Quranic root
تحت
t · ḥ · t
The root centers on the relation of being beneath or below, with extensions to lower rank and inferiority.
Its primary spatial orientation is contrasted with فوق and distinguished from أسفل, which describes the lower part of something united or integral. Classical usage also extends the notion of being beneath to authority, marital relation, and social lowliness.
- Maqāyīs · row 910
- Lane · entry 16519
- Mufradāt · row 177
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 51
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
تَحْت
taḥt
- Part of speech
- Noun / locative adverb
- Quran occurrences
- 51 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
The location beneath, below, or under another thing.
Opposed to فوق. It is used for a relation to something spatially separate, whereas أسفل is used for the lower part of something united with or integral to another thing. It may function adverbially with an expressed complement or as a noun when the complement is suppressed.
- Lane · entry 16519
- Mufradāt · row 177
Selected Quran examples
Quran 5:66word 15
“beneath”
Quran 13:35word 8
“underneath it”
Quran 19:24word 9
“beneath you”
Quran 20:6word 11
“(is) under”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 2:25تَحْتِهَاunder them
- 2:266تَحْتِهَاunderneath it
- 3:15تَحْتِهَاunderneath them
- 3:136تَحْتِهَاunderneath it
- 3:195تَحْتِهَاunderneath them
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 5 Classical meanings
تَحْت
To be under another person's command, rule, or authority.
A conventional figurative relation, extending the spatial notion of being beneath to subordination.
- Lane · entry 16519
تَحْت
In a conventional figurative expression, for a man to have a woman as his wife.
A specifically reported figurative construction; it does not describe the ordinary spatial sense.
- Lane · entry 16519
التَّحْتُ
A low, base, vile, ignoble, or socially weak person; the plural is التُّحُوتُ.
A classical social-status usage, especially in the reported expression about the lowly prevailing over the eminent or strong.
- Lane · entry 16519
- Mufradāt · row 177
التُّحُوتُ
Treasures or things hidden beneath the earth.
A reported alternative interpretation of التُّحُوتُ in the explanation of the associated eschatological tradition, distinct from the interpretation referring to lowly persons.
- Lane · entry 16519
تَحْتَانِيٌّ
Of or relating to what is beneath; lower or inferior.
A relational adjective derived from تَحْت.
- Lane · entry 16520
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The social-status and buried-treasure interpretations concern the classical form التُّحُوتُ, not the ordinary Quranic spatial use of تَحْت.