Short answer
The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters. It is written from right to left, most letters change shape depending on whether they're at the start, middle or end of a word, and short vowels are shown as small marks (harakat) above or below the letters.
| Letter | Tip |
|---|---|
| ع (ʿayn) | Squeeze from the middle of the throat |
| ح (ḥa) | Breathy 'h' from the middle of the throat |
| خ (kha) | Like 'ch' in Scottish 'loch' |
| غ (ghayn) | Like a gargled French 'r' |
| ق (qaf) | A 'k' from the very back of the tongue |
| ض (ḍad) | Heavy 'd' using the side of the tongue |
| ط / ظ / ص | Heavy versions of t, dh and s |
Letters that don't join forward
Six letters — ا د ذ ر ز و — never connect to the letter after them.
Heavy and light letters
Seven letters (خ ص ض غ ط ق ظ) are always pronounced heavy (full-mouthed); most others are light.
How to learn them
- Learn sounds from a teacher or reciter
- Group similar shapes (ب ت ث)
- Practise 3–4 new letters a day
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn the Arabic alphabet?
Most beginners recognise all 28 letters within 2–4 weeks; correct pronunciation takes longer.
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