Even in English-language lessons, teachers often slip in Arabic instructions and praise. Knowing them makes children feel confident.
Instructions
| Arabic | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| اِقْرَأْ | iqra’ | read |
| أَعِدْ | a‘id | repeat |
| مَرَّةً أُخْرَى | marratan ukhra | once more |
| اِسْمَعْ | isma‘ | listen |
| اِنْتَبِهْ | intabih | pay attention |
| قِفْ | qif | stop |
| اِبْدَأْ | ibda’ | start |
| بِبُطْءٍ | bi-but’ | slowly |
To a girl, instructions often add an “i” sound: اِقْرَئِي (iqra’i), read.
Praise
- أَحْسَنْتَ (ahsanta): well done, to a boy. أَحْسَنْتِ (ahsanti) to a girl.
- مُمْتَاز (mumtaz): excellent.
- صَحِيح (sahih): correct.
- بَارَكَ اللّٰهُ فِيكَ: may Allah bless you.
A Quran link
The first word revealed was اِقْرَأْ, “Read!” (Quran 96:1). Children love knowing their teacher uses the same word.
Teacher’s tip: use the same words at home during practice: “اِقْرَأْ”, “أَحْسَنْتَ!” Your child hears them in two places and learns them in days.
Related: Everyday greetings.
