لكن

Root entry · 7 derived lemmas

This root primarily deals with the concept of 'but' or 'however,' functioning as a particle for exception, correction, or emphasis. It also extends to describe a speech impediment related to foreign accent or inability to speak Arabic correctly.

Derived headwords

لكنparticle

1.
but, howeverboth
A particle used to introduce a statement that contradicts or qualifies a previous statement, signifying exception or correction.
2.
but, however (emphatic)classical
Sometimes used for emphasis, similar to 'inna', while still carrying the meaning of exception.

لكناparticle

1.
but weboth
A compound particle formed from 'lakin' and 'na' (we), used to introduce a statement about 'us' that contrasts with a previous one.

لكنةnoun

1.
accent, lispboth
A pronunciation defect, specifically an inability to pronounce Arabic correctly due to a foreign accent or impediment.

لكونةnoun

1.
accent, lispclassical
Similar to 'laknah', referring to a defect in speech, particularly an inability to speak Arabic properly due to foreignness.

لكنونةnoun

1.
accent, lispclassical
Another variant noun form denoting a speech impediment or foreign accent that hinders correct Arabic pronunciation.

ألكنadjective

1.
unable to speak Arabic correctlyclassical
Describes someone who cannot pronounce Arabic properly due to a foreign accent or impediment.

لكن (ساكنة النون)particle

1.
but (unaccented)both
The unaccented form of 'lakin', functioning as a particle of commencement for expressing exception, not operating grammatically.
2.
but (conjunction)both
When followed by a single word and preceded by negation or prohibition, it acts as a conjunction, connecting clauses.

Parallel reading

فهو ألكن: لا يقيم العربية لعجمة لسانه.

He is 'alkan': unable to pronounce Arabic correctly due to a foreign accent.

ولكن: حرف ينصب الاسم، ويرفع الخبر، معناه: الاستدارك

And 'lakin': a particle that makes the noun accusative and the predicate nominative, its meaning is exception.

وهو أن تثبت لما بعدها حكما مخالفا لما قبلها

And it is to establish for what follows it a ruling contrary to what preceded it.

ولذلك لا بد أن يتقدمها كلام مناقض لما بعدها، أو ضد له.

And therefore, it is necessary that preceding it is speech that contradicts what follows it, or is its opposite.

وقيل: ترد تارة للاستدراك، وتارة للتوكيد

And it is said: it is used sometimes for exception, and sometimes for emphasis.

وقيل: للتوكيد دائما مثل إن، ويصحب التوكيد معنى الاستدراك، وهي بسيطة.

And it is said: it is always for emphasis like 'inna', and emphasis is accompanied by the meaning of exception, and it is simple.

وقال الفراء: مركبة من لكن وأن، فطرحت الهمزة للتخفيف.

And Al-Farra' said: it is composed of 'lakin' and 'anna', and the hamza was dropped for lightness.

وقد يحذف اسمها، كقوله: فلو كنت ضبيا عرفت قرابتي ... ولكن زنجي عظيم المشافر

And its subject may be omitted, as in his saying: If I were of Dabbah, you would know my lineage... but a Negro with large lips.

ولكن، ساكنة النون، ضربان: مخففة من الثقيلة، وهي حرف ابتداء لا يعمل، خلافا للأخفش ويونس.

And 'lakin', with a silent noon, has two types: the lightened form of the heavy one, and it is a particle of commencement that does not operate, contrary to Al-Akhfash and Yunus.

فإن وليها كلام، فهي حرف ابتداء لمجرد إفادة الاستدراك، وليست عاطفة.

If speech follows it, it is a particle of commencement merely for conveying exception, and it is not a conjunction.

وإن وليها مفرد، فهي عاطفة بشرطين: أحدهما: أن يتقدمها نفي أو نهي، والثاني: أن لا تقترن بالواو

And if a single word follows it, it is a conjunction with two conditions: the first: that negation or prohibition precedes it, and the second: that it is not conjoined with 'wa'.

وقال قوم: لا تكون مع المفرد إلا بالواو.

And a group said: it is not used with a single word except with 'wa'.