Singular, Double, and Plural
Unlike the English language, the Arabic language has singular, double (two), and plural.
Singular
The singular form of a word is the original, normal form of it. In singlular form, the word expresses the existence of one and ONLY one of that object/person. So, singular is just the normal, plain form of a word.
For example:
- "صديق" (Sadeeq) (meaning friend). As shown, this is just a plain, singular word, expressing the existence of only ONE friend (Sadeeq).
- "طفل" (Tifl) (meaning child). As shown, this is just a plain, singular word, expressing the existence of only ONE child (Tifl).
Double
Plural
In addition to the single and double forms in Arabic, there is also the plural form of words in Arabic.
To express plural in Arabic, just add "ات" letters (at) to the end of the word.
For example:
- "حيوانات" (Hayawanat) (meaning animals). As shown, the letters "ات" are added to the end of the word, to express the plural form of the word. Also, the letters "at" express the plural form of the word.
- "قطارات" (Qitarat) (meaning trains). As shown, the letters "ات" are added to the end of the word, to express the plural form of the word. Also, the letters "at" express the plural form of the word.
Also, there are irregular plural forms of words, in Arabic, and so, the plural form of words changes and looks different. Usually, changing the word to plural requires changing the stem (middle part) of the word.
For example:
- "أرانب" (Aranib) (meaning rabbits). As shown, instead of adding the letters "ات" to the end of the word, the stem of the word is changed from its singular form, and for it to be plural, a "ا" (a) letter is added in the middle of the word, changing it from "أرنب" (singular) to "أرانب" (plural).
- "كلاب" (Kilab) (meaning dogs). As shown, instead of adding the letters "ات" to the end of the word, the stem of the word is changed from its singular form, and for it to be plural, a "ا" (a) letter is added in the middle of the word, changing its from "كلب" (singular) to "كلاب" (plural).
As I mentioned before, in English language, a word can be written in singular or plural form. In Arabic, a word can be written in singular, plural, or even double. The double form of a word expresses the existence of two of the things/people.
In order to express double in Arabic, simply add "ين" letters (ain) or "ان" letters (an) to the end of the word.
For example:
- "لعبتان" (Lo'batan) (meaning two toys). As shown, the two letters "ان" are added to the end of the word, to express double/two. Also, the letters "an" represent the double/two in the word.
- "سيارتين" (Sayyaratain) (meaning two cars). As shown, the two letters "ين" are added to the end of the word, to express double/two. Also, the letters "ain" represent the double/two in the word.
