ِArabic Demonstrative pronouns are of an essential core in the Arabic language syntaxes. They are used for indicating efficiently specific persons, objects or entities.
An Arabic demonstrative pronoun generally comes at the beginning of a noun sentence, it is often followed by a definite or indefinite noun.
In this in-depth article, we will shed light on the various forms and contexts of the demonstrative pronouns. We will present all the various kinds of these demonstrative pronouns with detailed explanation to their usages, their functions, their grammatical rules and characteristics. Go no further.
What Are Arabic Demonstrative Pronouns أسماء الإشارة?
Arabic demonstrative pronouns (أسماء الإشارة) are a category of Arabic pronouns used to point to a specific person, object, or concept — equivalent to “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” in English. They must agree in gender and number with the noun they reference, and they change form based on the speaker’s distance from what is being indicated.
In Arabic grammar, أسماء الإشارة are classified under a broader category called المبهمات (vague or indefinite nouns) because their referent depends entirely on context. When paired with a following noun, they form a nominal sentence structure or an إضافة-like construction.
At Shaykhi Academy, students learning Arabic frequently encounter أسماء الإشارة in their very first Quranic lessons. Our Online Arabic Classes pair these foundational grammar structures with Quranic application from day one, ensuring learners build both linguistic precision and scriptural comprehension simultaneously.
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Arabic Demonstrative Pronouns Chart
Here is a chart of the demonstrative pronouns in Arabic language with a translation to their English equivalents and a description of their conjugations.
| Arabic Demonstrative Pronouns | English Equivalents | Conjugation Description |
| هذا | This | Near Singular Masculine |
| هذه | This | Near Singular Feminine |
| ذلك | That | Far Singular Masculine |
| تلك | That | Far Singular Feminine |
| هذان | These | Near Dual Masculine |
| هاتان | These | Near Dual Feminine |
| هؤلاء | These | Near Plural Masculine / Feminine |
| أولئك | Those | Far Plural Masculine / Feminine |
Learn how to use the Arabic demonstrative pronoun “هذا” (this) to form simple sentences! 📖✨ Mastering “هذا” is essential for building a strong foundation in Arabic. Watch the lesson now! Video Link
Arabic Demonstrative Pronouns With Examples
Choosing the proper demonstrative pronoun in an Arabic sentence is basically determined by three factors; gender, number, and distance. Consequently, they are of various kinds, and each kind of them should cope with the noun that it refers to.
In this section, we will present all the demonstrative pronouns with explanations for each pronoun in detail attached with illustrative examples. We will also show the difference between each pronoun and the closest pronoun to it in terms of meaning, usage and function. Let’s start.
1. This / هذا Demonstrative Pronoun
The demonstrative pronoun [هذا / Hadha] is the first pronoun in the demonstrative pronouns cluster. It is used to refer to a singular masculine noun. The noun that comes after, can be a definite or indefinite noun. The function of the demonstrative pronoun (This / هذا) is to refer to a near noun.
Examples of the Arabic Demonstrative Pronoun (This / هذا)
In this section we will present various examples for the demonstrative pronoun (This / هذا). Pay attention to the words in red.
A. This is a young boy.
هَذْا وَلدٌ صَغْيرٌ.
Hadha wa’la’don sa’gheron.
B. This is the boy who ate the apple.
هَذْا هو الوَلد الّذي أَكَل التُفاحَةَ.
Hadha Hwa al-Wald al-Ladhi akal at-Tof’a’hata.
C. This is a nice dog.
هَذْا كَلبٌ لَطِيفٌ
Hadha ka’lbon la’tefon.
D. This dog seems ill.
هَذْا الكَلبُ يَبدو مْريضًا
Hadha al-Kal’bo yabdoo ma’redan.
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2. The Arabic This / هَذْه For Female
The demonstrative pronoun [هذه/ this] is the second pronoun in the demonstrative pronouns cluster. It is used to refer to a singular feminine noun. The noun that comes after, can be a definite or indefinite noun. The function of the demonstrative pronoun (This / هذه) is to refer to a near feminine noun.
In our instructors’ experience at Shaykhi Academy, students most commonly confuse هذا and هذه in the first two weeks of Arabic grammar study. The correction is straightforward: identify the gender of the noun first, then select the demonstrative.
Examples of the Arabic Demonstrative Pronoun (This / هذه)
Here are various examples for the demonstrative pronoun (This / هذه). Pay attention to the words in red.
A. This is a young girl.
.ٌهَذْه بنتٌ صَغْيرَة
Hadhihi benton sa’ghera’ton.
B. This is the girl who ate the apple.
هَذْه هي البنتُ الّتي أَكَلتْ التُفاحَةَ
Hadhihi Hya al-Bento al-Litee akalit at-Tof’a’hata.
C. This is a nice cat.
هَذْه قطةٌ لَطِيفةٌ
Hadhihi ke’da’ton la’tefaton.
D. This girl seems ill.
هَذْه البْنتُ تَبْدو مَريضَة
Hadhihi al-Bento ta’bdoo ma’redah.
3. That / ذلك Demonstrative Pronoun
The demonstrative pronoun [ذلك / that] is the third pronoun in the demonstrative pronouns cluster. It is used to refer to a singular masculine noun. The noun that comes after, can be a definite or indefinite noun. The pronoun (ذلك / Dhalika) is used to refer to a far noun.
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Examples of the Arabic Demonstrative Pronoun (That / ذلكَ)
Here are various examples for the demonstrative pronoun (That/ ذلك). Pay attention to the words in red.
A. That is a smart boy.
ذَلكَ وَلدٌ نَبيهٌ
Dhalika waladon nabehon.
B. That man ate the apple.
ذَلكَ الرَجُلُ أكَل التُفاحَةَ.
Dhalika al-Rajol akala at-Tof’a’hata.
C. That is a useful book.
ذلكَ كِتابٌ مُفيدٌ
Dhalika kitabon mofedon.
D. That father seems kind.
ذَلكَ الأْبُ يَبدو رَحِيمًا.
Dhalika al-Abo ya’bdoo raheemin.
4. That / تلك for Female
The demonstrative pronoun
[تلك / That] is the fourth pronoun in the demonstrative pronouns cluster. It is used to refer to a singular feminine noun. The noun that comes after, can be a definite or indefinite noun. The pronoun (ذلك / Tilka) is used to refer to a far noun.
At Shaykhi Academy, kids learning Arabic frequently encounter أسماء الإشارة in their very first Quranic lessons. Our Online Arabic Classes for Kids pair these foundational grammar structures with fun, easy Quranic application from day one, ensuring young learners build both linguistic skills and scriptural understanding simultaneously.
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Examples of the Arabic Demonstrative Pronoun (That / تلكَ)
Here are various examples for the demonstrative pronoun (That/ تلك). Pay attention to the words in red.
A.That is a cute girl.
تلكَ بنْتٌ لَطيفَةٌ.
Telka benton latefaton.
B.That is the woman whom I met.
تْلكَ هي المَرأةُ التي قَابَلتُها.
Tilka hya al-Mar’ato al-Latee qa’biltoha.
C.That is a good idea.
تْلكَ فْكرةٌ جَيدةٌ.
Tilka fekraton jayeadaton.
D.That school seems wonderful.
تْلكَ المَدرسةُ تبدو رَائعةٌ.
Tilka al-Madrasto tabdoo ra’a3aton.
| Form | Arabic | Transliteration | Usage |
| Masculine Singular Far | ذلك | dhālika | Single masc. noun, far |
| Feminine Singular Far | تلك | tilka | Single fem. noun, far |
| Masculine Dual Far | ذانك / ذينك | dhānika / dhaynaka | Two masc. nouns, far |
| Feminine Dual Far | تانك / تينك | tānika / taynika | Two fem. nouns, far |
| Plural Far (rational) | أولئك | ulā’ika | Multiple rational beings |
5. These / Those – هذان/ هاتان Demonstrative Pronoun
The demonstrative pronouns (These / Those – هذان/ هاتان) are the fifth and sixth members in the demonstrative pronouns cluster. They are used to refer to dual masculine and feminine nouns. The noun that follows them, can be a definite or an indefinite noun. They both are used to refer to a near noun.
The main difference between them is that the pronoun (Hadhan /هذان) is used with dual masculine nouns. Whereas (هاتان/ Hatan) is used with dual masculine nouns.
Examples of The Arabic Demonstrative Pronouns (These / Those – هذان/ هاتان)
Here are various examples for the demonstrative pronouns (These / Those – هذان/ هاتان). Pay attention to the words in red.
A.These are two useful books.
هَذانِ كِتابانْ مُفيدَان.
Hadhan ketaban mofedan.
B.These are the two girls whom I met.
هَاتَانْ هُما البْنتَان اللتَان قَابْلتَهُما.
Hatan Homa al-Bentan al-Latan qa’bill’ta’homa.
C.These are two scared boys.
هَذَان وَلَدَانْ خَائِفَان.
Hadhan waladan kha’efan
D.These two flowers are nice.
هَاتَان الزَهْرَتان جَمِيلاتَان.
Hatan al-Zahra’tan ga’mee’la’tan.
6. These / Those – هؤلاء/ أولئك Demonstrative Pronoun
The demonstrative pronouns (These / Those – هؤلاء/ أولئك) are the seventh and eighth members in the demonstrative pronouns cluster. They are used to refer to plural nouns. The noun that follows them, can be a definite or an indefinite noun.
The main difference between them is that the pronoun “هؤلاء / These” is used to refer to a near plural masculine or feminine noun. Whereas “أولئك / Those” is used to refer to a far plural masculine or feminine noun.
Examples of The Arabic Demonstrative Pronouns (These / Those -هؤلاء/ أولئك)
Here are various examples for the demonstrative pronouns (These / Those -هؤلاء/ أولئك). Pay attention to the words in red.
A. These men are brave.
هَؤلاَءِ رِجَالٌ شٌجْعانٌ.
Ha’olaa’e rejalon shog3anon.
B. Those are the girls whom I met.
أُولَئْكَ هُمُ البَنَاتُ اللاَتي قَابلتُهم.
Ao’laeka homo al-Banto al-Latee qabiltohom.
C. These boys are happy.
هَؤْلاَء نّسوةٌ سُعَداءٌ.
Ha’olaa’e neswaton so3adaon.
D. Those men are afraid of Allah.
أٌولَئْكَ رِجَالٌ يخَافُونَ الله.
Aolaeka rejalon ya’khfoon Allah.
Impotent Note:
If the plural noun is a non-human noun, then the demonstrative pronoun will be in a singular form (Hadha, Hadhihi, Dhalika, Tilka).
Example:
These birds are flying high.
هَذهِ الطُيورُ تُحَلقُ عَاليًا.
Hadhihi at-Tiyoor tohliko 3alyen.
In the above-mentioned example, the word (birds /الطيور) is a plural noun, but it is non-human noun, therefore, it took the singular demonstrative pronoun “هذه” not the plural demonstrative pronoun “These /هؤلاء” or “Those/ اؤلئك”.
Visit Shaykhi Academy’s page to check General Arabic Course for more details about this point.
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Demonstrative Pronouns in Arabic Grammar: Near vs. Far Comparison Table
Understanding the full system at a glance helps learners internalize patterns more efficiently. The table below presents the complete أسماء الإشارة system organized by gender, number, and distance.
| Number | Gender | Near (القريب) | Far (البعيد) |
| Singular | Masculine | هذا | ذلك |
| Singular | Feminine | هذه | تلك |
| Dual (Nominative) | Masculine | هذان | ذانك |
| Dual (Nominative) | Feminine | هاتان | تانك |
| Dual (Acc./Gen.) | Masculine | هذين | ذينك |
| Dual (Acc./Gen.) | Feminine | هاتين | تينك |
| Plural (Rational) | Both | هؤلاء | أولئك |
| Plural (Non-Rational) | Treated as Fem. Sing. | هذه | تلك |
Memorizing this table is an early milestone in Arabic grammar study. Most students who work through it systematically with a qualified instructor internalize the full system within two to three weeks of structured daily practice.
Arabic Demonstrative Pronouns Exercises
The following exercises will help learners gain much understanding about the Arabic demonstrative pronouns.
Choose the appropriate Arabic pronoun from brackets and put it into the space to complete the sentence.
(هذا / هذه/ هذان / هاتان/ هؤلاء)
| Sentence in Arabic | English Sentence |
| ……. كَلبٌ صَغيرٌ. | ……. is a small dog. |
| ……… كِلابٌ صَغْيرةٌ. | ……. are small dogs. |
| …..…. مَدرستَان كَبيرَتْان. | ……. are two big schools. |
| ……… تُفاحَاتْان. | ……. are two apples. |
| ……… النِسوةُ يطبُخونَ الطَعْامَ. | ……. women are cooking food. |
| ……… البنْتُ تَبكي. | ……. girl is crying. |
| ….….. القطُ يَلْهو. | ……. cat is playing. |
| …. .…. الشَابَان يَضْحكان. | ……. two young boys are laughing. |
| ….….. الأولَادُ رَائْعُون. | ……. guys are amazing. |
| ……. الْدُب مُخيف. | ……. bear is frightening. |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arabic Demonstrative Pronouns
What is the difference between هذا and ذلك in Arabic?
هذا (hādhā) is the near masculine singular demonstrative, meaning “this,” used for something close to the speaker. ذلك (dhālika) is the far masculine singular demonstrative, meaning “that,” used for something distant. The core difference is spatial proximity, encoded grammatically through distinct root letters and the lam al-bu’d in ذلك.
Why does Arabic have so many forms for “this” and “that”?
Arabic demonstrative pronouns must agree in gender (masculine or feminine), number (singular, dual, or plural), and distance (near or far) with the noun they reference. English uses only four words for this entire system. Arabic’s specificity reflects its grammatical precision, which is one reason Quranic Arabic conveys nuanced meaning within very compact constructions.
How are demonstrative pronouns used in Arabic sentences?
In Arabic, demonstrative pronouns can function as the subject of a nominal sentence (جملة اسمية). The structure is: Demonstrative + Noun = “[Demonstrative] is a [Noun].” For example, هذا كتابٌ means “This is a book.” The noun after the demonstrative is typically indefinite (nunated).
Do Arabic demonstrative pronouns change with case?
Most forms of أسماء الإشارة are مبني (indeclinable) — they do not change based on grammatical case. The exception is the dual forms (هذان/هذين and هاتان/هاتين), which do change between nominative and accusative/genitive cases, following the standard dual declension pattern.
How often do demonstrative pronouns appear in the Quran?
Demonstrative pronouns, especially ذلك، هذا، هؤلاء, and أولئك, appear hundreds of times throughout the Quran. The word ذلك alone appears over 300 times. Understanding these forms is considered a prerequisite for meaningful Quranic comprehension.
Conclusion
A successful acquisition of the demonstrative pronouns in the Arabic language is an essential demand towards obtaining much grammatical information about the Arabic language. This will definitely prepare Arabic language’s learners to have a good command of the essentials of the Arabic language’s syntaxes and semantics.
The demonstrative pronouns in the Arabic language’s grammar offer a delicate and multifaceted reference to the specific nouns that are based on gender, number, and distance. A steadfast grasp of these grammatical rules allows for a great accuracy of learning the Arabic language.
