Arabic Letters: 28 in the Alphabet
The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters, all of which are consonants. Vowels are written as small diacritical marks (tashkeel) placed above or below the letter. Arabic is read right to left, and each letter can take up to four shapes depending on where it appears in a word. Amal teaches all 28 letters with native-speaker audio and phonics designed for children ages 3-8.
The 28 Arabic Letters in Order
- 1. ا — alif (sound: a)
- 2. ب — baa (sound: b)
- 3. ت — taa (sound: t)
- 4. ث — thaa (sound: th)
- 5. ج — jeem (sound: j)
- 6. ح — haa (sound: H (deep h))
- 7. خ — khaa (sound: kh)
- 8. د — daal (sound: d)
- 9. ذ — dhaal (sound: dh)
- 10. ر — raa (sound: r)
- 11. ز — zay (sound: z)
- 12. س — seen (sound: s)
- 13. ش — sheen (sound: sh)
- 14. ص — saad (sound: S (emphatic))
- 15. ض — daad (sound: D (emphatic))
- 16. ط — taa (emphatic) (sound: T)
- 17. ظ — zhaa (sound: Z)
- 18. ع — ayn (sound: 'a (throat))
- 19. غ — ghayn (sound: gh)
- 20. ف — faa (sound: f)
- 21. ق — qaaf (sound: q)
- 22. ك — kaaf (sound: k)
- 23. ل — laam (sound: l)
- 24. م — meem (sound: m)
- 25. ن — noon (sound: n)
- 26. ه — haa (sound: h)
- 27. و — waw (sound: w/u)
- 28. ي — yaa (sound: y/i)
Why 28 Letters?
The Arabic alphabet descended from the Nabataean script. Spoken Arabic had exactly 28 distinct consonant sounds. Some — ع (ayn), خ (kha), ح (ha) — exist in no European language and are the hardest for non-native speakers.
Four Shapes Per Letter
Each letter has up to four positional forms: isolated, initial, medial, final. Six letters (ا د ذ ر ز و) only have two forms because they do not connect to the next letter.
How Kids Learn All 28 Letters
Group letters by shape, not alphabetical order. Teach sounds before names. Use 10-minute daily sessions. Expect 8-12 weeks for full recognition. See our Arabic alphabet guide for the complete curriculum.
FAQ
How many letters in the Arabic alphabet?
28 letters, all consonants.
Are vowels included?
No — vowels are diacritical marks.
Why four shapes per letter?
Arabic is connected script; letters adapt to position.
How long to learn all letters?
About 8-12 weeks of daily 10-minute practice for a 5-year-old.
Does Amal teach all 28 letters?
Yes — Amal covers all 28 with native-speaker audio and play-based exercises.
