Nunation (التنوين)

Arabic marks the end of nouns to show their role. Tanween is the specific mark for indefinite nouns. It involves doubling the existing vowel on the last letter. If a word ends in a single 'u' sound, double it. Now it ends in an 'un' sound. If it ends in 'i', it becomes 'in'. If it ends in 'a', it becomes 'an'. This extra 'n' sound only exists for indefinite nouns. It is like a built-in signal. It tells your listener that you are speaking generally. You are not pointing at one specific thing. You are talking about a category of things. Imagine you are at a market. You want 'a' fruit. You do not care which one. That is where Tanween shines. It keeps your sentences moving smoothly.

1. 1Identify the last letter of your noun.
2. 2Check the grammatical case of the word.
3. 3Double the vowel sign on that last letter.
4. 4Add two Dhamma marks for the 'un' sound.
5. 5Add two Kasra marks for the 'in' sound.
6. 6Add two Fatha marks for the 'an' sound.
7. 7Remember to add an extra Alif for the 'an' sound.
8. 8This extra Alif is a silent helper for the 'an' sound.
9. 9Do not add the extra Alif if the word ends in Taa Marbuta.
10. 10Do not add the extra Alif if the word ends in certain Hamza styles.
11. 11Pronounce the vowel clearly followed by a crisp 'n' sound.

Use Tanween when you are being non-specific. Use it when ordering 'a' coffee qahwatan at a café. Use it when you meet 'a' friend sadeeqan in the street. Use it when you are describing something new. If you say 'this is a house', use Tanween. It shows that the house is just one of many. It is perfect for introductions. It works great for giving general information. In a job interview, you might say you have 'experience' khibratan. You aren't talking about a specific moment of experience. You are talking about the general concept. Use it whenever 'a' or 'an' would fit in English. It gives your nouns a sense of freedom. They are not tied down by the definite article.

Never use Tanween and Al together. They are like water and oil. They simply do not mix. If you see the prefix Al-, the Tanween must leave. It is one or the other. You cannot say 'the a book'. That would sound very silly to a native speaker. Also, avoid using it on verbs. Tanween is strictly for nouns and adjectives. Some proper nouns like city names do not use it either. 'Dubai' does not need an 'un' at the end. Most people's names do use it in formal settings, though. If a word is followed by a possessive, drop the Tanween. For example, 'the book of the teacher' has no Tanween. It is like a VIP club. Only certain words get the invite.

Mixing Al- and Tanween is the number one error. It is like wearing two pairs of glasses at once. Another common slip is forgetting the extra Alif for -an. This happens to everyone, even advanced students. Just think of that Alif as a kickstand for the double Fatha. Some learners try to pronounce the 'n' on every word. Remember, it is only for indefinite nouns. Do not put it on verbs like 'he goes'. That would sound like a grammar traffic jam. Also, watch out for the Taa Marbuta. Many people add an Alif where it does not belong. The Taa Marbuta is strong enough to hold the double Fatha alone. It does not need help. Take it slow and check your endings. You will get the rhythm soon.

Contrast Tanween with the definite article Al-. Al- makes a word 'the' (specific). Tanween makes a word 'a' (general). Think of Al- as a spotlight on one item. Think of Tanween as a wide lens on a whole group. Also, contrast it with normal short vowels. A single Dhamma is just 'u'. A double Dhamma is 'un'. It is a small visual change with a big sound difference. In English, we put 'a' before the word. In Arabic, we put the 'n' at the very end. It is like the difference between a prefix and a suffix. One signals the start, the other signals the finish. Understanding this contrast is your key to fluency. It helps you navigate the logic of the language.