Negative Imperative (Prohibition)

This grammar works like a two-piece puzzle. You need a specific 'No' word. Then you need a modified verb. We do not use the normal 'No' (maa) here. We use the powerful laa. This laa acts like a command. It tells the verb to change its ending. This change is what linguists call the 'Jussive' mood. Don't let that big word scare you! It just means we shorten the sound. It is like cutting the tail off a word. This tells the listener you are giving a command. Without this change, you are just making a statement. With it, you are in charge of the situation.

1. 1Creating this form is a three-step process. Follow these steps carefully to sound natural.
2. 2Start with the Present Tense verb for 'you'. Use the second person only. Use anta, anti, or antum forms.
3. 3Put the word laa (لا) before the verb. This is your 'Don't' word.
4. 4Change the ending of the verb. If the verb ends in a u sound, change it to a sukun (silence). For example, tadhabu becomes laa tadhab.
5. 5For feminine or plural, drop the final letter n. Tadhabiina becomes laa tadhabii. Tadhabuuna becomes laa tadhabuu.
6. 6It is like a grammar haircut. You are just trimming the ends to make it look sharp. Yes, even native speakers forget the n sometimes. Don't worry if you do too! Just keep practicing the short endings.

Use this when you need to be direct. It works perfectly for giving orders. Imagine you are in a busy kitchen. You might say 'Don't touch that plate!' (laa talmas). Use it for safety warnings too. 'Don't cross the street!' is a classic example. It is also great for friendly advice. 'Don't worry about the exam' sounds very kind in Arabic. You will use it when ordering food too. Tell the waiter 'Don't add sugar' to your tea. It is essential for managing daily life and tasks. Use it with friends, family, and even colleagues.

Do not use this to describe past actions. It is only for things happening right now. Don't use it to talk about yourself. You cannot give yourself a negative command easily! If you want to say 'I don't eat meat,' use laa with the normal ending. 'I don't eat' is a fact. 'Don't eat!' is a command. There is a huge difference! Don't use it when you are talking about someone else. You don't tell 'him' what not to do this way. This pattern is strictly for the person you are facing. Use it for 'you' and 'you all' only.

Many people use the wrong 'No'. They use maa instead of laa. This makes you sound very confusing. Another common slip is keeping the u sound. If you say laa tadhabu, you are just saying 'You don't go.' Your friend will wait for you to finish the sentence! They won't know you are telling them to stay. Forgetting to drop the n is another big one. It makes the sentence feel heavy and incorrect. Think of it like a loose thread on a shirt. It works, but it doesn't look quite right. Also, don't forget the silent alif after the plural u. It is there for decoration, but it is important.

Compare this to the 'Negative Statement'. A statement just gives information. 'You do not drink coffee' uses a normal verb. It is a peaceful observation. The 'Prohibition' is a call to action. It uses a shortened verb. It feels more urgent and direct. It is like the difference between saying 'The door is closed' and 'Don't open the door!' One is a fact, the other is a rule. In English, we use the word 'don't' for both. In Arabic, the verb ending does all the heavy lifting. Pay attention to that final vowel! It changes the whole meaning of your sentence.