Understanding the Passive Voice in Arabic Grammar

Passive voice is an essential aspect of the Arabic language, allowing speakers to emphasize the object of an action rather than its performer. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the passive voice in Arabic grammar and its different forms.

Formation of Passive Verbs

In Arabic, passive verbs are formed by changing the vowels within the root letters of the active voice verb. Specifically, this alteration involves:

• Replacing the fatha on the first root letter with a damma.
• Replacing the kasra on the second root letter with a fatha.

For example, the passive form of the verb qatala (he killed) is qutila (he was killed). It’s important to recognize that both the active and passive voice share the same three root letters, which reflect the central meaning of the verb.

Regular and Irregular Passive Verbs

Passive verbs in Arabic grammar can be classified into two categories:

Regular Passive Verbs:

These verbs follow the standard pattern of changing the vowels on the root letters as described above. Examples include:

• jariha (he wounded) becomes juriha (he was wounded).
• sarraqa (he stole) becomes surriqa (it was stolen).

Irregular Passive Verbs:

These verbs do not adhere to the typical pattern of vowel changes. Instead, they involve additional alterations to their form. Examples include:

• darasa (he studied) becomes durisa (it was studied).
• kasara (he broke) becomes kusira (it was broken).

It is crucial to become familiar with both regular and irregular passive verbs in Arabic to ensure accurate understanding and usage of the language.

Passive Voice in Different Verb Forms

Arabic comprises ten verb forms, each with its own unique pattern. To create the passive voice for each form, one must adjust the vowels accordingly. Some examples include:

• Form II: sabbaqa (he preceded) becomes subbiqa (it was preceded).
• Form III: qaatala (he fought) becomes quutila (he was fought).
• Form IV: akhraja (he expelled) becomes ukhrija (he was expelled).

Determining the passive voice for each verb form enhances one’s mastery of the intricate Arabic grammar system.

Passive Voice in Nouns and Adjectives

The passive voice is also expressed in Arabic nouns and adjectives, reflecting the outcome of an action. For example:

• kitāb (book) may become maktoob (written) when describing a written book.
• rajul (man) may become marfu’ (elevated) when referring to a person who has achieved high status.