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Hamza at the Beginning of Words (Hamzat al-Waṣl vs Hamzat al-Qaṭ’)

Three different types of hamza used in words.

If you’ve ever wondered why sometimes Arabic words start with “alif” that looks different or is sometimes pronounced and sometimes not — this lesson is for you!

In this video (embedded below), we cover:

  • What Hamza actually is
  • The two types of Hamza at the beginning of words
  • Tips to help you recognize and use each correctly

When a word begins with alif, you’ll sometimes see a hamza (ء) written on it — and sometimes not. In this lesson, we break down exactly when to write the hamza, and when to leave it out.

؜Hamzat al-Waṣl (همزة الوصل)

Hamzat al-Waṣl (ٱ) is a special type of hamza that is only pronounced when starting from the word itself and the little hamza is NOT written on the letter alif. If you’re connecting from a previous word, it disappears in pronunciation.

You’ll find it in:

  • The definite article “al” (e.g., al-kitab الكتاب)
  • Imperative verbs
  • Some past tense verb forms
  • Certain fixed nouns

؜Hamzat al-Qaṭ’ (همزة القطع)

Hamzat al-Qaṭ’ (أ / إ) is always pronounced and written, no matter where it appears. It’s used in every other case that isn’t one of the four categories above.

Want to a more thorough explanation?

Be sure to watch the full video to hear how both hamzas are used and how to spot them in real Arabic.

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