Suspending the Rules with (كأنّما)
You already know that (كأنّ) (as if) must be followed by a nominal sentence, meaning it requires a following noun or an attached pronoun.
To compare actions rather than states, you can attach the particle (ما) to form (كأنّما). In Arabic grammar, this added particle is called the "suspending" particle (ما الكافّة) because it completely cancels the requirement for a nominal sentence.
By suspending this rule, (كأنّما) can directly introduce a verbal clause. This makes it a perfect tool for describing surreal events, vivid dreams, and fantastical actions.
| The dream was surreal, as if we were walking in the sky. | كان الحلم عجائبيا، كأنما نمشي في السماء.kâna al-hulmu ajâ'ibiyyan, ka'annamâ namshî fî as-samâ'i |
| Even the giant trees moved, as if they were dancing. | تحركت حتى الأشجار العملاقة، كأنما ترقص.taharrakat hattâ al-ashjâru al-'imlâqatu, ka'annamâ tarqusu |
Surreal Visions in the Past and Present
Because (كأنّما) is freed from needing a noun, you can follow it directly with verbs in either the present or the past tense. Notice how it seamlessly connects the reality of the sentence to an imagined, dreamlike scenario.
| The strange voice terrified me, as if it fell from the stars. | أرعبني الصوت الغريب، كأنما هوى من النجوم.ar'abani as-sawtu al-ghareebu, ka'annama hawa mina an-nujoomi |
| The enchanted girls stared at the mirror, as if they saw a ghost. | حدقت الفتيات المسحورات في المرآة، كأنما رأين شبحا.haddaqati alfatayâtu almas-hûrâtu fî almir'âti, ka'annamâ ra'ayna shabahan. |
| The stars disappeared suddenly, as if the sky closed its eyes. | اختفت النجوم فجأة، كأنما أغمضت السماء عينيها.ikhtafati n-nujûmu faj'atan, ka'annamâ aghmadati s-samâ'u 'aynayhâ. |
