Learn Arabic (Modern Standard): كانت المربية تهدهد الطفل في المهد. - The nanny was rocking the child in the crib.

In Arabic, the past continuous tense ("was doing something") is formed by using the past tense of كان (to be) followed by a present tense verb. Here, كانت sets the timeframe to the past, and the present tense verb تهدهد shows that the action was an ongoing process.

What kind of root does the verb تهدهد have? It looks unusual.

This verb comes from a four-letter (quadriliteral) root, ه-د-ه-د (h-d-h-d). Unlike most Arabic verbs that have three-letter roots, some have four. Words with repeating syllables like this often describe repetitive sounds or physical actions, which perfectly matches the continuous motion of rocking a baby!

If we read this sentence with full case endings (tashkeel), what ending does المربية take?

It takes a Damma (u), making it المربيةُ (al-murabbiyatu). This is because it is the subject of كان (known as the ism kaana), which must always be in the nominative case.

The word المربية translates to "the nanny" here, but what is its literal meaning based on its root?

It comes from the root ر-ب-ي (r-b-y), which is related to raising, educating, or nurturing children. You will see the same root in words like تربية (education or upbringing). Therefore, المربية literally means the female educator or the nurturer, which is commonly used to describe a nanny or governess.