix (for gender/number).

Q

Are there irregular imperative verbs in Arabic?

Yes, like in many languages, some verbs, especially those with weak letters (wāw, alif, yā'), have slight irregularities in their imperative forms, but the core patterns for gender/number usually remain.

Q

What's the difference between commanding a man and a woman in Arabic?

To command a man (singular), the verb ends with a sukoon (or a deleted weak letter). To command a woman (singular), you add a ي (yā') to the end, resulting in an 'ī' sound.

Q

Can I use imperative verbs for polite requests in Arabic?

While they are direct commands, the tone of voice, context, and adding words like مِن فَضلِك (min faḍlik - please) can soften them into polite requests.

Cultural Context

In Arabic-speaking cultures, using imperative verbs is common and generally accepted, especially in familiar contexts or when giving clear instructions. However, politeness is highly valued. While direct commands like اِذهَب (idhhab - go!) are grammatically correct, adding مِن فَضلِك (min faḍlik - please [to a man]) or مِن فَضلِكِ (min faḍliki - please [to a woman]) is always recommended in formal or less familiar situations to maintain respect and courtesy. The choice of ending (for gender and number) is also a sign of respect and proper address.

Key Examples (8)

1

uktub risaala(tan) li-Sadiiqika.

Write a message to your friend.

Imperative Mood: Tell people what to do! (uktub, ishrab)
2

ishrabii al-maa'a, anti ta'baana.

Drink the water, you are tired.

Imperative Mood: Tell people what to do! (uktub, ishrab)
3

Iftaḥ al-bāb min faḍlik.

Open the door please.

Giving Commands (Masculine): 'Do this!' (if'al)
4

Unẓur ilā hādhihi al-ṣūrah!

Look at this picture!

Giving Commands (Masculine): 'Do this!' (if'al)
5

اِجْلِسِي `ijlisī`

Sit here, please.

Arabic Imperative: Giving Commands to a Woman
6

اِفْتَحِي `iftaḥī`

Laila, open the door.

Arabic Imperative: Giving Commands to a Woman
7

يا شَباب، اشْرَبُوا العَصير!

Guys, drink the juice!

Arabic Group Commands: Addressing 'You All' (-ū)
8

تَابِعُوا حِسابِي على إنستغرام.

Follow my account on Instagram.

Arabic Group Commands: Addressing 'You All' (-ū)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Use 'Min Fadlak'

Always add 'min fadlak' to soften your commands. It makes you sound much more polite.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Imperative Mood: Tell people what to do! (uktub, ishrab)
💡

Listen to the vowel

The middle vowel of the present tense tells you the alif vowel.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Giving Commands (Masculine): 'Do this!' (if'al)
💡

Listen for the 'ee'

When you hear an 'ee' at the end of a verb, you know someone is talking to a female.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Arabic Imperative: Giving Commands to a Woman
💡

The Silent Alif

Always write the alif at the end of the '-ū' suffix. It is never pronounced but is required for correct spelling.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Arabic Group Commands: Addressing 'You All' (-ū)

Key Vocabulary (6)

كَتَبَ to write (kataba) شَرِبَ to drink (shariba) دَخَلَ to enter (dakhala) خَرَجَ to exit (kharaja) جَلَسَ to sit (jalasa) قَرَأَ to read (qara'a)

Real-World Preview

school

At the Language School

Review Summary

  • Alif + Root + Sukun
  • Alif + Root + ī
  • Alif + Root + ū

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to remove the present tense prefix 'ta-' and add the initial Alif.

Wrong: تَكْتُب (Taktub)
Correct: اُكْتُب (Uktub)

Using the feminine suffix '-ī' when addressing a male subject.

Wrong: اِجْلِسِي يَا أَحْمَد (Ijlisī yā Ahmad)
Correct: اِجْلِس يَا أَحْمَد (Ijlis yā Ahmad)

Shortening the feminine plural suffix incorrectly or forgetting the Sukun on the final root letter.

Wrong: اُكْتُبُن (Uktubun)
Correct: اُكْتُبْنَ (Uktubna)

Next Steps

You've just gained a massive amount of communicative power! Being able to direct actions is a huge milestone in your Arabic journey. Keep practicing these forms with friends—they'll be impressed by your accuracy!

Mirror Talk: Give yourself 5 different commands in the mirror.

Recipe Writing: Write 3 steps for making tea using imperative verbs.

Continue to: Saying 'Don't' and Setting Conditions

Quick Practice (10)

Correct the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

Iktub al-darsa (to a group).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Iktubū al-darsa
Need plural suffix.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Arabic Group Commands: Addressing 'You All' (-ū)

Choose the correct dual imperative.

Which is correct for two people?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: اُكْتُبَا
The dual suffix is 'a'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Commands for Two People (Dual Imperative)

Choose the correct form.

Which is the correct command for a female?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: اذهبي
Feminine suffix is 'ee'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Arabic Imperative: Giving Commands to a Woman

Correct the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

لا اكتب الدرس.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: لا تكتب الدرس
Negative commands use present tense.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Imperative Mood: Tell people what to do! (uktub, ishrab)

Fill in the blank.

___ (Write) الدرس!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Imperative for masculine singular.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Giving Commands (Masculine): 'Do this!' (if'al)

Correct the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

اكتبين الدرس (to a female).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: اكتبي الدرس
Remove the 'na' suffix.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Arabic Imperative: Giving Commands to a Woman

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

اِذْهَبُوا إِلَى المَكْتَبِ (for 2 people)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: اِذْهَبَا
Dual is 'a'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Commands for Two People (Dual Imperative)

Choose the correct negative command.

___ (لا تذهب) إلى هناك.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: لا تذهب
Negative commands use present tense.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Imperative Mood: Tell people what to do! (uktub, ishrab)

Fill in the correct feminine imperative.

يا مريم، ___ (اكتب) الدرس.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: اكتبي
Feminine singular imperative.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Arabic Imperative: Giving Commands to a Woman

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

تفتح الباب!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Remove prefix.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Giving Commands (Masculine): 'Do this!' (if'al)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, the imperative is only for addressing others (second person).
It depends on the vowel of the second root letter in the present tense.
To help pronounce the consonant cluster.
No, add an 'i' ending.
It is the grammatical marker for the second-person feminine singular.
No, that would be grammatically incorrect.
Previous Chapter
Future Plans and Intentions
Next Chapter
Saying 'Don't' and Setting Conditions
Back to Roadmap