Questions & Answers about الضيف صديق جديد.
Where is the word for "is" in this sentence?
Arabic doesn't use a word for "is" in simple present-tense sentences. Instead, placing a definite noun like الضيف (the guest) right before an indefinite noun like صديق (a friend) automatically creates the meaning "The guest is a friend."
Why does the Arabic say "friend new" instead of "new friend"?
In Arabic, adjectives always come after the noun they describe. So to say "a new friend", you write صديق (friend) first, followed by the adjective جديد (new).
Why doesn't جديد have the prefix ال (the) attached to it?
Adjectives must match their nouns. Since صديق (a friend) does not have ال (making it indefinite), the adjective جديد (new) must also stay indefinite without ال.
How would I ask "Who is the guest?" using our current lesson's question words?
You would use the question word من (who). Because Arabic doesn't use "is" here, you simply put the question word before the noun: من الضيف؟ (Who is the guest?). This sentence is the exact answer you would give!