The Arabic letter Noon (ن) holds a significant place in the Arabic alphabet, denoting the sound equivalent to the English letter N. Understanding the intricacies of this letter, its pronunciation, forms within Arabic words, and examples are essential for mastering the Arabic language.
The Shapes of the Letter Noon ن
The Noon letter manifests in four distinct forms within Arabic script:
- Terminal: Represented by ـن.
- Middle: Expressed as ـنـ.
- Initial: Depicted as نـ.
- Isolated: Illustrated by the standalone letter ن.
How to Pronounce Noon ن
Pronouncing the letter Noon (ن) mirrors the sound of the English letter N. To articulate it accurately, place your tongue on the upper part of your mouth and allow the airflow to pass through your nose.
Examples of Words with Noon ن
Initial Noon ن
- نوم (Nawm) – Sleep
- نهر (Nahr) – River
- نخلة (Nakhla) – Palm tree
Middle Noon ن
- أرنب (Arnab) – Rabbit
- منزل (Manzel) – House/Home
- منظر (Manthar) – Scenery
Terminal Noon ن
- لون (Lawn) – Color
- ثمن (Thaman) – Price
- ميزان (Mizan) – Scales
The Letter Noon ن with Harakat حركات
In Arabic script, Noon (ن) combines with various diacritical marks, known as harakat, altering its pronunciation subtly:
Noon with Fat.ha فتحة
- عنَب (I’nab) – Grapes
- بنَاء (Bina‘a) – Building
- نَعامة (Na’ama) – Ostrich
Noon with Damma ضمة
- نُجوم (Nujum) – Stars
- فانُوس (Fanus) – Lantern
- نُور (Nuur) – Light
Noon with Kasra كسرة
- نِسر (Nisr) – Eagle
- نِمر (Nimr) – Tiger
- رنِين (Raniin) – Ringing
Noon with Sukuun سكون
- أنْف (Anf) – Nose
- صنْبور (Sunbur) – Faucet
- سنْجاب (Sinjab) – Squirrel
FAQs about the Letter Noon ن
- Does Noon ن Correspond to the English N?
- Yes, it does.
- Is Noon ن a Sun or Moon Letter?
- Noon ن is written on the line. If the following letter is written above the line, Noon ن should be written over the line as well.
- Is Noon ن Written On or Over the Line?
- Noon ن is a sun letter. Hence, the Lam ل in الـ is silent when followed by Noon ن, and Noon ن is doubled.
The simplicity of the Noon letter, coupled with its prevalence in various languages, makes it relatively easy to grasp for learners. While its middle form may resemble the Arabic letter Baa (ب), the presence of a dot above Noon ن distinguishes it distinctly.
Understanding the nuances of the Noon letter is fundamental for anyone delving into the Arabic language, whether for academic, cultural, or professional purposes.