In Arabic linguistics, a Tarkib refers to the merging or synthesis of two or more words to form a cohesive phrase or semantic unit. Adadi pertains to numerals. Therefore, Tarkib Adadi represents the specific grammatical structure where a number and its counted noun combine to express a specific quantity. Within this phrase, two core elements always exist:
Unlike many Western languages where counting is a straightforward case of placing a number before a noun, Arabic applies a complex system of gender agreement, case endings ( I'rab ), and structural shifts. Mastering Tarkib Adadi is essential for anyone seeking a deep understanding of Classical Arabic, Quranic syntax, and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). The Linguistic and Technical Definition
Ra’aytu arbaʿata ʿashara kawkaban (رأيت أربعة عشر كوكبًا) – I saw fourteen stars. tarkib adadi
Here, the concept of "10 and some more" is introduced. This is also known as .
The most effective path to fluency is to By returning to this guide as a reference, you can demystify the tarkib adadi and make it a powerful tool in your Arabic journey. In Arabic linguistics, a Tarkib refers to the
The cardinal form represents pure quantity or basic numerical counts. This applies exclusively to numbers from . Numbers 21 through 99 do not fall under Tarkib Adadi because they explicitly retain the conjunction particle (e.g., Wahid wa 'Ishrun ), classifying them instead as Tarkib Athfi (conjunction compounds). 2. Ordinal Form (Al-Adad al-Tartibi)
For all numbers falling under Tarkib Adadi (11 to 19), the counted item must always be: ( Mufrad ) Indefinite ( Nakirah ) Within this phrase, two core elements always exist:
The single digit follows the rules of single numbers (gender agreement for 1–2, reverse gender for 3–9).
( khamsata 'ashara rajulan ): Fifteen men.
A common point of analysis in advanced syntax is how Tarkib Adadi interacts with (the possessive construct). When dealing with numbers 3 through 10, the phrase mimics an Idafa structure because the number acts as the first particle ( Mudhaf ) and the plural noun acts as the second particle ( Mudhaf Ilayh ), receiving the genitive case mark. Understanding this overlap prevents errors in sentence construction and voweling. Al-Jawhar : Journal of Arabic Language
Unlike English, where you place a plural s-suffix after a number (e.g., "three books"), Arabic applies strict grammatical gender agreement, case-ending shifts ( i'rab ), and structural switches depending on the size of the number. Number Range Structural Behavior Gender Agreement Case of Ma'dud Description ( Na'at-Man'ut ) Matches the noun exactly Follows the noun's case 3 – 10 Genitive Construct ( Idhafi ) Polar opposite of the noun Genitive Plural ( Majrur ) 11 – 19 Compound Phrase ( Tarkib Majzi ) Complex (Mixed agreement) Accusative Singular ( Mansub Tamyiz ) 20 – 99 Conjunctional ( 'Athfi ) Fixed or mixed rules Accusative Singular ( Mansub Tamyiz ) 1. Numbers 1 and 2: The Descriptive Model