To create a noun of place (where an action happens) or a noun of time (when it happens) from derived verbs (Forms II-X), Arabic uses the exact same pattern as the passive participle.
The Passive Participle Pattern
To build this pattern, start with the present tense verb. Replace the present tense prefix with a م carrying a damma (مُـ), and ensure the second-to-last root letter has a fatha (ـَ).
For example, from the Form VIII verb meaning "to stroll" or "to recreate", we get منتزه (park).
| Where is the new park? | أين المنتزه الجديد؟ayna al-muntazahu al-jadîd? |
| Despite the cold, the park is crowded. | بالرغم من البرد، فإن المنتزه مزدحم.bir-raghmi mina al-bardi, fa-inna al-muntazaha muzdahim |
From the Form VII verb meaning "to depart" or "to set off", we get منطلق (starting point).
| The station is the starting point of the journey. | المحطة منطلق الرحلة.al-maḥaṭṭatu munṭalaqu r-riḥlah |
From the Form II verb meaning "to pitch a tent", we get مخيم (camp).
| The volunteers work in the camp. | يعمل المتطوعون في المخيم.ya'malu al-mutatawwi'ûna fî al-mukhayyami. |
Defective Roots
When the verb root is defective (ends in a weak letter like و or ي), the final letter changes to an alif maqsurah (ى) to harmonize with the fatha on the second-to-last letter.
For instance, the Form VIII verb for meeting becomes ملتقى (meeting place).
| The university is a meeting place for the female students. | الجامعة ملتقى الطالبات.al-jâmi'atu multaqa at-tâlibât |
The Form II verb for praying becomes مصلى (prayer room).
| Is there a prayer room in this building? | هل هناك مصلى في هذا المبنى؟hal hunâka musallâ fî hâdhâ al-mabnâ? |
The Form VIII verb for gathering or assembling becomes منتدى (forum).
| The forum is a place for discussion. | المنتدى مكان للنقاش.al-muntadâ makânun lin-niqâsh |
Naming Venues and Landmarks
This passive participle pattern is extremely common for naming modern institutions, gathering spots, and landmarks. Here are a few more examples of these nouns in action:
| When did the engineers build the complex? | متى بنى المهندسون المجمع؟mataa banaa l-muhandisuuna l-majma'a? |
| How do we arrive at the crossroads? | كيف نصل إلى المفترق؟kayfa nasilu ilâ al-muftaraqi? |
| This amphitheater is a meeting place for the new students. | هذا المدرج ملتقى للطلاب الجدد.hâdhâ al-mudarraju multaqan littullâbi al-jududi |