Learn Moroccan - Demonstrative Adjectives & Demonstrative Pronouns

This, that, these, and those are used often in Arabic, like in English. But, unlike in English, in Arabic we must be aware of whether they act as adjectives or pronouns. Think about how we use these words in English. Sometimes, we use them before a noun. When we use them before a noun, they are called demonstrative adjectives.

This car is John’s. I like these towels.

I want that book. Those flowers smell lovely.

Sometimes, we use them by themselves. In this case, they are called demonstrative pronouns.

This is John’s. I like these.

I want that. Those smell lovely.

It isn’t necessary to know their names, but it is necessary to pay attention to whether they are before a noun or not. Let’s first look at the pronoun forms in Arabic, which you will use often even as a beginner.