makhraj

Makhraj (مخرج) is a term used in Arabic phonology and tajweed meaning the point of articulation where a consonant sound begins in the vocal tract. In traditional grammar and pedagogy it is paired with sifat (accompanying features) to distinguish letters that share a place of articulation but differ in manner or voicing. The concept helps explain why similar sounds differ and guides reciters to pronounce letters with correct articulation.

In classical descriptions, makhraj is categorized by the region of articulation: the lips (labial sounds), the tongue and teeth (dental and alveolar sounds), the tongue against the palate or the hard palate (palatal sounds), the back of the tongue against the soft palate or velum (velar sounds), and the throat (pharyngeal and glottal sounds). The hamzah is often described as originating at the glottis, while certain other sounds are associated with the pharyngeal or other throat regions. The exact placement can vary somewhat among schools of grammar, but the general framework remains consistent: letters are identified by where in the vocal tract their sound emerges.

In practice, makhraj is a fundamental concept for learners of Arabic and Quranic recitation, enabling accurate pronunciation and clear distinctions between letters. Instruction typically uses articulation diagrams, mirrors, and drills to train awareness of contact points and airflow. Understanding makhraj helps both native and non-native speakers reproduce the language more faithfully and avoid confusion between similar-sounding consonants.