Arabic Alphabet Letters: 28 in Total
The Arabic alphabet contains 28 letters, all of which are consonants. Vowels are written with 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-based methods designed for children.
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 evolved from the Nabataean script, itself a descendant of Aramaic. Spoken Arabic had exactly 28 distinct consonant sounds that needed dedicated letters. Some — like ع (ayn), خ (kha), and ح (ha) — exist in no European language and are typically the hardest for non-native speakers.
Four Shapes Per Letter
Each Arabic letter can have up to four positional shapes: isolated, initial, medial, and final. Six letters (ا د ذ ر ز و) are exceptions — they do not connect to the next letter and only have two forms.
How Kids Learn All 28 Letters
Group letters by shape, not by alphabetical order. Teach sounds before names. Use 10-minute daily sessions and expect 8-12 weeks for full recognition. See our Arabic alphabet guide for the full plan.
FAQ
How many letters in the Arabic alphabet?
28 letters, all consonants.
Are vowels included?
No, vowels are diacritics (tashkeel), not letters.
Why do letters have multiple shapes?
Because Arabic is connected script and letters adapt to position.
How long to learn all letters?
8-12 weeks for recognition with daily 10-minute practice.
Does Amal teach all 28 letters?
Yes, Amal covers all 28 with native-speaker audio and games.
