Tamyiiz (التمييز) — The Distinguishing Word in Arabic Grammar

 Understanding Tamyiiz (التمييز) — The Distinguishing Word in Arabic Grammar

In Arabic grammar, Tamyiiz (التمييز) plays an important role in clarifying the meaning of a sentence. It is used to remove ambiguity and specify the true meaning of words that might otherwise be vague or unclear.

🔔 What is Tamyiiz?

Tamyiiz is a noun that comes after a word or sentence to clarify or distinguish what is meant. It often answers questions like "what kind?" or "how much?" and removes any possible confusion.

In English, this is similar to adding a word like:

• "of milk"
• "of people"
• "as success"

For example: "I bought a liter..." (liter of what?) Tamyiiz gives the missing piece: "...of milk."

🌟 Common Situations for Tamyiiz

Tamyiiz is often used in Arabic to clarify:

1. Quantities and Measures
2. Comparisons
3. General Statements

🔖 Examples of Tamyiiz

1. Quantity / Measure Clarification

• Arabic: اشْتَرَيْتُ لِتْرًا حَلِيبًا

          (Ishtaraytu litran ḥalīban)
          English: I bought a liter of milk.

Here, حليبًا (ḥalīban) is the Tamyiiz. It tells us what the "liter" refers to.

2. Clarifying a Comparison

• Arabic: أَحْمَدُ أكثرُ الطُّلَّابِ اجْتِهَادًا

          (Ahmed Aktharu aṭ-ṭullābi ijtihādan)
           English: Ahmed is the most diligent student.

Here, اجْتِهَادًا (ijtihādan) is the Tamyiiz, clarifying the result of "most students."

3. Clarifying the Meaning of Amounts

• Arabic: عِنْدِي خَمْسَةَ عَشَرَ كِتَابًا

         (ʿindī khamsatu kutubin)
         English: I have fifteen books.

The word كتبٍ (kutubin) is the Tamyiiz for the number خمسة (five).

🔍 Grammar Rules for Tamyiiz

• Tamyiiz is always in the accusative case (منصوب), usually ending with a fatḥah (ـًـ).
• It is usually an indefinite noun (نكرة).
• It comes after the word it clarifies (most of the time).

👊 Summary Table

Scenario	Example (Arabic)	English Translation	Tamyiiz
Quantity Clarification	اشتريتُ كيلو تفاحًا	I bought a kilo of apples.	تفاحًا
Comparison Clarification	أكثرُ الطلابِ اجتهادًا	Most students are hardworking.	اجتهادًا
Substance Clarification	امتلأ الكوب ماءً	The cup was filled with water.	ماءً

🎓 Practice Time!

Try to identify the Tamyiiz in the following sentences:

1. قرأتُ عشرين صفحةً.
2. شاهدتُ مجموعةً طيورًا.
3. امتلأت السماءُ غيوماً.

Share your answers in the comments and test your understanding!

Mastering Tamyiiz (التمييز) will make your Arabic clearer and more precise. It is a small concept but has a big effect on the meaning of your sentences! Happy learning! 🚀📚