Hamzah

/ˈhɑːmzə/ noun

Definition

The glottal stop consonant in Arabic, represented by the symbol ء, which is a brief pause in vocalization.

Etymology

From Arabic 'hamz' meaning to squeeze or compress, referring to the throat constriction that produces the sound.

Kelly Says

The hamzah is why Arabic can sound so sharp and punchy to English speakers—it's a real consonant that English doesn't have, created by briefly closing your throat.

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