Marfu, Mansub, and Majrur Simply Explained in Arabic Grammar

Learning Arabic grammar can feel like solving a giant puzzle. At first, you see dozens of rules, new terms, and endless examples. However, once you understand the core concepts, everything begins to click. Among the most important foundations of Arabic syntax (النحو) are the three states of words: Marfu (مرفوع), Mansub (منصوب), and Majrur (مجرور).

These states are not just grammar jargon. They explain why words in Arabic end differently depending on their role in a sentence. If you’ve ever wondered why one noun ends in -u, another in -a, and another in -i, this article will clear things up.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What Marfu, Mansub, and Majrur mean.
• How to recognize them in a sentence.
• Why they are essential in Arabic grammar.
• Common examples and patterns.
• Simple tips to master them.

By the end, you’ll see Arabic sentences in a new light and feel much more confident in your studies.

What Do Marfu, Mansub, and Majrur Mean?

Arabic is an inflected language, which means words change their endings depending on their role in the sentence. These endings are called case endings (الإعراب).

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Marfu (مرفوع): Words in the nominative case. Usually marked by Dammah ( ُ ).
• Mansub (منصوب): Words in the accusative case. Usually marked by Fatha ( َ ).
• Majrur (مجرور): Words in the genitive case. Usually marked by Kasrah ( ِ ).

Think of them as grammatical “modes” that change how a word functions, just like gears in a car. Without knowing which gear you’re in, the sentence won’t move smoothly.

The Importance of Marfu, Mansub, and Majrur

Why should you care about these states? Because Arabic meaning changes with endings. A single misplaced vowel can completely alter the role of a word.

For example:

Notice how الولد changes its ending:

• ُ (u) → subject.
• َ (a) → object.
• ِ (i) → after a preposition.

This small change guides you to the exact meaning of the sentence. Without it, Arabic would become confusing and ambiguous.

Marfu (مرفوع) Explained Simply

What Is Marfu?

A word is Marfu when it acts as a subject or anything that requires the nominative case.

Common Indicators of Marfu:

• Dammah ( ُ ) for singular nouns.
• Alif ( ا ) for dual forms.
• Waw ( و ) for sound masculine plurals.

Examples:

1. الكتابُ جديدٌ – The book is new.
   • الكتابُ → Marfu because it is the subject.
2. الطلابُ حضروا – The students attended.
   • الطلابُ → Marfu (plural subject).
3. محمدٌ مجتهدٌ – Muhammad is hardworking.
   • Both محمدٌ and مجتهدٌ are Marfu.

Table of Marfu Endings:

Mansub (منصوب) Explained Simply

What Is Mansub?

A word is Mansub when it acts as the object of a verb, or when grammar requires the accusative case.

Common Indicators of Mansub:

• Fatha ( َ ) for singular nouns.
• Ya ( ي ) for dual/plural.
• Certain particles (إنّ, أنْ, لن, حتى) make nouns Mansub.

Examples:

1. رأيتُ الكتابَ – I saw the book.
   • الكتابَ → Mansub because it is the object.
2. لن أسافرَ غداً – I will not travel tomorrow.
   • أسافرَ → Mansub because of the particle لن.
3. God is merciful and forgiving. Truly, Allah is merciful and forgiving.
   • اللهَ → Mansub after إنّ.

Table of Mansub Endings:

Majrur (مجرور) Explained Simply

What Is Majrur?

A word is Majrur when it follows a preposition (حرف جر) or is in an iḍāfah construction (genitive phrase).

Common Indicators of Majrur:

• Kasrah ( ِ ) for singular nouns.
• Ya ( ي ) for dual/plural.

Examples:

1. حضرتُ إلى المدرسة I went to school.
   • المدرسةِ → Majrur because of إلى.
2. الكتابُ على الطاولةِ – The book is on the table.
   • الطاولةِ → Majrur because of على.
3. بابُ المسجدِ كبيرٌ – The door of the mosque is big.
   • المسجدِ → Majrur because it is the second noun in an iḍāfah.

Table of Majrur Endings:

How to Recognize Marfu, Mansub, and Majrur in a Sentence

When reading Arabic, look for clues:

1. Check the verb – The subject is usually Marfu, the object Mansub.
2. Look for particles – Words after إنّ or لن are Mansub.
3. Spot prepositions – Any noun after إلى، على، في، من is Majrur.
4. Examine iḍāfah (possession) – The second noun is always Majrur.

Example Sentence:

كتبَ الطالبُ الدرسَ في الكتابِ

• الطالبُ → Marfu (subject).
• الدرسَ → Mansub (object).
• الكتابِ → Majrur (after في).

This sentence literally shows all three states in one go.

Case Study: Quranic Example

The Qur’an provides countless examples of these states. Let’s analyze:

Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

• إنّ makes the noun Mansub → اللهَ.
• غفورٌ رحيمٌ are Marfu because they are predicates.

Without recognizing these cases, a learner may miss the nuance of the verse.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

1. Forgetting dual/plural rules – Many assume all nouns just take a Dammah/Fatha/Kasrah, but plurals have different endings.
2. Ignoring particles – Words after إنّ, لن, أو, حتى always change state.
3. Mixing up Majrur with Mansub – Because both can end with a “ya” in dual/plural forms.
4. Not practicing enough – Memorizing theory is easy; applying it is harder.

Tips to Master Marfu, Mansub, and Majrur

• Read aloud: Pronounce endings to train your ear.
• Highlight particles: Mark words that trigger changes.
• Practice with Quran/Hadith: Best authentic examples.
• Create mini sentences: Use one subject, one object, one preposition.
• Use charts: Keep a reference of endings.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Marfu, Mansub, and Majrur is like unlocking the DNA of Arabic grammar. Once you see the patterns, reading and understanding texts becomes much easier. Don’t worry if it feels complex at first. With consistent practice, the case endings will become second nature.

Quick Recap:

• Marfu → subjects and predicates (Dammah, Alif, Waw).
• Mansub → objects and after certain particles (Fatha, Ya).
• Majrur → after prepositions and iḍāfah (Kasrah, Ya).

Next time you open the Qur’an, a Hadith, or even a simple Arabic storybook, pay attention to these endings. They are the secret to accurate meaning and fluency.