This is where the rules become counter-intuitive. In this range, the relationship is usually a Tarkib Idhafi .
The number takes the opposite gender of the singular form of the noun. If the noun is masculine, the number takes a feminine ending ( Ta Marbuta ).
Arabic grammar divides numbers into four distinct groups, each with its own set of rules for Tarkib : 1. Numbers 1 and 2 ( Al-Mufrad ) tarkib adadi
For 11 and 12, both parts of the number match the noun's gender. For 13–19, the first part opposes the gender, while the second part (ten) matches it. Example: Ahada 'ashara kawkaban (Eleven stars). 4. Hundreds and Thousands These return to a possessive-style structure.
Kitabun wahidun (One book) – both are masculine and singular. 2. Numbers 3 to 10 This is where the rules become counter-intuitive
Scholars often analyze Tarkib 'Adadi to understand the evolution of the Arabic language and its application in classical texts. For instance, a study published in Al-Jawhar highlights how students can use modern tools like AI to identify these grammatical structures, including Tarkib Adadi and Tarkib Majzi , to improve their writing skills.
The phrase literally translates to "Numerical Composition." In Arabic, numbers do not simply act as static adjectives. Depending on the value of the number, the structure of the phrase changes significantly, affecting the gender, case ending ( i'rab ), and plurality of the counted noun. If the noun is masculine, the number takes
The counted noun is singular and genitive ( Majrur ). Example: Mi'atu rajulin (One hundred men). Importance in Linguistic Research
Thalathatu kutubin (Three books). Kutub (books) is masculine, so Thalathatu (three) is feminine. 3. Numbers 11 to 99 These numbers follow a Tarkib Tamyizi structure.
According to research shared on Garuda , Tarkib 'Adadi is categorized into specific structural types, such as Tarkib Idhafi (possessive construction) and Tarkib Tamyizi (specifying construction), depending on the range of the number. The Four Major Categories of Numbers