The Arabic letter أ, known as ʾAlif with Hamza Above (أَلِف بِهَمْزَة فَوْق), signifies the glottal stop sound /ʔ/ which is followed by a short “a” vowel. This is similar to the initial sound in English words such as “apple” or “ask.”

How to Write the Letter أ

The letter أ is made of two parts:

• A vertical Alif (ا).
• A Hamza (ء) written above the Alif.

Writing steps

1. Draw a straight vertical line downward (ا).
2. Add a small Hamza (ء) above the top of the line.

Final form:

أ

Unlike most Arabic letters, أ does not connect to the following letter from the left.

Pronunciation of أ

The pronunciation involves a quick closure of the throat, immediately followed by a short “a” sound.

Examples:

• أَب (ʾab) — father
• أَكَلَ (ʾakala) — he ate
• أَسَد (ʾasad) — lion
• أَمَل (ʾamal) — hope

English approximation:

• apple
• ask
• animal

The Arabic sound is usually stronger and more clearly pronounced than in English.

Different Forms of أ

Although أ has only one basic shape, it appears in different positions within words.

Writing Practice

Trace the letter several times:

أ   أ   أ   أ   أ

Then try writing it on your own:

أ ___________

أ ___________

أ ___________

Words Beginning with أ

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting the Hamza. Writing ا instead of أ changes the spelling and, in many cases, the pronunciation.
• Adding a long “aa” sound. أ normally represents a short “a” sound unless another vowel mark or letter changes it.
• Connecting the letter incorrectly. أ does not connect to the letter that follows it.

Practice Reading

Read these words aloud:

• أَب
• أُمّ
• أَسَد
• أَمَل
• أَكَلَ
• أَخ

Repeat each word several times while focusing on the brief throat closure before the vowel.

Quick Summary

• Letter: أ
• Name: ʾAlif with Hamza Above
• Sound: /ʔa/, like the beginning of apple or ask
• Connects to the next letter? No
• Common use: Represents a glottal stop followed by a short a vowel at the beginning, middle, or end of words.