LessonsComplete Conjugation of Khāfa–Yakhāfu: Hollow Wāw from the Samiʿa ClassQuiz

Commands and prohibitions can acquire additional emphasis through heavy or light nūn. This strengthens the directive or prohibition without changing the root.

Word / formMeaning / explanation
خَفْfear!
لَتَخَافَنَّyou will certainly fear (emphatic assertion).
لَا تَخَافَنَّdo not fear at all (emphatic prohibition).
لَا تَخَافَنْa light-nūn emphatic prohibition.

Distinguishing the emphatic nūn from the role of lām or lā prevents confusion between an emphatic statement and an emphatic prohibition.

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Emphasis in Commands and Prohibitions

Complete Conjugation of Khāfa–Yakhāfu: Hollow Wāw from the Samiʿa Class

Commands and prohibitions can acquire additional emphasis through heavy or light nūn. This strengthens the directive or prohibition without changing the root.

Word / formMeaning / explanation
خَفْfear!
لَتَخَافَنَّyou will certainly fear (emphatic assertion).
لَا تَخَافَنَّdo not fear at all (emphatic prohibition).
لَا تَخَافَنْa light-nūn emphatic prohibition.

Distinguishing the emphatic nūn from the role of lām or lā prevents confusion between an emphatic statement and an emphatic prohibition.