Accusative Tamyiz

Tamyiz functions like a spotlight. It focuses on a vague noun (Muham) and tells us exactly what it is. There are two main types you need to know. First, there is Tamyiz al-Dhat. This clarifies a single word, like a number or a measurement. If you say "a kilo," the Tamyiz tells us if it is "a kilo of oranges" or "a kilo of gold." Big difference for your wallet! Second, there is Tamyiz al-Nisba. This clarifies a whole relationship or sentence. For example, "The city is more beautiful." Beautiful in what way? Architecture? People? Weather? Adding hawa'an (in terms of air/weather) clarifies the entire statement. It is like a grammar traffic light. It tells the listener exactly which path your meaning is taking. Without it, the sentence is technically correct but practically useless.

1. 1Creating Tamyiz is actually quite simple. Follow these steps to get it right every time:
2. 2Identify the vague word or sentence that needs clarification.
3. 3Choose a noun that specifies the meaning you want.
4. 4Make that noun indefinite (no Alif-Lam).
5. 5Put that noun in the singular form (usually).
6. 6Apply the accusative case ending (Fatha or Tanween Fath).
7. 7For example, take the word zayt (oil). If you want to clarify a quantity, you say zaytan. It stays singular even if the quantity is huge. It stays indefinite even if the context is specific. It is a rigid but reliable pattern. Think of it like a uniform. It always looks the same regardless of who is wearing it.

You will use Tamyiz in four major scenarios. First, after numbers from 11 to 99. If you are counting 15 books, you say khamsata 'ashara kitaban. Second, after measurements of weight, volume, or area. If you are ordering a liter of milk at a cafe, use litran haliban. Third, after verbs of "filling" or "increasing." Verbs like imtala'a (to fill) or izdada (to increase) crave Tamyiz. For example, "The heart filled with joy" becomes imtala'a al-qalbu sururan. Finally, use it in comparisons. When you use the af'alu pattern (like akthar or ajmal), you need Tamyiz to say *how* something is more. "He is more knowledgeable than me" is huwa aktharu minni 'ilman. This is very common in job interviews or academic debates. It makes you sound sophisticated and precise.

Do not use Tamyiz when an adjective (Sifa) will do the job. If you just want to describe a car as fast, use an adjective. Tamyiz is for specifying the *category* of vagueness, not just adding a description. Also, do not use it for numbers 3 through 10. Those numbers use the Idafa construction with a plural noun. If you say thalathatu kutubin, that is not Tamyiz. It is a different beast entirely. Avoid using Tamyiz as a definite noun. If you add Al- to it, it stops being Tamyiz and starts being something else, usually a Badal or a Hal. Keep it indefinite to keep it clear. It is like a secret code. If you change the format, the code does not work.

The biggest mistake is trying to make Tamyiz plural. You might want to say "twenty books" using the plural kutub. Resist the urge! In Arabic, after 11-99, it must be kitaban (singular). Another classic error is forgetting the Tanween Fath. Without that "an" sound at the end, your sentence loses its structural integrity. People will still understand you, but you will sound like a tourist. Also, watch out for the Hal (circumstantial adverb). People often confuse the two. Remember: Hal describes the *state* of the subject, while Tamyiz clarifies the *vagueness* of the noun or sentence. If you are describing how you arrived (smiling), use Hal. If you are describing what you bought (a gram of gold), use Tamyiz.

Let us look at Tamyiz versus Sifa (Adjective). An adjective follows the noun in everything: gender, number, and definiteness. Tamyiz is its own boss. It is almost always singular, indefinite, and masculine-leaning in its default state. Now, compare it to Idafa. In an Idafa, the second word is in the genitive case (Majrur). In Tamyiz, it is accusative (Mansub). For example, mil'aqatu sukkarin (a spoon of sugar - Idafa) vs ishtaraytu mil'aqatan sukkaran (I bought a spoon's worth of sugar - Tamyiz). The meaning is similar, but the grammar changes the focus. Tamyiz is more about the measurement itself being the vague point. It is a subtle distinction, but at C1, these are the nuances that matter. Think of Tamyiz as a surgical tool—precise and specific.