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The Similarities and Differences Between (ح، ه)

The Similarities and Differences Between (ح، ه)

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In reply to the question “what is the act that nothing will obstacle between it and Paradise?” said: “Don’t become furious, don’t beg people anything, and prefer for people what you prefer for yourself.”
Prophet Muhammad (S)

Similarities Between (ح، ه)

Phonetic Similarity

Phonetic similarity is a phenomenon that occurs in many languages, including Arabic.

In the Arabic alphabet, there are several letters that are phonetically similar, which can make it difficult for language learners to distinguish between them. One such pair of letters is (ح) and (ه).

The letter (ح) is known as “haa” in Arabic and is pronounced as a voiceless pharyngeal fricative sound.

This sound is produced by constricting the pharynx and pushing air through it, creating a raspy and harsh sound. The letter (ح) is not found in the English language, so many English speakers may struggle to produce this sound accurately.

On the other hand, the letter (ه) is known as “haa” in Arabic and is pronounced as a voiceless glottal fricative sound. This sound is produced by constricting the vocal cords and pushing air through them, creating a softer and more airy sound. The letter (ه) is similar to the English letter “h”, but it is pronounced with a more breathy quality.

The similarity between the sounds of (ح) and (ه) can make it challenging for Arabic learners, especially those whose native language does not contain these sounds.

Without proper training and practice, it can be difficult to distinguish between these two letters when listening to spoken Arabic or when trying to produce them accurately.

One way to overcome this difficulty is through careful listening and repetition. By listening to native speakers pronounce words containing these letters and practicing them repeatedly, learners can train their ears and mouths to distinguish between the sounds of (ح) and (ه). Additionally, using visual aids such as Arabic writing scripts and phonetic guides can help learners associate the correct pronunciation with the corresponding letter.

Furthermore, understanding the difference in the articulation of these sounds can also aid in mastering their pronunciation. The pharyngeal fricative sound of (ح) is produced by constricting the pharynx, while the glottal fricative sound of (ه) is produced by constricting the vocal cords.

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By focusing on the specific articulatory movements required to produce each sound, learners can improve their pronunciation and accuracy.

Common Origin

The Arabic alphabet is a beautiful and intricate writing system that has a rich history stretching back thousands of years. Among the many letters that make up this alphabet, two in particular – ح and ه – share a common origin and possess some striking similarities in terms of their phonetic properties and usage.

The letter ح, pronounced as ‘ḥāʾ’, is known as the voiceless pharyngeal fricative. This means that when pronounced, the sound is generated deep in the throat, creating a distinctive and guttural sound.

In modern Standard Arabic, this letter is often transliterated as ‘h’, but it is important to note that the sound produced is quite different from the English ‘h’, which is a voiceless glottal fricative.

The letter ح can also be vocalized, meaning that it can be read as both a consonant and a vowel.

On the other hand, the letter ه, pronounced as ‘hāʾ’, is a voiceless glottal fricative, similar to the English ‘h’. This letter is often transliterated as ‘h’ in many Arabic dialects and often serves to represent the same phonetic sound as the English ‘h’.

The letter ه can also be vocalized, allowing it to function as both a consonant and a vowel depending on its placement within a word.

Despite their differences in pronunciation, the letters ح and ه actually share a common origin in the Proto-Semitic language. Both letters are derived from the Phoenician letter hē, which represented the sound ‘h’.

Over time, as the Arabic language developed and evolved, this original sound underwent changes and variations that led to the creation of new letters and sounds. The letter ح emerged as a distinct phonetic sound, while ه retained the original ‘h’ sound in many instances.

In terms of their usage, the letters ح and ه play important roles in the Arabic alphabet. The letter ح is used in many words to convey specific meanings and sounds that cannot be represented by other letters.

Its distinct guttural sound is a defining feature of many Arabic dialects and is crucial for proper pronunciation. On the other hand, the letter ه is a versatile letter that appears frequently in Arabic words and serves to link different parts of speech together. It can also be used to indicate grammatical features such as the feminine gender.

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Pronunciation of (ح، ه)

Letter ح

The pronunciation of ح can vary depending on the dialect of Arabic being spoken. In Modern Standard Arabic, it is pronounced as a voiceless pharyngeal fricative, which means that the sound is made by constricting the back of the throat and allowing air to pass through to create a raspy, guttural sound.

This sound is similar to the “ch” in the Scottish word “loch” or the “h” in the Hebrew word “challah.”

In some dialects of Arabic, such as Egyptian or Levantine, the sound of ح is often softened to a glottal fricative or even a glottal stop.

This can make it easier for non-native speakers to pronounce, but it is important to remember that the correct pronunciation of ح is crucial for speaking Arabic fluently and accurately.

To pronounce ح correctly, start by constricting the back of your throat and allowing air to pass through. You should feel a slight vibration in your throat as you make the sound.

Practice making this sound slowly and deliberately, as it may take time to get used to the sensation of pronouncing ح correctly.

One helpful tip for pronouncing ح is to listen to native speakers of Arabic and try to mimic the sound as closely as possible.

Pay attention to the way they position their mouth and throat when making the sound, and try to replicate it as accurately as you can.
Refer to DarulQuran YouTube channel for the exact pronunciation of letter ح: https://youtu.be/OmGJo2MpFhs?si=q53Ix6Oc4fZF3MlE

Letter ه

The pronunciation of the Arabic letter ه, also known as “haa”, is a crucial aspect of the language. This letter plays a significant role in not only spoken Arabic but also in the written form.

The pronunciation of this letter can vary depending on the dialect or region in which the speaker is from.

In Modern Standard Arabic, the letter ه is pronounced as a voiceless glottal fricative, similar to the “h” sound in the English word “hat”. This pronunciation is clear and distinct, with a slight emphasis on the back of the throat.

In some dialects of Arabic, particularly in Egyptian or Levantine dialects, the pronunciation of the letter ه may vary slightly. In these dialects, the letter ه can be pronounced as a voiced glottal fricative, similar to the “h” sound in the English word “hello”.

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This pronunciation is softer and less harsh than the voiceless glottal fricative in Modern Standard Arabic.

It is important for Arabic learners to pay attention to the pronunciation of the letter ه, as mispronouncing this letter can lead to misunderstandings or confusion.

In Arabic, each letter carries its own unique sound, and mastering the correct pronunciation of each letter is essential for effective communication.

Furthermore, the letter ه is used in a variety of words in Arabic, from basic vocabulary to more complex terms. For example, the word for “she” in Arabic is written as هي, pronounced as “hiya”.

Additionally, the letter ه is used in the word for “hope”, written as أمل, pronounced as “amal”.
Refer to DarulQuran YouTube channel for the exact pronunciation of letter ه: https://youtu.be/OmGJo2MpFhs?si=xE8kHpksJRtGmoDX

Differences in Shape Between (ح، ه)

Angular Shape of ح

The letter ح (ḥa) is characterized by a sharp, angular shape that resembles a backward “C” with a small hook at the top. This letter is pronounced as a voiceless pharyngeal fricative, similar to the sound produced when clearing one’s throat.

In contrast, the letter ه (ha) is rounded with a circular shape similar to the English letter “o”. This letter is pronounced as a glottal fricative, which is a softer sound compared to the harsher sound of ح.

The angular shape of ح (ḥa) is unique among Arabic letters and is not commonly found in other scripts. This distinctive shape can help learners differentiate between the two letters when reading or writing Arabic text.

By paying attention to the sharp angles and hook at the top of ح, one can easily identify this letter and avoid confusing it with ه.

In addition to their different shapes, ح (ḥa) and ه (ha) also have distinct sounds and meanings in the Arabic language. While ح is often used to indicate a harsh or guttural sound, ه is more commonly used in simple words and has a softer pronunciation.

Understanding the differences in both shape and sound can greatly enhance one’s ability to read and write Arabic accurately.

The Similarities and Differences Between (ح، ه)
Examples of Pronunciation of Letter ح in Arabic

Round Shape of ه

The Arabic script is renowned for its intricate and elegant calligraphy, which is rich in history and cultural significance. One of the unique aspects of Arabic script is the variation in shapes of certain letters, particularly the round shapes of letters such as ه and ح.

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These two letters may look similar to the untrained eye, but they have distinct differences that are crucial for proper reading and writing in Arabic.

Firstly, let’s examine the round shape of the letter ه. ه is a round letter that is used in several Arabic words, and its shape is similar to the English letter “h.”

It is important to note that the round shape of ه is closed off at the top, creating a circular shape that is easily recognizable. This distinctive shape is essential for distinguishing ه from other letters and ensuring accuracy in reading and writing Arabic text.

On the other hand, the letter ح also has a round shape, but with a notable difference. The round shape of ح is open at the top, creating a more elongated and curved shape compared to ه.

This subtle variation in shape is crucial for differentiating between these two letters, as confusing them could lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of written Arabic text.

Furthermore, the round shape of ه and ح plays a significant role in the pronunciation of Arabic words. The pronunciation of these letters differs slightly, with ه typically being pronounced as a soft “h” sound and ح as a more guttural “h” sound.

The distinct shapes of these letters help Arabic speakers to accurately pronounce words and convey the intended meanings in their written and spoken language.

The Similarities and Differences Between (ح، ه)
Examples of Letter ه in Arabic

Usage and Examples of (ح، ه)

Letter ح

Letter ح is one of the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet. It is pronounced as “ḥa” and can also be transliterated as “H”. In Arabic script, it is written as ح. This letter is unique in its sound and appearance, making it an essential part of the Arabic language.

One common usage of the letter ح is to represent the sound of a voiceless pharyngeal fricative. This sound is quite distinct from the English language and can be challenging for non-native speakers to pronounce correctly.

However, mastering this sound is crucial for proper pronunciation in Arabic.

There are many examples of words in Arabic that contain the letter ح. One such word is حب (ḥubb), which means love. Another example is حلم (ḥulm), which means dream.

The letter ح is essential in these words and changes the meaning completely if omitted or pronounced incorrectly.

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In addition to words, the letter ح is also used in various grammatical constructions in Arabic. For example, it is used in the formation of the past and present tense verbs, as well as in the formation of plural nouns.

Without the letter ح, these constructions would be incomplete or incorrect.

Furthermore, the letter ح is also used in the transliteration of Arabic words into other languages.

For example, when transliterating Arabic words into English, the letter ح is often represented by the symbol “ḥ”. This helps to maintain the integrity of the original Arabic pronunciation in a different language.

Letter ه

One of the most common uses of the letter “ه” is as a consonant at the beginning, middle, or end of a word. In this case, it is pronounced like the English letter “h” as in the word “هنا” (huna), which means “here” in English.

Another example is the word “مهم” (muhim), which means “important” in English.

The letter “ه” can also be used as a vowel when combined with other letters. For example, when the letter “ه” is followed by the letter “ي” (yaa), it creates the sound “ay” as in the word “هي” (hiya), which means “she” in English.

Similarly, when the letter “ه” is followed by the letter “و” (waw), it creates the sound “oo” as in the word “هو” (huwa), which means “he” in English.

Furthermore, the letter “ه” can also be used to form possessive pronouns in Arabic. For example, the word “سيارته” (sayaratu-hu) means “his car” in English. In this case, the letter “ه” is added to the end of the word to indicate possession.

In addition to its use in words, the letter “ه” is also used as a prefix in Arabic to indicate the feminine form of a word. For example, the word “معلم” (muallim) means “teacher” in English, while the word “معلمة” (muallima) means “female teacher” in English.

In this case, the letter “ه” is added to the end of the word to denote the feminine form.
In conclusion while the letters (ح) and (ه) share some similarities in terms of being Arabic letters and having different forms they also have distinct differences in pronunciation form and usage.

Understanding these differences is essential for learners of the Arabic language to improve their pronunciation and spelling skills .

The DarulQuran – Europe and England Institute, the first specialized virtual platform for Quranic Sciences, has been actively teaching since 2011 in five different languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Dutch. Using modern software platforms and employing academic and creative approaches, the institute has established a successful and professional model for Quranic education. Currently, over 3000 users from 195 countries participate in online classes at DarulQuran, with more than 150 classes held each week in various departments and languages. The website offers more than 15 departments dedicated to Quran education and related courses, catering to children, teenagers, and adults separately.

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