In Arabic, the four cardinal directions are: شمال (Shamal) — North, جنوب (Janub) — South, شرق (Sharq) — East, and غرب (Gharb) — West. For navigation, key words include يمين (Yameen) — right, يسار (Yasar) — left, أمام (Amama) — straight ahead, and خلف (Khalfa) — behind. To ask “Where is…?” say “أين…؟ (Ayna…?)”. Arabic directions are written right to left like all Arabic text.
Key Takeaway Table:
| English | Arabic | Transliteration | Pronunciation Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | شَمَال | Shamal | SHA-mal |
| South | جَنُوب | Janub | ja-NOOB |
| East | شَرْق | Sharq | SHARQ (deep q) |
| West | غَرْب | Gharb | GHARB (guttural gh) |
| Right | يَمِين | Yameen | ya-MEEN |
| Left | يَسَار | Yasar | ya-SAR |
| Straight | مُباشَرةً | Mubasharatan | Too-TOOL (colloquial) |
| Near | قَريب | Qareeb | qa-REEB |
| Far | بَعيد | Ba’eed | ba-EED |
| Where is…? | أَيْنَ؟ | Ayna? | AY-na? |
Arabic Direction Words: Complete Vocabulary Guide
In Arabic, “directions” can be expressed through various terms depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For general directions like north, south, east, and west, you would use شمال (shamaal), جنوب (janub), شرق (sharq), and غرب (gharb). If you’re talking about the direction of movement or travel, you might use اتجاه (iittijah) or وجهة (wijhah).
The Cardinal Directions in Arabic
Let’s begin with the four Arabic cardinal directions: (shamaal), جنوب (janub), شرق (sharq), and غرب (gharb)
1. North in Arabic
The Arabic word for “north” is شَمَال (Shamal).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arabic Script | شَمَال |
| Transliteration | Shamal |
| Pronunciation | SHA-mal (stress on first syllable; “sha” like “sha” in “shack,” “mal” like “mall”) |
| Adjective form | شَمَالِي (Shamali) = Northern |
| Part of speech | Noun (masculine) |
How to say North in Arabic in sentences:
البَيتُ يَقَعُ فِي الشَّمَال
(Al-baytu yaqa’u fi ash-shamal)
The house is located in the north.
سَافَرتُ إِلَى الشَّمَال
(Safartu ila ash-shamal)
I traveled to the north.
Compound directions using Shamal:
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| شَمَال شَرْقِي | Shamal Sharqi | Northeast |
| شَمَال غَرْبِي | Shamal Gharbi | Northwest |
Cultural note: The word “Shamal” also refers to a strong northwesterly wind that blows across the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula — a culturally significant weather phenomenon referenced in Gulf poetry, navigation, and folklore. The Shamal wind is why sand dunes in the Gulf region have their distinctive southwest-facing steep slopes.
Pronunciation tip: The “Sh” is the same as English “sh.” The second syllable “-mal” is short and unstressed. Unlike English “north,” which is one syllable, Shamal is two clear syllables: SHA — mal.
2. South in Arabic
The Arabic word for “south” is جَنُوب (Janub).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arabic Script | جَنُوب |
| Transliteration | Janub |
| Pronunciation | ja-NOOB (stress on second syllable; long “oo” sound) |
| Adjective form | جَنُوبِي (Janubi) = Southern |
| Part of speech | Noun (masculine) |
How to say South in Arabic in sentences:
اليَمَنُ تَقَعُ فِي الجَنُوب
(Al-yaman taqa’u fi al-janub)
Yemen is located in the south.
الجَنُوبُ أَحَرُّ مِنَ الشَّمَال
(Al-janubu aharra min ash-shamal)
The south is hotter than the north.
Compound directions using Janub:
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| جَنُوب شَرْقِي | Janub Sharqi | Southeast |
| جَنُوب غَرْبِي | Janub Gharbi | Southwest |
Real-world Arabic use:
| Arabic Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| جَنُوب أَفْرِيقِيَا (Janub Afreeqiya) | South Africa |
| جَنُوب السُّودَان (Janub as-Sudan) | South Sudan |
| جَنُوب آسِيَا (Janub Asiya) | South Asia |
Pronunciation tip: The key challenge is the long “oo” in the second syllable — ja-NOOOOB — hold that vowel slightly longer than you would in English. The “j” is a standard English “j” sound (unlike in Egyptian Arabic where ج becomes “g”).
What does Janub mean? Janub means “south” and is derived from the Arabic root ج-ن-ب (j-n-b), which carries the meaning of “side” — historically, “south” was conceptualized as the right-hand side when facing east (the direction of sunrise).
3. East in Arabic
The Arabic word for “east” is شَرْق (Sharq).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arabic Script | شَرْق |
| Transliteration | Sharq |
| Pronunciation | SHARQ (one syllable; the final “q” is a deep uvular sound — deeper than English “k”) |
| Adjective form | شَرْقِي (Sharqi) = Eastern |
| Part of speech | Noun (masculine) |
How to say East in Arabic in sentences:
الشَّمْسُ تَشْرُقُ مِنَ الشَّرْق
(Ash-shamsu tashruqu min ash-sharq)
The sun rises from the east.
القَاهِرَةُ تَقَعُ فِي شَرْقِ مِصْر
(Al-qahiratu taqa’u fi sharqi misr)
Cairo is located in the east of Egypt.
Compound directions using Sharq:
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| شَمَال شَرْقِي | Shamal Sharqi | Northeast |
| جَنُوب شَرْقِي | Janub Sharqi | Southeast |
Real-world Arabic use:
| Arabic Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| الشَّرْقُ الأَوْسَط (Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat) | The Middle East (literally “the Middle East”) |
| الشَّرْق الأَدْنَى (Ash-Sharq Al-Adna) | The Near East |
| الشَّرْق الأَقْصَى (Ash-Sharq Al-Aqsa) | The Far East |
What does Sharqi mean in English?
شَرْقِي (Sharqi) means “Eastern” — used as an adjective to describe something from or relating to the east. It is the form you will encounter most in searches. For example: الموسيقى الشرقية (Al-museeqa ash-sharqiyya) = Eastern/Oriental music.
Pronunciation tip: The most challenging part of شرق is the final ق (Qaf) — a uvular stop produced at the very back of the throat. It sounds like a “k” but made deeper, almost like a brief glottal stop with a “k” quality. Practice: say “k” and then push the point of articulation further back. The root ش-ر-ق (sh-r-q) means “to rise/to shine” — the same root as the verb يشرق (yashruqu) meaning “the sun rises,” connecting the concept of east to sunrise.
4. West in Arabic
The Arabic word for “west” is غَرْب (Gharb).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arabic Script | غَرْب |
| Transliteration | Gharb |
| Pronunciation | GHARB (one syllable; the “Gh” is a guttural sound — like clearing your throat or a French “r”) |
| Adjective form | غَرْبِي (Gharbi) = Western |
| Part of speech | Noun (masculine) |
How to say West in Arabic in sentences:
الشَّمْسُ تَغْرُبُ فِي الغَرْب
(Ash-shamsu taghrubu fi al-gharb)
The sun sets in the west.
أَمْرِيكَا تَقَعُ فِي الغَرْب
(Amreeka taqa’u fi al-gharb)
America is located in the west.
Compound directions using Gharb:
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| شَمَال غَرْبِي | Shamal Gharbi | Northwest |
| جَنُوب غَرْبِي | Janub Gharbi | Southwest |
Real-world Arabic use:
| Arabic Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| المَغْرِب (Al-Maghrib) | Morocco (literally “the West / the place of sunset”) |
| المَغْرِب العَرَبِي (Al-Maghrib Al-Arabi) | The Arab Maghreb — North Africa collectively |
| الغَرْبُ (Al-Gharb) | The West (as in Western civilization) |
What does Gharbi/Garbi mean in English?
غَرْبِي (Gharbi) means “Western” — the adjectival form of Gharb. In Indian subcontinental contexts, you may encounter “Garbi” (غربي) as a transliteration of this word, particularly in Pakistani and Bangladeshi usage when referring to western directions in Urdu/Arabic mixed contexts.
Etymology connection: The root غ-ر-ب (gh-r-b) means “to set” (as the sun sets) and “to go away/to be absent.” This is why the same root gives us:
- غَرَبَ (gharaba) = the sun set
- غُرْبَة (ghurba) = exile / being far from home (literally “westerness” — the state of being in foreign/distant lands)
- المَغْرِب (Al-Maghrib) = Morocco + the Maghreb region + the evening prayer (Maghrib prayer, said at sunset)
Pronunciation tip: The غ (Ghayn) is the most distinctive sound for English speakers. It does not exist in English. The closest approximation:
- French speakers: it sounds like the French “r” in “Paris”
- Others: imagine gargling water very briefly, then stopping — that friction sound is Ghayn
- Practice word: غَرِيب (Ghareeb) = strange/foreign — say it slowly: GH-a-REEB
What Do Arabic Direction Words Mean in English?
Many people search for the English meaning of specific Arabic direction words they’ve encountered. Here is a quick reference:
What Does Shamal (شَمَال) Mean in English?
شمال (Shamal) = North. Shamal is the standard Arabic word for “north” across all Arabic-speaking countries. The word also refers to a northwesterly seasonal wind in the Gulf region. شمالي (Shamali) = Northern.
What Does Janub (جَنُوب) Mean in English?
جنوب (Janub) = South. Janub is used in both formal and informal Arabic to describe the cardinal direction south. جنوبي (Janubi) = Southern. Famous usage: جنوب أفريقيا (Janub Afreeqiya) = South Africa.
What Does Sharq (شَرْق) Mean in English?
شرق (Sharq) = East. The word is the root of the English word “Orient” (eastern lands). شرقي (Sharqi) = Eastern. الشرق الأوسط (Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat) = The Middle East (literally “the Middle East”). شرقي (Sharqi) — when used as an adjective, means “eastern” or “oriental.”
What Does Gharb (غَرْب) Mean in English?
غرب (Gharb) = West. The word is the root of “Maghreb” (المغرب) — the name for North Africa and Morocco — meaning “the West” or “the place of sunset.” غربي (Gharbi) = Western. Morocco’s Arabic name المغرب (Al-Maghrib) literally means “the West.”
Quick Reference: Arabic Direction Names in English
| Arabic | Transliteration | English | Adjective Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| شَمَال | Shamal | North | شَمَالِي (Shamali) = Northern |
| جَنُوب | Janub | South | جَنُوبِي (Janubi) = Southern |
| شَرْق | Sharq | East | شَرْقِي (Sharqi) = Eastern |
| غَرْب | Gharb | West | غَرْبِي (Gharbi) = Western |
| شَمَال شَرْقِي | Shamal Sharqi | Northeast | — |
| جَنُوب غَرْبِي | Janub Gharbi | Southwest | — |
Intermediate Directions in Arabic
Now, let’s learn the Arabic intermediate directions: شَمال شَرْقيّ (Shamal Sharqiyy), شَمال غَرْبيّ (Shamal Gharbiyy), جَنُوب شَرْقيّ (Janub Sharqiyy), جَنُوب غَرْبيّ (Janub Gharbiyy).
1. Northeast in Arabic
The Arabic word for northeast is شَمال شَرْقيّ (Shamal Sharqiyy).
تقع المدينة في الشمال الشرقي من البلاد
(Taqao’ al-madina fi ash-shamal ash-sharqi min al-bilad)
The city is located in the northeast of the country.
Combine Shamal and Sharq, adding “iyy” at the end.
2. Northwest in Arabic
The Arabic word for northwest is شَمال غَرْبيّ (Shamal Gharbiyy).
الرياح تهب من الشمال الغربي
(Ar-riyaahu tahubbu min ash-shamal al-gharbi)
The winds blow from the northwest.
Combine Shamal and Gharb, adding “iyy” at the end.
3. Southeast in Arabic
The Arabic word for southeast is جَنُوب شَرْقيّ (Janub Sharqiyy).
تقع سنغافورة في الجنوب الشرقي من آسيا
(Taqao’ Singhaphora fi al-janub ash-sharqi min asia)
Singapore is located in the southeast of Asia.
4. Southwest in Arabic
The Arabic word for southwest is جَنُوب غَرْبيّ (Janub Gharbiyy).
تهطل الأمطار في الجنوب الغربي من البلاد
(Tah’til al-amtar fi al-janub al-gharbi min al-bilad)
The rains fall in the southwest of the country.
Essential Arabic Direction Words: Right, Left, Near, Far, and More
Here are some more useful words for directions in our everyday life: يَمِين (Yameen), يَسار (Yasar), أَمامَ (Amama), خَلْفَ (Khalfa) / وَراءَ (Wara’a).
1. Right in Arabic
The Arabic word for right is يَمِين (Yameen). Yameen also means “oath” or “right-hand.”
اِنعَطف يَميناً
(In’atif yaminan)
Turn right.
2. Left in Arabic
The Arabic word for left is يَسار (Yasar). Yasar also means “ease” or “left-hand.”
اِنعَطف يَساراً
(In’atif yasaran)
Turn left.
3. Near in Arabic
The Arabic word for near is قَريب (Qareeb).
المَكتَبُ قَريبٌ مِن هُنا
(Al-maktabu qareebun min huna)
4. Far in Arabic
The Arabic word for far is بَعيد (Ba’eed).
المَسجِدُ بَعيدٌ عَن المَدرسةِ
(Al-masjidu ba’eedun ‘an al-madrasati)
The mosque is far from the school.
5. In front of/Ahead in Arabic
The Arabic word for in front of/ahead is أَمامَ (Amama).
المَتحَفُ أَمامَ الفُندُقِ
(Al-mathafu amama al-funduqi)
The museum is in front of the hotel.
6. Straight Ahead in Arabic
The Arabic phrase for “straight” or “go straight” is مُبَاشَرَةً (Mubasharatan) in formal MSA, or على طول (‘ala tool) in colloquial Arabic.
سِرْ مُبَاشَرَةً حَتَّى تَصِلَ إِلَى الميدان
(Sir mubasharatan hatta tasila ila al-maydan)
Go straight until you reach the square.
Colloquially: امشِ على طول (‘imshi ‘ala tool) — Go straight ahead.
7. Behind in Arabic
The Arabic word for behind is خَلْفَ (Khalfa) / وَراءَ (Wara’a). Both are commonly used.
المَكتَبُ خَلْفَ المَقهى / المَكتَبُ وَراءَ المَقهى
(Al-maktabu khalfa al-maqha / Al-maktabu wara’a al-maqha)
The office is behind the cafe.
8. Next to/Beside in Arabic
The Arabic word for next to/beside is بِجانِب (Bijanib) / بِالقُربِ مِن (Bil-qurbi min).
المَتجَرُ بِجانِبِ المَخبَزِ / المَتجَرُ بِالقُربِ مِن المَخبَزِ
(Al-matjaru bijanibi al-makhbazi / Al-matjaru bil-qurbi min al-makhbazi)
The store is next to the bakery.
9. Between in Arabic
The Arabic word for between is بَينَ (Bayna).
المَدرسةُ بَينَ المَسجِدِ وَالمَتحَفِ
(Al-madrasatu bayna al-masjidi wal-mathafi)
The school is between the mosque and the museum.
10. Towards in Arabic
The Arabic word for towards is نَحوَ (Nahwa) / إِلى (Ila – when used in this context).
سافَرتُ نَحوَ الشَّمالِ / سافَرتُ إِلى الشَّمالِ
(Safartu nahwa ash-shamali / Safartu ila ash-shamali)
I traveled towards the north.
11. Across/Through in Arabic
The Arabic word for across/through is عَبْرَ (Abra) / خِلالَ (Khilala).
عَبَرتُ النَّهرَ / مَشَيتُ خِلالَ الغابةِ
(Abartu an-nahra / Mashaytu khilala al-ghabati)
I crossed the river. / I walked through the forest.
What Does Bijanib (بِجَانِب) Mean in Arabic?
بِجَانِب (Bijanib) means “next to” or “beside” in Arabic. It is one of the most commonly used prepositions of place when giving or asking for directions.
Breakdown of the word:
- بِ (Bi) = “by” or “with” (preposition prefix)
- جَانِب (Janib) = “side”
- Together: “by the side of” = next to
Plural/variant form: You may also see بِجَانِبِ (bijanibi) — with a final “i” (kasra) when followed by a noun, indicating the genitive construction. This is the same word in its grammatically connected form.
Example sentences:
- المتجر بجانب المخبز (Al-matjar bijanib al-makhbaz) — The store is next to the bakery
- المدرسة بجانب الحديقة (Al-madrasa bijanib al-hadiqa) — The school is next to the park
- جلست بجانب صديقي (Jalastu bijanibi sadeeqi) — I sat next to my friend
Similar expressions:
- بِالقُرْبِ مِن (bil-qurbi min) — near to, close to (less specific than بجانب)
- بِجِوَارِ (bijiwari) — adjacent to, neighboring (more formal)
Up/Above and Down/Below in Arabic
Two important vertical direction words in Arabic:
فَوْقَ (Fawqa) = Above / On top of / Up
الكتاب فوق الطاولة
(Al-kitab fawqa at-tawila)
The book is on top of the table.
تَحْتَ (Tahta) = Below / Under / Down
القلم تحت الكرسي
(Al-qalam tahta al-kursi)
The pen is under the chair.
These are used frequently when describing locations within buildings:
- الشقة فوق (Al-shaqqa fawq) — The apartment is above / upstairs
- المطعم تحت (Al-mat’am taht) — The restaurant is below / downstairs
- في الطابق الثالث فوق (Fil-tabiq ath-thalith fawq) — On the third floor above
Arabic Verbs for Giving Directions: Turn, Go Straight, Cross, and More
Here are some common verbs for directions in Arabic:
1. To Turn in Arabic
The Arabic word for across/through is انعطف (Inʻatif)
انعطف يمينًا بعد كلية الطب
Inʻatif yameenan baʻda kulliyat at-tibb.
You must turn right after the medical college.
2. To Go Straight in Arabic
The Arabic word for go straight is سِرْ مُسْتَقِيمًا (sir mustaqīmān).
سِرْ مُسْتَقِيمًا حَتَّى تَصِلَ إِلَى النُّهر
Sir mustaqīmān ḥattā taṣila ila an-nahr.
Go straight until you reach the river.
3. To Cross in Arabic
The Arabic word for cross is اِعْبُر (i’bur).
اِعْبُر الشَّارِع عِنْدَ إِشَارَة المُرُور
I’bur ash-shāri’ ‘inda ishārat al-murūr.
Cross the street at the traffic light.
4. To Pass By in Arabic
The Arabic word for pass by is مُرّ بِـ (murr biـ).
مُرّ بِالمَكتَبَة ثُمَّ انعَطِف يَسَارًا
Murr bil-maktabah thumma in’atif yasārān.
Pass by the library, then turn left.
Key Phrases for Asking Directions in Arabic
Knowing individual words is important, but knowing how to put them together in phrases is even more crucial. Here are some essential phrases for asking for directions in Arabic.
1. Asking “Where is…?” in Arabic
The most common way to ask “Where is…?” in Arabic is: أَينَ…؟ (Ayna…?)
أَينَ المَطْعَمُ؟
(Ayna al-mat’amu?)
Where is the restaurant?
2. Asking “How do I get to…?” in Arabic
The most common way to ask “How do I go to…?” in Arabic is : كَيْفَ أَذهَبُ إِلى…؟ (Kayfa adhhabu ila…?)
كَيْفَ أَذهَبُ إِلى المَكتَبةِ؟
(Kayfa adhhabu ila al-maktabati?)
How do I go to the library?
3. Asking “Which way?” in Arabic
The most common way to ask “Which way?” in Arabic is: أَيُّ طَريقٍ؟ (Ayyu tariqin?) – Which way?
Giving and Receiving Directions in Arabic: Complete Phrase Guide
Asking for Directions
| English | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Excuse me | عُذراً / لَو سَمَحتَ | ‘Udhran / Law samaht |
| Where is…? | أَيْنَ…؟ | Ayna…? |
| How do I get to…? | كَيفَ أَذهَبُ إِلَى…؟ | Kayfa adhhabu ila…? |
| Is it far from here? | هَل هُوَ بَعيدٌ مِن هُنا؟ | Hal huwa ba’eedun min huna? |
| Is it near? | هَل هُوَ قَريب؟ | Hal huwa qareeb? |
| Can you repeat that? | هَل يُمكِنُكَ الإِعادة؟ | Hal yumkinuka al-i’ada? |
Giving Directions
| English | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Turn right | اِنعَطِف يَميناً | In’atif yameenan |
| Turn left | اِنعَطِف يَساراً | In’atif yasaran |
| Go straight | سِر مُباشَرَةً | Sir mubasharatan |
| It’s next to… | هُوَ بِجانِبِ… | Huwa bijanibi… |
| It’s in front of… | هُوَ أَمامَ… | Huwa amama… |
| It’s behind… | هُوَ خَلفَ… | Huwa khalfa… |
| At the traffic light | عِندَ إِشارَةِ المُرور | ‘Inda isharati al-murur |
| At the roundabout | عِندَ الدَّوَّار | ‘Inda ad-dawwar |
| After the… | بَعدَ… | Ba’da… |
| Before the… | قَبلَ… | Qabla… |
| On the right side | عَلَى اليَمين | ‘Ala al-yameen |
| On the left side | عَلَى اليَسار | ‘Ala al-yasar |
| About 10 minutes away | تَقريباً عَشرُ دَقائِق | Taqreeban ‘ashr daqa’iq |
Arabic Direction Dialogues: Asking and Giving Directions in Real Conversations
Let’s imagine you are asking for directions to the mosque. You could say:
Scenario 1: Finding a Mosque
أين المسجد من هنا؟
(Ayna al-masjid min huna?)
Where is the mosque from here?
And someone might reply:
سر مستقيمًا، ثم انعطف يمينًا عند الإشارة الضوئية. المسجد بجانب المتجر
(Sir mustaqeeman, thumma in’atif yameenan ‘inda al-isharah al-daw’iyyah. Al-masjid bijanib al-matjar.)
Go straight, then turn right at the traffic light. The mosque is next to the store.
Scenario 2: Finding a Restaurant
Asking:
عُذراً، هل تعرف أين يوجد مطعم قريب؟
(‘Udhran, hal ta’arif ayna yujad mat’am qareeb?)
Excuse me, do you know where there’s a restaurant nearby?
Response:
نعم! سِرْ مُباشَرةً حَتَّى تَصِلَ إِلَى الإِشَارَة الضَّوئِيَّة، ثُمَّ اِنعَطِف يَسَاراً. المَطعَمُ عَلَى يَمِينِك بَعدَ المَكتَبةِ.
(Na’am! Sir mubasharatan hatta tasila ila al-isharah al-daw’iyyah, thumma in’atif yasaran. Al-mat’amu ‘ala yaminika ba’da al-maktabati.)
Yes! Go straight until you reach the traffic light, then turn left. The restaurant is on your right after the library.
Scenario 3: Finding the Airport
Asking:
كَيفَ أَذهَبُ إِلَى المَطارِ مِن هُنا؟
(Kayfa adhhabu ila al-matar min huna?)
How do I get to the airport from here?
Response:
اِذهَب إِلَى الشَّمالِ، ثُمَّ خُذ أَوَّل يَمينٍ. المَطارُ بَعيدٌ نَوعاً مَا، تَقريباً عِشرُون دَقيقةً بِالسَّيَّارة.
(Idhhab ila ash-shamali, thumma khudh awwal yameen. Al-mataru ba’eedun naw’an ma, taqreeban ‘ishrun daqeeqah bil-sayyarah.)
Go north, then take the first right. The airport is fairly far, about twenty minutes by car.
Chart of Directions Vocabulary in Arabic
To make it easier for you to review, here’s a chart summarizing the direction vocabulary we’ve covered. This will be a helpful reference.
| English Translation | Arabic Word | Transliteration |
| North | شَمَال | Shamal |
| South | جَنُوب | Janub |
| East | شَرْق | Sharq |
| West | غَرْب | Gharb |
| Northeast | شَمال شَرْقيّ | Shamal Sharqiyy |
| Northwest | شَمال غَرْبيّ | Shamal Gharbiyy |
| Southeast | جَنُوب شَرْقيّ | Janub Sharqiyy |
| Southwest | جَنُوب غَرْبيّ | Janub Gharbiyy |
| Right | يَمِين | Yameen |
| Left | يَسار | Yasar |
| Straight | مُباشَرةً / على طول | Mubasharatan / Ala Tool |
| Near | قَريب | Qareeb |
| Far | بَعيد | Ba’eed |
| In front of/Ahead | أَمامَ | Amama |
| Behind | خَلْفَ / وَراءَ | Khalfa / Wara’a |
| Next to/Beside | بِجانِب / بِالقُربِ مِن | Bijanib / Bil-qurbi min |
| Between | بَينَ | Bayna |
| Up/Above | فَوقَ | Fawqa |
| Down/Below | تَحتَ | Tahta |
| Where is…? | أَينَ…؟ | Ayna…? |
| How do I get to…? (Formal) | كَيْفَ أَذهَبُ إِلى…؟ | Kayfa adhhabu ila…? |
Learning Directions and More with Kalimah Center
At Kalimah Center, we believe learning Arabic is more than learning vocabulary; it’s about understanding the culture and using the language in real-life situations.
Our structured Arabic courses integrate practical lessons, like learning directions, into the curriculum.
Former students praise the immersive experience and expert guidance they receive from native teachers.
Join us for a FREE trial class and see for yourself.
FAQs about Directions in Arabic
Q1: What does “Shamal” mean in English?
شمال (Shamal) means “North” in Arabic. It is used for the cardinal direction north in both Modern Standard Arabic and most Arabic dialects. The word also has cultural significance — “Shamal” refers to a seasonal northwesterly wind in the Persian Gulf region. In phrases: شمال شرقي (Shamal Sharqi) = Northeast, شمال غربي (Shamal Gharbi) = Northwest. Pronunciation: SHA-mal (stress on first syllable).
Q2: What does “Janub” mean in English?
جنوب (Janub) means “South” in Arabic. It is the standard Arabic word for the cardinal direction south, used in all formal contexts — maps, geography, navigation, and everyday speech. In phrases: جنوب شرقي (Janub Sharqi) = Southeast, جنوب غربي (Janub Gharbi) = Southwest. Example: جنوب أفريقيا (Janub Afreeqiya) = South Africa. Pronunciation: ja-NOOB (stress on second syllable, long “oo”).
Q3: What does “Sharqi” or “Sharq” mean in English?
شرق (Sharq) means “East” in Arabic, and شرقي (Sharqi) means “Eastern.” The word “Sharq” is also the root of “Orient” — the historical English term for the East. The famous Arabic satellite channel is named “Al Jazeera” (the peninsula), and “الشرق الأوسط (Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat)” means “The Middle East” — literally “the middle East.” Pronunciation: SHARQ — the final “q” is a deep uvular sound, not like the English “k.”
Q4: What does “Gharb” or “Gharbi” mean in English?
غرب (Gharb) means “West” in Arabic, and غربي (Gharbi) means “Western.” The word is the root of “Maghreb” (المغرب — al-Maghrib), which means “the West” and refers to the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia — historically the westernmost Arab lands. Morocco’s name in Arabic, المغرب (Al-Maghrib), literally means “the West” or “the place of sunset.” Pronunciation: GHARB — the “Gh” is a guttural sound similar to a French “r” or the sound of gargling.
Q5: What does “bijanib” (بِجانِب) mean in Arabic?
بِجانِب (bijanib) means “next to” or “beside” in Arabic. It is a preposition of place used to describe the position of one thing relative to another. Example: المتجر بجانب المخبز (Al-matjar bijanib al-makhbaz) — “The store is next to the bakery.” You may also encounter بالقرب من (bil-qurbi min) which means “near to” or “close to” — slightly less specific than بجانب. Both are essential phrases for giving and receiving directions in Arabic.
