Punctuation System

. Period

• Same role as English: marks the end of a complete clause or idea.
• Writers choose periods mainly to improve readability, not because Arabic requires them.

, Comma

• Connect short complete clauses (sometimes a single conjugated word).
• Link longer clauses that keep the same topic in motion.
• List items in sequences.

Arabic welcomes long sentence chains—use commas generously if the topic continues.

; Semicolon

Connects two clauses when the second explains the first. The follow-up clause often starts with a conjunction like الآنَ, لِـ, or بسبب. This is slightly different from English usage.

: Colon

• Introduces dialogue.
• Introduces lists (shopping, class roster, etc.).

English-style “emphasis colons” are not typical in Arabic.

? Question Mark

Same as English. In fusha, questions start with a clear interrogative. In colloquial speech the question word can drop, and هل is usually omitted.

! Exclamation

Same as English. In fusha, exclamatory clauses often begin with ما, which can also function as a question or negation depending on context.