Learn Pronunciation & Letter Forms in Arabic?
س ش
Arabic Alphabet
Learning the Letters Seen (س) and Sheen (ش)
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, you'll learn two Arabic letters that share the same basic shape: Seen (س) and Sheen (ش). Their pronunciation is different, but the only visual difference is the number of dots.
In this lesson, you'll learn two Arabic letters that share the same basic shape: Seen (س) and Sheen (ش). Their pronunciation is different, but the only visual difference is the number of dots.
Meet the Letters
س
Seen
Pronounced like the English letter S.
✔ No dots
✔ Soft "S" sound
ش
Sheen
Pronounced like SH in "shoe".
✔ Three dots above
✔ Same shape as Seen
Letter Comparison
Although these letters look almost identical, their pronunciation changes because of the dots.
| Letter | Name | Sound | Memory Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| س | Seen | S | No dots |
| ش | Sheen | SH | Three dots above |
Quick Tip
Imagine that the three dots on Sheen (ش) are like little sparks that change the sound from S to SH. Without the dots, the letter becomes Seen (س).
Imagine that the three dots on Sheen (ش) are like little sparks that change the sound from S to SH. Without the dots, the letter becomes Seen (س).
Letter Forms
Like most Arabic letters, Seen and Sheen change their appearance depending on where they are placed in a word.
| Letter | By Itself | Beginning | Middle | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seen | س | سـ | ـسـ | ـس |
| Sheen | ش | شـ | ـشـ | ـش |
Practice Time
✔ Say the letters aloud several times: س ش.
✔ Remember that Seen (س) has no dots, while Sheen (ش) has three dots above.
✔ Copy each letter in its four forms to become familiar with its shape and writing style.
✔ Say the letters aloud several times: س ش.
✔ Remember that Seen (س) has no dots, while Sheen (ش) has three dots above.
✔ Copy each letter in its four forms to become familiar with its shape and writing style.