قَوَاعِد
qawāʕidplural
The English phrase 'grammar' is قَوَاعِد (qawāʕid) in Arabic. Wiktionary also lists نَحْو (naḥw).
Meaning: rules for speaking and writing a language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| قَوَاعِد | qawāʕid | plural |
| نَحْو | naḥw | masculine |
The word قَوَاعِد refers to the rules for speaking and writing a language. To specify 'the grammar of a language', you can use the construction قَوَاعِد اللُّغَة.
What does it mean word for word?
قَوَاعِد is the plural of qāʕida, which literally means 'rule' or 'principle'.
Which one should you use?
قَوَاعِد is a more general term for 'rules' or 'grammar' in any context. In contrast, the term نَحْو specifically refers to the study of syntax and the rules of word endings in Arabic.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gulf Arabic, the term for 'grammar' commonly used is el-qawa'id.
How do you pronounce it?
qawāʕid
Did you know?
- In classical Arabic the study of نَحْو was historically used to preserve the correct recitation of the Quran. This gave the study of grammar a religious significance beyond simple linguistics.
- Historically the school of نَحْو was divided into two competing schools based in Basra and Kufa. These scholars debated grammar rules with a passion that resembled modern political or religious rivalry.
- The term قَاعِدَة can refer to a grammatical rule or a military base. This is because both are seen as a 'base' or 'stationary point' of operation.
Examples in context
- أتعلم قواعد النحو في اللغة العربية.I am learning grammar rules in the Arabic language.
- القواعد سهلة في العربية الخليجية.Grammar is easy in Gulf Arabic.
- قَوَاعِدُ الإِنْجِلِيزِيَّةِ صَعْبَةٌ لِلْبَعْضِ.qawa'id al-injliziya sa'ba lil-ba'd.English grammar is difficult for some.
Example conversation
A student asking a classmate for help with a lesson.
- أحمد Ahmedهَلْ تَفْهَمِينَ قَوَاعِدَ اللُّغَةِ العَرَبِيَّةِ يَا مَرْيَمُ؟hal tafhamina qawa'id al-lugha al-arabiyya ya Maryam?Do you understand Arabic grammar, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamلَا، أَنَا أَجِدُهَا صَعْبَةً جِدًّا.la, ana ajiduha sa'ba jiddan.No, I find it very difficult.
- أحمد Ahmedأَنَا أَسْتَطِيعُ مُسَاعَدَتَكِ فِي الدِّرَاسَةِ.ana astati'u musa'adataki fi al-dirasa.I can help you with your studies.
- مريم Maryamشُكْرًا لَكَ يَا أَحْمَدُ، هَذَا لَطِيفٌ.shukran laka ya Ahmad, hadha latif.Thank you, Ahmad, that is kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grammar” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
