Meet Dhaal (ذ), the ninth letter of the Arabic alphabet. Its shape is similar to Daal (د); however, Dhaal has one dot above. It also has a distinct th sound.
What Is the Arabic Letter Dhaal (ذ)?
Dhaal is the ninth letter of the Arabic alphabet. Visually, it looks like Daal (د), but one dot appears above it. In addition, the letter has a different sound and follows the same special connection rule as Daal.
Dhaal (ذ) and Daal (د): Learn the Difference
These two Arabic letters share the same basic shape. However, Dhaal has one dot above, while Daal has no dots. Therefore, checking the dot is the quickest way to tell them apart.
First, look at the shape. Then check above it. If you see one dot, the letter is Dhaal (ذ).
Where Is the Dot on the Arabic Letter Dhaal?
Look directly above the letter.
The Arabic letter Dhaal has exactly one dot above its main shape. As a result, it is easy to distinguish from the dotless Daal (د).
How to Write the Arabic Letter Dhaal (ذ)
Like Daal, Dhaal does not connect to the letter that follows it. However, a compatible preceding letter can connect into Dhaal. Because of this rule, the letter has two distinct visual forms rather than four fully connected shapes.
Dhaal does not connect to the letter after it. A compatible letter before it may connect into Dhaal; however, the connection ends at Dhaal.
How Do You Pronounce the Arabic Letter Dhaal?
In standard Arabic, Dhaal (ذ) has a sound similar to th in the English word “this.” Therefore, it is different from Thaa (ث), which is closer to the th sound in “think.” Next, practice Dhaal with short vowels.
Arabic Words with the Letter Dhaal (ذ)
Now practice recognizing Dhaal in common Arabic words. For example, watch for the single dot above the letter and remember that Dhaal does not connect forward.
Practice the Arabic Letter Dhaal
Find every Dhaal (ذ).
Trace Dhaal.
Compare Daal and Dhaal.
Read these Dhaal sounds.
Find Dhaal inside these words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arabic Dhaal
What is Dhaal in Arabic?
As the ninth letter of the Arabic alphabet, Dhaal (ذ) has one dot above and belongs to the same visual family as Daal (د).
How is Dhaal pronounced in Arabic?
In standard Arabic, Dhaal is pronounced similarly to the th sound in the English word “this.”
What is the difference between Daal and Dhaal?
The visual difference is simple: Daal (د) has no dots, whereas Dhaal (ذ) has one dot above. Their sounds are also different.
Does Dhaal connect to the next Arabic letter?
No. However, a compatible preceding letter can connect into Dhaal. The connection stops before the following letter.
How many distinct forms does Dhaal have?
Because Dhaal cannot connect forward, beginners mainly need to recognize ذ and ـذ as its two distinct visual forms.
What are some Arabic words with Dhaal?
For example, Dhaal appears in ذهب (dhahab), هذا (haadha), and لذيذ (ladheedh).