The Arabic letter ث (Thāʾ) is the fourth letter of the Arabic alphabet, representing the distinctive sound /θ/, similar to the “th” in the English word “think”. It is officially called ثاء (Thāʾ).
How to Write ث
The letter ث has three dots above it and changes shape depending on its position in a word.
| Position | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Isolated | ث | ث |
| Initial | ثـ | ثَوب (thawb – garment) |
| Medial | ـثـ | مِثال (mithāl – example) |
| Final | ـث | حارِث (Ḥārith) |
How to Pronounce ث
To pronounce ث correctly:
- Place the tip of your tongue lightly between your upper and lower front teeth.
- Let the air flow out gently.
- Do not vibrate your vocal cords (it is a voiceless sound).
- It sounds like the “th” in think, three, or thumb.
Common Mistake: A frequent error among learners is to pronounce ث as either س (s) or ت (t). However, the accurate pronunciation mimics the English “th” sound found in words like “think”.
Examples
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ثَلاثَة | thalātha | Three |
| ثَوْب | thawb | Garment |
| ثَلْج | thalj | Snow |
| ثَوْر | thawr | Bull |
| ثَقافَة | thaqāfah | Culture |
Practice Words
Repeat these words slowly:
- ثَ ثَ ثَ (tha)
- ثُ ثُ ثُ (thu)
- ثِ ثِ ثِ (thi)
- ثَلاثَة (thalātha)
- ثَلْج (thalj)
- ثَوْب (thawb)
Writing Tips
- Start with the basic bowl-shaped body of the letter.
- Add three dots above the letter.
- Remember:
- ب has one dot below.
- ت has two dots above.
- ث has three dots above.
Practicing these three letters together is an excellent way to remember the difference.
Summary
- Letter: ث
- Name: ثاء (Thāʾ)
- Sound: /θ/ as in think
- English equivalent: th (voiceless)
- Distinctive feature: Three dots above the letter
