Idaafa (Genitive Construction) - Arabic Grammar

In Arabic grammar, one of the most important and distinctive features is the Idaafa (genitive construction) theory. The Idaafa is a grammatical structure that combines two or more nouns to create a possessive relationship between them. It is formed by placing the genitive (possessive) marker “ي” (pronounced “ya”) between the two nouns.

The first noun in the Idaafa is called the mudaf (possessed), while the second noun is called the mudaf ilayh (possessor). The Idaafa serves to show ownership, attribution, or association between the two nouns. It can be used to express various relationships, such as possession, description, location, and time.

Understanding the Idaafa is crucial for Arabic learners as it plays a significant role in sentence structure and introduces many grammatical rules. These rules include the agreement of gender and number between the nouns, as well as the use of definite and indefinite forms. Additionally, mastery of the Idaafa is essential for constructing complex sentences and expanding vocabulary.

By studying the Idaafa theory, Arabic learners gain a deeper understanding of Arabic grammar structures and improve their ability to express concepts of ownership and possession effectively.