The Definite Article

Definite and indefinite articles

In English, “the” is the definite article, while “a” and “an” are indefinite articles. The definite article refers to something specific — e.g. “I washed the dog” (the speaker and listener know which dog is meant). The indefinite article refers to something non-specific — e.g. “I saw a dog” (the listener does not know which dog).

The Arabic definite article

In Arabic script, the definite article is written using al. It is attached to the beginning of a noun or adjective.

In Moroccan Arabic: the first sound “a” is not pronounced; the “l” may be pronounced, or the first consonant of the word may be doubled. Which form is used depends on the first letter of the word.