و
Shapes
Its four forms
An Arabic letter changes shape depending on where it sits in a word. All four are the same letter.
- Isolated
- و
- Initial
- وـ
- Medial
- ـو
- Final
- ـو
Pronunciation
How it is produced
Where it comes from
Rounded lips, or the oral cavity when a madd letter
A consonant "w" with a vowel, a long "oo" when carrying sukun after dammah.
More on this articulation point →Qualities
- Rakhawah
- Jahr
- Leen
Joining: Does not join to the letter that follows — one of the six non-joiners.
Honestly
Common mistakes
- Hardening the madd waw into a consonant
- Joining it forward
Examples
In the Quran
- 114:1أَعُوذُWaw as a madd letter
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Questions about the letters
How is Waw pronounced?
Rounded lips, or the oral cavity when a madd letter. A consonant "w" with a vowel, a long "oo" when carrying sukun after dammah.
Does Waw join to the letter after it?
No. Waw never joins to the letter that follows, which is why some words appear to break apart mid-way.
What mistakes do learners make with Waw?
Hardening the madd waw into a consonant and Joining it forward. A page cannot hear which of these a student is making, which is what the tutor is for.
Do you teach the Arabic alphabet in lessons?
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