Learn basic Arabic letters of Raa and Zeiy
ر ز
Arabic Alphabet
Learning the Letters Raa (ر) & Zeiy (ز)
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, we will learn two Arabic letters that share the same body shape: Raa (ر) and Zeiy (ز). The only difference between them is the dot:
ر → No dot
ز → One dot above
In this lesson, we will learn two Arabic letters that share the same body shape: Raa (ر) and Zeiy (ز). The only difference between them is the dot:
ر → No dot
ز → One dot above
Meet the Letters
ر
Raa
✔ R sound
✔ No dots
✔ Smooth curved shape
ز
Zeiy
✔ Z sound
✔ One dot above
✔ Same body as Raa
Understanding The Difference
Raa and Zeiy are easy to compare because they have the same basic shape. The dot above creates the difference between the two letters.
Easy Memory Rule
ر → Raa = No dot = R sound
ز → Zeiy = One dot above = Z sound
ر → Raa = No dot = R sound
ز → Zeiy = One dot above = Z sound
Pronunciation Guide
| Letter | Sound | English Reference |
|---|---|---|
| ر | R | Similar to English R |
| ز | Z | Same as English Z |
Letter Forms
Raa and Zeiy have the same body shape. The only difference is the dot above Zeiy. Like Daal and Dhaal, these letters do not connect to the following letter.
| Letter | By Itself | Beginning | Middle | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raa | ر | ر ـ | ـر ـ | ـر |
| Zeiy | ز | ز ـ | ـز ـ | ـز |
Important Rule
Raa (ر) and Zeiy (ز) cannot connect to the letter after them.
They may look separated inside a word, but this small gap is normal and does not mean there is a space between words.
Raa (ر) and Zeiy (ز) cannot connect to the letter after them.
They may look separated inside a word, but this small gap is normal and does not mean there is a space between words.
Raa & Zeiy vs Daal & Dhaal
Raa, Zeiy, Daal, and Dhaal can sometimes look similar. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at their body shape.
| Letter Group | Shape | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| د ذ | Angular shape | Looks sharper with an angle |
| ر ز | Large curved shape | Smooth downward curve |
Shape Memory Trick
د / ذ → Think of a sharp corner or angle
ر / ز → Think of a smooth downward curve
The body shape is the key, not only the dots.
د / ذ → Think of a sharp corner or angle
ر / ز → Think of a smooth downward curve
The body shape is the key, not only the dots.
Writing Tips
How to Write Raa & Zeiy
1️⃣ Start with the curved body.
2️⃣ Keep the shape smooth and flowing.
3️⃣ Add the dot only when writing Zeiy (ز).
Remember:
ر = curve only
ز = curve + one dot above
1️⃣ Start with the curved body.
2️⃣ Keep the shape smooth and flowing.
3️⃣ Add the dot only when writing Zeiy (ز).
Remember:
ر = curve only
ز = curve + one dot above
Common Examples
Practice finding Raa and Zeiy inside Arabic words.
| Letter | Arabic Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ر | رَجُل | Man |
| ر | قَمَر | Moon |
| ز | زَهْر | Flower |
| ز | مَوْز | Banana |
Practice Time
Practice Recognizing Raa & Zeiy
Read the letters:
Identify the correct letter:
ر → No dot = Raa
ز → One dot above = Zeiy
Compare these letters:
د ذ ر ز
Find the difference between the angled shapes and curved shapes.
Read the letters:
ر ز
Identify the correct letter:
ر → No dot = Raa
ز → One dot above = Zeiy
Compare these letters:
د ذ ر ز
Find the difference between the angled shapes and curved shapes.
Lesson Summary
What You Learned
✅ Raa (ر) has no dot and creates the R sound.
✅ Zeiy (ز) has one dot above and creates the Z sound.
✅ Both letters share the same curved body shape.
✅ Raa and Zeiy do not connect to the following letter.
✅ The main difference between Raa/Zeiy and Daal/Dhaal is the body shape:
د ذ → Angular
ر ز → Curved
✅ Raa (ر) has no dot and creates the R sound.
✅ Zeiy (ز) has one dot above and creates the Z sound.
✅ Both letters share the same curved body shape.
✅ Raa and Zeiy do not connect to the following letter.
✅ The main difference between Raa/Zeiy and Daal/Dhaal is the body shape:
د ذ → Angular
ر ز → Curved