Arabic Roots: How Three-Letter Roots Unlock Vocabulary

Most Arabic words come from a three-consonant root (jithr) that carries a core meaning. For example, the root ك-ت-ب (K-T-B) relates to writing, from which words like كِتاب (book) and كاتِب (writer) are derived.

Instead of memorizing long lists, focusing on root families helps build vocabulary logically and improves reading comprehension, allowing you to recognize words you haven’t seen before.

Some useful examples include: ع-ل-م (ʿ-L-M) – knowledge; س-ل-م (S-L-M) – peace/safety; and ق-ر-أ (Q-R-ʾ) – reading. Learning just 30–40 core roots can unlock hundreds of words.

Our platform shows the root of every word you search, along with related forms and real usage in context, helping you make lasting connections.