The Arabic letter ت (tāʾ) is the third letter of the Arabic alphabet. It represents the sound /t/, just like the t in the English words “top,” “table,” or “time.” Specifically, it is a light, voiceless sound; you produce it by placing the tip of your tongue against the ridge just behind your upper front teeth and then releasing the air.

How to Write the Letter ت

Like most Arabic letters, ت changes its shape depending on its position in a word.

Writing Steps

Isolated form (ت):

1. Draw a short curved stroke from right to left.
2. Continue with a gentle curve underneath.
3. Place two dots above the letter.

The two dots are what distinguish ت from similar-looking letters:

• ب = one dot below
• ت = two dots above
• ث = three dots above

How to Pronounce ت

The sound is exactly like the English t in:

• top
• ten
• teacher
• table

Unlike the English t, Arabic ت is usually pronounced without a strong puff of air (aspiration). Keep the pronunciation light and clear.

Pronunciation Tips

• Touch the tip of your tongue to the ridge behind your upper front teeth.
• Stop the airflow briefly.
• Release it gently to produce t.
• Do not add an extra vowel after the sound.

Examples of Words Beginning with ت

Examples in Other Positions

Practice Syllables

Practice reading these combinations aloud:

• تَ — ta
• تِ — ti
• تُ — tu

Then try:

• تا — tā
• تي — tī
• تو — tū

Common Mistakes

• Confusing ت with ب because of the dots.
• Confusing ت with ث, which has three dots and is pronounced like the th in think.
• Pronouncing ت with too much aspiration, making it sound stronger than the Arabic pronunciation.

Practice Words

Read these words several times:

• تين (tīn) — figs
• توبة (tawbah) — repentance
• تاجر (tājir) — merchant
• بيت (bayt) — house
• كتاب (kitāb) — book

Summary

• Letter: ت
• Name: Tāʾ (tāʾ)
• Sound: /t/ as in “top”
• English equivalent: t
• Distinguishing feature: Two dots above
• Connects: Yes, to both the preceding and following letters (when possible).

Therefore, with regular practice writing the four forms of ت and consistently reading words that contain it, you will quickly become comfortable recognizing and pronouncing this essential Arabic letter.