كان
kāna/kaː.na/
The English phrase "be" is translated to Arabic as كان (kāna).
The verb is used to declare that a subject and an object are identical or equivalent. In its default form, كان is used to express a state or existence in the past, often translated as "was" or "has been".
Meaning: used to declare the subject and object identical or equivalent (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Levantine Arabic, the word بكون is commonly used for expressing "be" informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on the subject. To agree with a feminine singular subject, the verb takes the suffix -at (ت), as seen in كانت. For a masculine plural subject, the verb takes the suffix -ū (وا), as seen in كانوا. For the first person singular "I", the verb changes its stem to كنتُ. For the second person masculine singular "you", the verb changes its stem to كنتَ.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /kaː.na/ (kāna).
Did you know?
- In the present tense, Arabic often removes the word for 'be' entirely. To say 'I am a teacher', a speaker simply says أنا مدرس, which literally translates to 'I teacher'.
- The root of كان is linked to the concept of 'locating' or 'existing in a specific place' in ancient Semitic languages. This suggests that to 'be' something in the ancient mind was inherently tied to 'being somewhere'.
- In some Arabic dialects, كان can create a hypothetical or conditional meaning. It can function similarly to the English 'would be' without requiring an extra conditional particle.
Examples in context
- كان يجب بتر ذراع توم.Tom's arm had to be amputated.This sentence demonstrates the use of كان.Tatoeba #1573428 by Amastan, translation #1573425 by Spamster
- كانت زوجة سامي تخونه.Sami's wife may be cheating on him.Tatoeba #6989458 by OsoHombre, translation #6320018 by OsoHombre
- ليتها كانت معنا الآن.I wish she could be here with us.Tatoeba #11896844 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #2446785 by Hybrid
- هو طبيبHe is a doctor.
- هي تدرسShe is studying.
- نحن أصدقاءWe are friends.
- كانوا سعداءThey were happy.
- كنت في المكتبةI was at the library.
- أنا تعبانI am tired.
- هي ذكيةShe is intelligent.
- هم فرحانينThey are happy.
- أنت مضحكYou are funny.
- نحن متأخرينWe are late.
- هم تعبانينThey are tired.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Ziad are talking about an old house.
- سارة Saraهذا البيت كان كبيراً جداً.Hada al-bayt kana kabiran jiddan.This house was very big.
- زياد Ziadنعم، لكنه الآن قديم.Na'am, lakinahu al-an qadim.Yes, but now it is old.
- سارة Saraهل كان هناك حديقة أيضاً؟Hal kana hunaka hadiqatun aidan?Was there a garden too?
- زياد Ziadنعم، كانت الحديقة جميلة.Na'am, kanat al-hadiqa jamila.Yes, the garden was beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry كان, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries كان, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
