Attached Prepositions
In English, prepositions like "by," "for," and "like" are separate words. In Arabic, a few common prepositions consist of just a single letter and attach directly to the front of the following noun.
"By" and "With" (بـ)
The preposition بـ means "by" (when talking about transportation) or "with" (when using a tool).
When attaching بـ to a definite noun starting with ال (the), it simply connects to the first letter (ا) without changing the spelling.
| The guest went to the hotel by car. | ذهب الضيف إلى الفندق بالسيارة.dhahaba ad-dayfu ilâ al-funduqi bis-sayyârati. |
| The father cut the food with the knife. | قطع الأب الطعام بالسكين.qata'a al-abu at-ta'âma bis-sikkîni. |
"For" (لـ) and a Special Spelling Rule
The preposition لـ means "for" or "to" and is used to show purpose, destination, or belonging.
There is one important spelling rule for this preposition: When you attach لـ to a word that starts with ال, the ا (alif) from the ال is dropped completely. You write the لـ directly connected to the ل of the definite article.
For example, combining لـ with القطار (the train) becomes للقطار (for the train).
| This spoon is for the kitchen. | هذه الملعقة للمطبخ.hâdhihi al-mil'aqatu lil-matbakhi |
| Is the ticket for the train? | هل التذكرة للقطار؟hal it-tadhkiratu lil-qitâr? |
"Like" or "As" (كـ)
The preposition كـ means "like" or "as" and is used to make comparisons.
Just like بـ, this preposition attaches directly to the front of the word without dropping any letters. When added to a word with ال, it connects straight to the alif.
| This train is fast like the airplane. | هذا القطار سريع كالطائرة.hâdhâ al-qitâru sarî'un kat-tâ'irah |
| The boy is strong like the lion. | الولد قوي كالأسد.al-waladu qawiyyun kal-asad. |
