Your Guide to Giving Directions in Arabic
Exploring a new city in an Arabic-speaking country can be an adventure, but it can also feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know how to ask for directions. Don’t worry—this guide has got you covered!
Whether you’re traveling, studying, or just practicing your Arabic, learning how to ask and give directions in Arabic is a game-changer. In this guide, you’ll find simple phrases, useful vocabulary, and tips to help you navigate like a pro.
By the end, you’ll feel confident chatting with locals and finding your way around without a hitch. Let’s get started!
Arabic Phrases to Start Asking for Directions in Arabic
Knowing how to start a conversation politely is key when asking for directions in Arabic. A few simple phrases make it easy to approach someone and show your respect, setting the stage for a helpful interaction.
English
Pronunciation
Arabic
Excuse me
ʿUdhran
عُذرًا
I beg your pardon
ʿAfwan
عَفوًا
Would you please
Law Samaht
لَو سَمَحت
Please
Min Fadhlik
مِن فَضلِك
Can you help me?
Hal Yumkinuka Musaadati?
هل يُمكِنُكَ مُساعُدُتي؟
These Arabic travel phrases will make it easier to communicate with locals and find your way around.
Ways to Ask for Directions in Arabic
Once you’ve started the conversation, it’s time to ask your questions. Learning to frame them in Arabic ensures you’ll get the guidance you need, whether you’re looking for a specific location or the best way to get somewhere.
English
Pronunciation
Arabic
Where is the ____?
Ex: where is the hotel?
Ayna (______)?
Ayna Al-Funduq?
أين (المَكان)؟
مِثال: أين الفُندُق؟
How do I get to ____?
Kayfa Adhhab Ila (___)?
كيف أذهبُ إلى (المَكان)؟
Where is the closest ____?
Ayna Aqrab (______)?
أين أقربُ (المَكان)؟
Is this the way to _____?
Hal Hatha Huwa At-Tareeq Ila (________)?
هل هذا هو الطّريق إلى (المَكان)؟
Places You May Ask About
When you are asking for directions in Arabic, knowing the Arabic names of familiar places in a city helps you ask for directions confidently. Study the following Arabic words:
English
Pronunciation
Arabic
Hotel
Al-Funduq
الفُندُق
Market
Al-Sooq
السّوق
Bank
Almaṣrif
المَصرِف
Airport
Al-Mataar
المَطار
Hospital
Almustashfá
المُستَشفى
Restaurant
Al-Matʿam
المَطعم
Bus stop
Mawqifu alḥāfilh
مَوقِفُ الحافِلة
Train station
Mahattat Al-Qitaar
مَحطّةُ القِطار
Gas station
Mahattat Waqood
مَحطّةُ وَقود
Pharmacy
Saydaliyya
صَيدليّة
Shopping center/ Mall
Markaz Tijari / Mall
مَركزٌ تِجاري / مول
Post office
Maktab Al-Bareed
مَكتبُ البَريد
City center
Markaz Al-Madina
مَركَزُ المَدينة
Museum
Mathaf
مَتحَف
Statue
Timthal
تِمثال
Street
Shaariʿ
شارِع
Square
Saaha
ساحة
Rest room
Dawrat Miyah
دَورة مياه
Park
Hadeeqa
حَديقة
Arabic Phrases for Giving Directions
If someone asks you for directions, knowing how to guide them, by giving directions in Arabic correctly and accurately is just as important. These simple Arabic phrases will help you explain routes and turns making it easier to help others.
English
Pronunciation
Arabic
Right
Yameen
اليَمين
Left
Yasar
اليَسار
Go to the right
Idhhab ila al-yameen
اِذهَب إلى اليَمين
Go to the left
Idhhab ila al-yasaar
اِذهَب إلى اليَسار
Turn right
In'atif yameenan
اِنعَطِف يَمينًا
Turn left
In'atif yasaaran
اِنعَطِف يَسارًا
Walk a little
Sir qaleelan
سرْ قَليلًا
Keep walking
Istamir fi al-seer
استَمِرّ في السّير
Cross the street
U'bur al-shaari'
اُعبُرِ الشّارِع
On the corner
Ala al-zawiyah
على الزّاوية
Go past the building
Tajawwuz al-mabna
تجاوزِ المبنى
Turn around
Altaf haul
اِلتفّ حول
Go straight
Idhhab mubasharatan
اِذهَب مُباشرةً
Opposite
Fi al-jihah al-muqabilah
في الجِهة المُقابِلة
Close to
Qareeb
قَريب
Far from
Baeed
بَعيد
Near
Bil-qurb min
بِالقُربِ من
Between
Fi al-muntasaf
في المُنتَصف
Outside
Khaarij
خارِج
Inside
Daakhil
داخِل
In front of
Amaam
أمام
behind
Khalaf
خلف
North
Shimaal
شَمال
South
Janoob
جَنوب
East
Sharq
شَرق
West
Gharb
غَرب
The first street
Al-shaari' al-awwal
الشّارعُ الأوّل
The second street
Al-shaari' al-thani
الشّارعُ الثّاني
The first turn
Al-mun'ataf al-awwal
المُنعطَفُ الأوّلُ
The second turn
Al-mun'ataf al-thani
المُنعطَفُ الثّاني
How to End the Conversation
English
Pronunciation
Arabic
Thanks for your help
Shukran ala musaadatik
شُكرًا على مُساعَدَتِك
Have a nice day
Atamanna laka yawman jameelan
أتمنّى لكَ يومًا جميلًا
Final word
That’s it for today! Now, you’ve got all the tools you need to ask for directions in Arabic. You also learned how to talk about places, and even help someone find their way—all in Arabic.
Don’t worry if it feels tricky at first; it’s all part of the learning process. The more you try, the easier it gets, and people will appreciate your effort.
So, next time you’re out and about, give these Arabic phrases a shot! You’ll feel more confident, and who knows, you might make some new friends along the way.
Safe travels and happy learning!
