In a nutshell: Tanween is a fundamental feature in Quranic Arabic that adds a “n” sound to words using doubled vowel symbols—Fatḥatan (an), Ḍammatan (un), and Kasratan (in). Its correct application follows four Tajweed rules: Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfa. These govern how Tanween interacts with the next letter to shape clear, beautiful recitation. Mistakes like overemphasis or skipping nasalization can distort meaning.
If you are learning to read the Holy Quran, you have certainly seen the little double marks that sit on top of or below the last letter of some words.
This marking, known as Tanween, is more than just a symbol. It is a fundamental key to the rhythm, flow, and proper pronunciation of the Quran.
We will walk through it together, step-by-step, from its simple definition to its intricate rules, so you can recite with greater confidence and beauty. Insha’Allah, by the end, you will have a clear and solid foundation.
What is Tanween?
Tanween is a special vowel marking that adds a distinct “n” sound to the end of a noun or adjective. It’s a fundamental concept you’ll encounter constantly when reading Arabic and reciting the Quran.
Think of it as a hidden ‘noon’ sound that you pronounce but don’t write with the actual letter ‘ن’.
1. The Literal Tanween Meaning in Arabic
The word “Tanween” (تَنْوِين) comes directly from the Arabic root letter “ن” (noon). Quite literally, the term means “to make a noon sound” or “to ‘noon-ate'”. It describes the action of adding this specific sound.
2. The Grammatical Definition of Tanween in Arabic
Grammatically, Tanween is defined as an extra noon sakinah (a non-voweled noon, or نْ) that is added to the end of a noun.
This sound is pronounced when you continue reading, but it is not written as a letter and is dropped when you stop on the word.
The presence of this sound is indicated by doubling the short vowel sign at the end of the word.
3. What is Tanween in Quran?
Properly applying the rules of Tanween is essential for a correct and beautiful recitation that preserves the intended meaning.
Each rule—whether you pronounce the ‘n’ clearly or merge it with the next letter—is part of the way the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and has been transmitted for over 1400 years.
Learning to recite the Quran with Tajweed is, therefore, a profound act of worship.
Every rule you learn, like Tanween, brings you closer to the words of Allah. If you’re inspired to begin this journey, explore how you can Learn Quran with Tajweed with expert, native teachers who can guide you every step of the way.
Tanween Symbol
So, if you don’t write the letter ‘ن’, how do you show there’s a Tanween? It’s done with a simple and elegant system: doubling the short vowel mark (harakah) on the last letter of the word.
Instead of adding a new letter, we modify the existing vowel. This keeps the script clean while providing all the information a reader needs for correct pronunciation.
There are three forms, one for each short vowel.
1. Fatḥatan ( ً )
This symbol consists of two Fathas (short ‘a’ vowels) written one above the other. It looks like this: ً.
2. Ḍammatan ( ٌ )
This symbol consists of two Dammas (short ‘u’ vowels). It is often written as a single Damma with a small loop or tail, like this: ٌ.
3. Kasratan ( ٍ )
This symbol consists of two Kasras (short ‘i’ vowels) written one below the other under the letter, like this: ٍ.
Tanween Pronunciation
Now that you can see the symbols, let’s learn how to pronounce them.
The core of how to pronounce Tanween is simple: you pronounce the short vowel on the letter and then immediately add a clear “n” sound. It’s crucial to remember that you are only pronouncing the noon (ن), not writing it.
For a letter with Fatḥatan (ً), you add an “-an” sound. For example, the letter ‘بَ’ (ba) becomes ‘بً’ (ban).
For a letter with Ḍammatan (ٌ), you add an “-un” sound. The letter ‘بُ’ (bu) becomes ‘بٌ’ (bun).
For a letter with Kasratan (ٍ), you add an “-in” sound. The letter ‘بِ’ (bi) becomes ‘بٍ’ (bin).
Types of Tanween in Detail
The sound that Tanween produces depends on which short vowel is doubled. Let’s walk through the three types you will see in the Quran, one by one.
1. Tanween al-Fath (تنوين الفتح)
This type is represented by two fathas written on top of each other (ــًــ). It produces a clear “an” sound at the end of a word.
A key rule for Tanween al-Fath is that it is almost always written with an extra letter, an alif (ا), at the end of the word. This alif is not pronounced; it simply acts as a carrier for the Tanween symbol.
Tanween al-Fath Example:
“وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا”
wa kānallāhu ‘alīman ḥakīmā
“And ever is Allah Knowing and Wise.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:17)
Tanween Fatha Example:
“إِنَّآ أَعۡدَدۡنَا لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ سَلَٰسِلَاْ وَأَغۡلَٰلًا وَسَعِيرًا”
innā aʿdadnā lil-kāfirīna salāsila wa-aghlālan wa-saʿīrā
“Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blaze.” (Surah Al-Insan, 76:4)
2. Tanween ad-Damm (تنوين الضم)
This Tanween is shown by two dammas (ــٌــ) placed on the last letter. It creates a distinct “un” sound.
Unlike Tanween al-Fath, this type does not require any extra letters to be added to the word. The double damma sits directly on the final letter of the noun.
Tanween ad-Damm Example:
“لَيۡلَةُ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنۡ أَلۡفِ شَهۡر”
laylatu l-qadri khayrun min alfi shahr
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3)
3. Tanween al-Kasr (تنوين الكسر)
Finally, we have Tanween al-Kasra, represented by two kasras (ــٍــ) below the last letter. This produces a clear “in” sound.
Just like Tanween ad-Damm, this mark is placed directly on the final letter without any changes to the word’s spelling.
Tanween al-Kasra Example 1:
“وَهُمْ فِي غَفْلَةٍ مُّعْرِضُونَ”
wa-hum fī ghaflatin muʿriḍūn
“…while they are in heedlessness and they are turning away.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:1)
Tanween Kasra Example 2:
“فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ”
fī kitābin maknūn
“In a Register well-protected.” (Surah Al-Waqi’ah, 56:78)
Understanding these types is the first step. To truly master their pronunciation and application, structured practice is key. This is where foundational learning, like Quranica’s Learn Tajweed for Beginners Course, can build your confidence from the ground up.
Read also: Ikhfa rules, Letters, And Types
What is Tanween in Tajweed?
In the science of Tajweed, Tanween is not just about adding an “an,” “in,” or “un” sound. The actual sound of the Tanween changes depending on the very next letter that follows it in the sentence.
This is where the real beauty of recitation comes alive. The rules of Noon Sakinah and Tanween govern this change, and they fall into four main categories: Izhar (clarity), Idgham (merging), Iqlab (flipping), and Ikhfa (hiding).
The rules of Tanween are a cornerstone of Tajweed. As you progress, you’ll uncover deeper nuances.
For those ready to move beyond the basics and perfect their recitation, the Quranica’s Advanced Tajweed Course offers in-depth lessons on these rules and more. You can even test your knowledge with our Tajweed test and practice materials.
The Four Core Rules of Tanween in Tajweed
Now we arrive at the heart of beautiful recitation. We will now explore the four essential rules that dictate how the sound of Tanween changes based on the letter that comes after it.
Mastering these four rules—Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfa—is a non-negotiable step for anyone who wishes to recite the Quran correctly. Let’s walk through each one with clarity and simplicity.
1. Izhar (Clarity) is The First Tanween Rule in Tajweed
Izhar means “to make clear” or “to clarify.” When Tanween is followed by one of the six “throat letters,” its “n” sound is pronounced fully and distinctly, with no merging or nasalization (ghunnah).
The six letters of Izhar are the letters pronounced from the throat: Hamza (ء), Hā’ (ه), ‘Ayn (ع), Ḥā’ (ح), Ghayn (غ), and Khā’ (خ).
Izhar Example with Tanween:
“كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ”
“kufuwan aḥad”
“Nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (Al-Ikhlas 112:4).
In kufuwan aḥad, the Tanween al-Fath on the letter Waw (وً) is followed by the letter Hamza (أ). Since Hamza is a letter of Izhar, the “-an” sound is pronounced with complete clarity.
2. Idgham (Merging) is The Second Tanween Rule in Tajweed
Idgham means “to merge” or “to assimilate.” When Tanween is followed by one of the six Idgham letters, the “n” sound of the Tanween is merged into the following letter.
The six letters of Idgham are collected in the word يَرْمَلُون (Yarmaloon): Yā’ (ي), Rā’ (ر), Mīm (م), Lām (ل), Wāw (و), Nūn (ن).
Idgham has two sub-types:
- Idgham with Ghunnah (nasalization): Occurs with the letters ي, ن, م, و. The sound is merged with a 2-beat nasal sound.
- Idgham without Ghunnah: Occurs with the letters ل, ر. The sound is merged completely without any nasalization.
Idgham Example (with Ghunnah) with Tanween:
“وَجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ نَّاعِمَةٌ”
“wujūhuy-yawma’idhin nā’imah”
“[Some] faces, that Day, will show pleasure,” (Al-Ghashiya 88:8).
The Tanween al-Damm on the letter Heh (هٌ) in wujūhun is followed by the letter Yā’ (ي). The “-un” sound merges into the Yā’, creating a unified “uy-y” sound with a gentle nasalization.
3. Iqlab (Flipping) is The Third Tanween Rule in Tajweed
Iqlab means “to flip” or “to convert.” This rule is the simplest because it applies to only one letter: Bā’ (ب).
When Tanween is followed by the letter Bā’ (ب), the “n” sound of the Tanween is flipped into a light “m” sound, pronounced with a gentle nasalization (ghunnah).
In many prints of the Quran (Mushaf), you will see a tiny letter Meem (م) placed above to signify this rule.
Iqlab Example with Tanween:
“وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ”
“wallāhu ‘alīmum-bidhātiṣ-ṣudūr”
“And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.” (Aal-i-Imran 3:119).
The Tanween al-Damm on the letter Meem (مٌ) in ‘alīmun is followed by the letter Bā’ (ب). Here, the “-un” sound is converted to “-um,” and the lips are gently closed as if pronouncing an ‘m’ sound before articulating the ‘b’.
4. Ikhfa (Hiding) is The Fourth Tanween Rule in Tajweed
Ikhfa means “to hide.” This is the most common rule, applying to the 15 remaining letters of the alphabet. It is a beautiful sound that rests between the clarity of Izhar and the merging of Idgham.
When Tanween is followed by an Ikhfa letter, the “n” sound is partially hidden or veiled. The mouth takes the position of the upcoming letter while a light, 2-beat nasal sound (ghunnah) is emitted from the nose.
Ikhfa Example with Tanween:
“وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ الْمُعْصِرَاتِ مَاءً ثَجَّاجًا”
“wa anzalnā minal-mu’ṣirāti mā’an-thajjājā”
“And sent down, from the rain clouds, water pouring abundantly,” (An-Naba’ 78:14).
The Tanween al-Fath on the Hamza (ءً) in mā’an is followed by the letter Thā’ (ث). Instead of a clear “-an,” the sound is nasalized (“a-n-th”) as the tongue prepares to pronounce the Thā’.
Read also: Difference Between Ikhfa, Idgham, Izhar, And Iqlab
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Tanween
Here are a few common mistakes in Tanween that beginners often make. By being mindful of them, you can protect the beauty of your recitation.
1. Pronouncing Tanween When Stopping (Waqf)
A very common error is to pronounce the Tanween’s “n” sound when pausing on a word.
Tanween is only pronounced when you continue (wasl) to the next word. When you stop (waqf) on a word with Tanween, the rule changes. For example, stopping on كِتَابًا (kitāban) makes you pronounce it as kitābā.
2. Neglecting the Ghunnah (Nasalization)
The rules of Idgham (with ي, و, م, ن), Iqlab, and Ikhfa are incomplete without their characteristic nasal sound, or Ghunnah.
Rushing through the recitation and failing to produce this gentle, 2-beat humming sound is a frequent mistake that detracts from the correct melody.
3. Stressing the Tanween in Izhar
While Izhar means “clarity,” this clarity should be natural, not forced. Some learners over-stress the “n” sound or pause on it unnaturally (‘adhābun… alīm).
The pronunciation should be clear but fluid, moving smoothly to the next letter without a jarring stop.
4. Making the Mouth Too Round for Ikhfa
The sound of Ikhfa depends on the letter that follows. A common mistake is to make a generic, rounded “ng” sound for all 15 letters.
The correct way is to prepare your mouth for the next letter’s articulation point while making the nasal sound, which subtly changes the quality of the Ikhfa for each letter.
Read also: Sukoon – Full Guide
Master Tanween and More with Quranica
Reciting the Holy Quran is a beautiful and deeply rewarding spiritual journey. It all begins with a commitment to learning the fundamentals correctly, and Tanween is one of the most important first steps.
At Quranica, we make this journey accessible, effective, and inspiring.
We understand that learning the intricacies of Tajweed can feel challenging, but with the right guidance, anyone can achieve it.
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Conclusion
Tanween is a unique diacritical mark in Arabic that adds an “n” sound to the end of nouns or adjectives. Though it isn’t written using the letter “ن”, it’s pronounced and shown using doubled vowel symbols: Fatḥatan (ً), Ḍammatan (ٌ), and Kasratan (ٍ).
Each type of Tanween changes the sound of a word’s ending—producing “-an”, “-un”, or “-in”. These variations are not just for grammar; they are essential for proper Quranic recitation and pronunciation, maintaining the Quran’s rhythm and meaning.
In Tajweed (the science of Quranic recitation), Tanween follows four main rules depending on the letter that comes next: Izhar (clear), Idgham (merge), Iqlab (flip to “m”), and Ikhfa (partially hide). These rules determine whether the “n” sound is clear, merged, flipped, or hidden.
Mistakes beginners often make include pronouncing Tanween when stopping (waqf), skipping the nasal sound (ghunnah), over-stressing clarity in Izhar, or misapplying the mouth shape in Ikhfa.
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