In 15 Seconds
- Used to identify a pen by pointing or holding it.
- Arabic omits the word 'is' in this simple sentence structure.
- The word 'qalam' is masculine, so use 'Hādhā' for 'this'.
Meaning
You use this phrase to point out a pen to someone. It is the fundamental way to identify a writing tool in Arabic.
Key Examples
3 of 7In a classroom setting
هذا قلم الأستاذ.
This is the teacher's pen.
Handing a pen to a friend
هذا قلم، تفضل.
This is a pen, here you go.
Texting a photo of a lost item
هذا قلمك؟
Is this your pen?
Cultural Background
The pen is the first thing God created according to some Hadiths, used to write the destiny of all things. In traditional 'Kuttabs' (Quranic schools), students used a 'Qalam' made of reed and a wooden tablet ('Lawh'). The 'Qalam' is the primary tool of the calligrapher. Different scripts (Naskh, Thuluth) require differently cut pens. The emoji 🖋️ or 🖊️ is often used in Arabic social media to denote 'writing a thread' or 'sharing wisdom'.
The 'Is' Trick
Whenever you see a demonstrative followed by a noun without 'al-', mentally insert the word 'is'.
The 'Q' Sound
Don't pronounce 'qalam' as 'kalam'. 'Kalam' (كلام) means 'speech' or 'words'. You might accidentally say 'This is speech'!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to identify a pen by pointing or holding it.
- Arabic omits the word 'is' in this simple sentence structure.
- The word 'qalam' is masculine, so use 'Hādhā' for 'this'.
What It Means
هذا قلم is the 'Hello World' of the Arabic language. It is likely the very first complete sentence you will ever learn. You are simply stating a fact: 'This is a pen.' In Arabic, we do not use a word for 'is' in these simple sentences. You just put 'this' and 'pen' together. It is clean, efficient, and gets the job done.
How To Use It
Using it is as easy as pointing. You see a pen on the table? Point and say هذا قلم. The word هذا (Hādhā) means 'this' for masculine objects. Since قلم (qalam) is masculine, they are a perfect match. Just remember to pronounce the 'dh' like the 'th' in 'this.' If you drop it into a conversation, people will know exactly what you mean. No fancy grammar is required here.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you need to identify a writing instrument. Maybe you are in a classroom and someone looks confused. Or perhaps you are at the office and someone is searching their desk. It is great for basic vocabulary practice. You can also use it when handing a pen to a friend. It is a functional, everyday sentence that never goes out of style.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if the object is feminine. For example, a car (سيارة) would need a different 'this.' Also, do not use it if you are talking about a digital stylus. While some might call it a قلم, it usually has its own specific name. Avoid using it if you want to sound poetic or complex. It is a very 'Level 1' sentence. Using it in a deep philosophical debate might get you some funny looks.
Cultural Background
In Arabic culture, the قلم is more than just a tool. It is a symbol of knowledge and literacy. The very first verses of the Quran revealed mention the 'pen.' Calligraphy is a massive part of Islamic art. So, when you say هذا قلم, you are naming a tool that built civilizations. It is a small word with a huge history. Even today, gifting a nice pen is a sign of great respect.
Common Variations
If it is your pen, say هذا قلمي (Hādhā qalamī). If it is a pencil, you say هذا قلم رصاص (Hādhā qalam raṣāṣ). Want to ask if it is a pen? Just raise your voice at the end: هذا قلم؟. You can also specify the color, like هذا قلم أزرق for a blue pen. It is a versatile little phrase that grows with your vocabulary.
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly neutral and can be used in any social setting. Just ensure you use the masculine 'Hādhā' to match the masculine noun 'qalam'.
The 'Is' Trick
Whenever you see a demonstrative followed by a noun without 'al-', mentally insert the word 'is'.
The 'Q' Sound
Don't pronounce 'qalam' as 'kalam'. 'Kalam' (كلام) means 'speech' or 'words'. You might accidentally say 'This is speech'!
Dialect Awareness
If you're in Egypt, say 'Da 'alam'. If you're in Saudi Arabia, 'Hadha qalam' is perfectly fine.
Examples
7هذا قلم الأستاذ.
This is the teacher's pen.
Adding the owner's name after the object shows possession.
هذا قلم، تفضل.
This is a pen, here you go.
A polite way to offer a tool to someone.
هذا قلمك؟
Is this your pen?
Adding a 'ka' sound at the end makes it 'your pen'.
يا إلهي، هذا قلم جميل!
Oh my god, this is a beautiful pen!
Adding an adjective like 'jamīl' (beautiful) adds flavor.
انظر، هذا قلم جديد.
Look, this is a new pen.
Simple identification for a child's discovery.
هل هذا قلم حقاً؟
Is this really a pen?
Using 'haqqan' (really) adds a touch of disbelief or humor.
هذا قلم للتوقيع.
This is a pen for signing.
Specifying the purpose of the pen in a professional context.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct demonstrative pronoun for 'pen'.
____ قلمٌ.
Because 'qalam' is masculine singular, we use 'هذا'.
Which sentence means 'This is a pen'?
Select the correct Arabic translation:
'هذا القلم' means 'This pen...', while 'هذا قلم' is the complete sentence 'This is a pen'.
Match the Arabic words to their English meanings.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ما هذا؟ B: ____ ____.
The question 'What is this?' (masculine) requires a masculine object in response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ قلمٌ.
Because 'qalam' is masculine singular, we use 'هذا'.
Select the correct Arabic translation:
'هذا القلم' means 'This pen...', while 'هذا قلم' is the complete sentence 'This is a pen'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
A: ما هذا؟ B: ____ ____.
The question 'What is this?' (masculine) requires a masculine object in response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsArabic uses 'nominal sentences' where the relationship between the subject and predicate is understood through context and case endings, not a linking verb.
Yes, the word 'qalam' is grammatically masculine. You must always use 'hadha' with it.
You say 'Hadha qalam rasas' (هذا قلم رصاص).
You would say 'Hadhan qalaman' (هذان قلمان).
Related Phrases
هذا كتاب
similarThis is a book
هذه مبراة
contrastThis is a sharpener
أين القلم؟
builds onWhere is the pen?
قلم رصاص
specialized formPencil
