Arabic · Common Verbs
كان
kana
To be
Beginnerverb
Definition
The verb used for was or to be in the past.
Example
كان الطقس جميلا أمس.
The weather was nice yesterday.
Etymology
The verb 'كان' (kana) is derived from the root ك-و-ن, meaning to exist or to be. It has been fundamental in both classical and modern Arabic as an auxiliary verb.
How & Where It’s Used
Kana is used in both formal and informal contexts, frequently in spoken language and written texts, and is essential for constructing sentences.