Most Arabic words grow from a root of three consonants that carries a core meaning. A verb form is a fixed pattern laid over the root, and each pattern nudges the meaning in a predictable direction.
Roots
The root k-t-b is about writing:
- كتبktebhe wrote
- كتابktabbook
- مكتبmekteboffice, desk
- مكتوبmektubwritten; fate
The forms Darija uses most
Grammarians number the patterns with Roman numerals and use f-3-l as a placeholder root. Darija drops many short vowels, so the patterns look more compressed than in other dialects.
| Form | Pattern | Typical meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | f3el | the basic meaning | kteb (write), shreb (drink) |
| II | fe33el | make someone do it; intensive | 3llem (teach), beddel (change) |
| III | fa3el | do it with/to someone | 3awen (help), sameh (forgive) |
| V | tfe33el | reflexive of II | t3llem (learn), t7errek (move) |
| VI | tfa3el | do it to each other | tlaqaw (they met) |
| VIII | fta3el | self-directed | khtar (choose), 7tarem (respect) |
| X | stef3el | seek, consider | sta3mel (use) |
Form IV (af3al) belongs to Modern Standard Arabic. Darija uses Form II or I instead.
Pairs to spot
- علّم ← تعلّم3llem → t3llemteach → learn (II → V)
- حرّك ← تحرّك7errek → t7errekmove something → move yourself
Darija's t- passive
Darija makes passives with t- or tt-: ttkteb (was written), t7ell (was opened), ttkla (was eaten).