How to Say “Turn Left” in Arabic
The Standard Phrase
The most common way to say “turn left” in Arabic is “انعطف يساراً” (pronounced: in‘atif yasāran). Here’s a breakdown:
- انعطف (in‘atif) means “turn” (imperative form)
- يساراً (yasāran) means “to the left”
Alternative Expressions
Depending on the region or country, you might also hear:
- خذ يسار (khudh yasār) – literally “take a left”
- إلى اليسار (ilā al-yasār) – “to the left”
Pronunciation Guide
Arabic pronunciation may be challenging at first, but here’s a simple guide:
- in‘atif yasāran – “in-ah-tee-f ya-sa-ran”
- khudh yasār – “khoodh ya-saar”
How to Say “Turn Right” in Arabic
The Standard Phrase
To say “turn right,” use “انعطف يميناً” (pronounced: in‘atif yamīnan). Here’s what each word means:
- انعطف (in‘atif) – “turn”
- يميناً (yamīnan) – “to the right”
Alternative Expressions
Other commonly used phrases include:
- خذ يمين (khudh yamīn) – “take a right”
- إلى اليمين (ilā al-yamīn) – “to the right”
Pronunciation Guide
- in‘atif yamīnan – “in-ah-tee-f ya-mee-nan”
- khudh yamīn – “khoodh ya-meen”
Using These Phrases in Context
Here are some practical examples of how you might encounter or use these phrases in real-life situations:
- انعطف يساراً عند الإشارة. (in‘atif yasāran ‘ind al-ishārah.) – “Turn left at the traffic light.”
- خذ يمين بعد المحطة. (khudh yamīn ba‘d al-maḥaṭṭah.) – “Take a right after the station.”
Formal and Dialect Variations
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is understood across the Arab world and is used in formal settings, navigation apps, and written instructions. However, if you’re traveling or living in a specific Arabic-speaking country, you may encounter local dialects. The phrases above will generally be understood everywhere, but locals might use shorter or slightly different expressions. For example, in Egypt, you might hear “shmal” (شمال) for “left” and “yimeen” (يمين) for “right.”
Tips for Mastering Directions in Arabic
- Practice with native speakers or language partners on platforms like Talkpal to improve your listening and speaking skills.
- Listen to navigation instructions in Arabic using Google Maps or similar apps to familiarize yourself with real-time usage.
- Learn related vocabulary, such as “straight” (على طول – ‘alā ṭūl) and “intersection” (تقاطع – taqāṭu‘).
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “turn left” and “turn right” in Arabic is a valuable skill for navigating, giving directions, or simply understanding what’s being said around you. By mastering phrases like “انعطف يساراً” and “انعطف يميناً,” you’re taking an important step in your Arabic language journey. For more language tips, resources, and personalized practice, visit the Talkpal AI language learning blog and continue building your confidence in Arabic.
