In Arabic, vowels can be Short (like a quick tap) or Long (like a beautiful song). To make a long vowel, we use the 3 "Best Friends" of the vowel marks.
Every short vowel has a "best friend" among the letters. When they meet, the sound becomes twice as long!
Fatha loves Alif. It sounds like "Aaa" as in Father.
Damma loves Waw. It sounds like "Ooo" as in Boot.
Kasra loves Ya. It sounds like "Eee" as in Tree.
Compare the quick "tap" of the short vowel with the long "stretch" of the Madd.
Let's see how these "Stretches" look inside real Arabic words!
Click each box to reveal the "Stretch" and practice saying it out loud!
Sometimes, the Alif, Waw, or Ya are "hidden". We use small vertical marks to show the same 2-count stretch.
This sign means "Extra Power!" Instead of stretching for 2 counts, you stretch for 4 or 5 counts. It's like holding a beautiful high note in a song!
Read these phrases. Remember: Pink letters are Short, Indigo letters are Long!
Fantastic! You've mastered the stretch. You can now distinguish between short quick sounds and long beautiful vowels!