4 Directions in Arabic and English (Complete Guide)

If you’re planning a trip to Arab countries or are already there, you’ll definitely find yourself in a position where you’re asking locals for directions.

Whether you’re asking for directions to a specific place, or giving directions to a cab driver, knowing how to say and understand directions in Arabic is important.

In this blog, we will explore the Arabic names of directions and how they are used in everyday life.

So, let’s dive in and discover the unique Arabic names of directions!

How To Say Direction In Arabic?

The Arabic word for direction is written as اتّجاه and pronounced as ittijah. The plural form is written اتّجاهات and the transliteration is ittijaahaat.

4 Directions in Arabic and English

The four directions in Arabic along their English translation and pronounciation are:

Directions in Arabic	English	Pronounciation
شَمَال	North	Shamaal
جَنُوب	South	Januub
شَرْق	East	Sharq
غَرْب	West	Gharb

North in Arabic

The word for “north” in Arabic is “شَمَال” (shamal). In Arabic, the word “شَمَال” (shamal) refers to the direction that is opposite to south.

It’s commonly used in everyday language to give directions or to indicate the location of something in relation to the cardinal points.

The word “shamal” is derived from the Arabic root “ش-م-ل” which means “left” (as opposed to “right” which is “يَمِين” (yameen) in Arabic).

This is because when facing the rising sun in the east, the direction of north is to the left. Examples:

• أنا سأذهب إلى الشمال … I will go to the north
• تقع تركيا في جهة الشمال بالنسبة لسوريا … Turkey is located to the north of Syria
• إن جهة الشمال هي واحدة من الجهات الأربعة بالانجليزي … North is one of the four directions in english

South in Arabic 

The word for “south” in Arabic is “جَنُوب” (janoub). In Arabic, “جَنُوب” (janoub) is used to refer to the direction that is opposite to north.

Like “شَمَال” (shamal), it’s also a commonly used term in everyday language to give directions or to indicate the location of something in relation to the cardinal points. Examples:

• نحن سوف نذهب باتجاه الجنوب … We will go to the south
• تقع الأردن في جهة الجنوب بالنسبة لسوريا … Jordan is located in the south of Syria
• يقع منزل صديقي في جنوب … My friend’s house is located in the south of the city.

East in Arabic 

The word for “east” in Arabic is “شَرْق” (sharq). In Arabic, “شَرْق” (sharq) is used to refer to the direction of the rising sun, which is opposite to the direction of the setting sun.

Like “شَمَال” (shamal), “جَنُوب” (janoub), and “غَرْب” (gharb), it’s also a commonly used term in everyday language to give directions or to indicate the location of something in relation to the cardinal points. Examples:

• أنا ذاهب إلى الشرق … I am going to the east
• تقع العراق في جهة الشرق بالنسبة إلى سوريا … Iraq is located to the east of syria
• إن جهة الشرق هي واحدة من الاتجاهات الأربعة بالانجليزي … East is one of the four directions in English. 

West in Arabic 

The word for “west” in Arabic is “غَرْب” (gharb). In Arabic, “غَرْب” (gharb) is used to refer to the direction that is opposite to east.

Like “شَمَال” (shamal) and “جَنُوب” (janoub), it’s also a commonly used term in everyday language to give directions or to indicate the location of something in relation to the cardinal points. Examples:

• أنا ذاهب إلى الغرب … I am going to the west
• يقع البحر المتوسط بجهة الغرب بالنسبة لسوريا … The Mediterranean is located to the west of Syria
• الثلج قادم من جهة الغرب … The snow is coming from the west

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Right Directions in Arabic

“Yameen” يَمين is more commonly used to mean “right” in the sense of direction. For example, you could say “اتجه يميناً عند الإشارة” (itjah yameenan ‘ind al-isharah), which means “turn right at the signal”.

Left in Arabic

Left” in Arabic can be translated as “يَسَار” (yasar), which is used to indicate the direction to the left. It is similar in meaning to “shimal” but is less commonly used in modern Arabic.

Ordinal Directions in Arabic

Arabic	English	Transliteration
شَمال غربي	Northwest	Shamaal gharbi
جنوب غربي	Southwest	Januub gharbi
شمال شرقي	Northeast	Shamaal sharqi
جنوب شرقي	Southeast	Januub sharqi

Arabic Verbs for Directions

Here’s a list of specific verbs necessary for both describing and understanding directions.

Arabic	English
انعطف يمينا	Turn right
انعطف يسارا	Turn left
توجه للأمام مباشرة	Go straight ahead
أعبر أو اجتاز الطريق	Cross the line
اتخد هذا الطريق	Take this road
اذهب مباشرة	Go along
تجاوز	Go fast
انزل	Go down
اصعد	Go up
انها بيمينك	It’s on your right
انها بالقرب من	It’s next to
انها بيسارك	It’s on your left
في زاوية من	At the corner of
المقابل أو المعاكس	Opposite

Whether you are a language enthusiast, a traveler, or just curious about the world, exploring the Arabic names of directions is a fascinating journey that will enrich your understanding of the Arabic language and culture.