Directions

1. وين الفندق؟

   Wēn il-fundug?

   Where is the hotel?

   Usage

   The basic "where is ...?" pattern: just put the place after وين

   Grammar Note

   Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended. الفندق has the same form as in Modern Standard Arabic

2. وين السوق؟

   Wēn is-sūg?

   Where is the market?

   Usage

   For finding the market (souk). In speech the ق is read g

   Grammar Note

   Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended. Vowels are estimated

3. وين المحطة؟

   Wēn il-maḥaṭṭa?

   Where is the station (stop)?

   Usage

   For finding a bus or shared-taxi stop. محطة can also mean a station or petrol station, so add the vehicle if needed

   Grammar Note

   Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended. المحطة has the same form as in Modern Standard Arabic

4. امشي طوالي

   Imshi ṭawwāli

   Go straight ahead

   Usage

   A phrase you will often hear when asking the way. طوالي means "straight on" and also "right away". To several people say امشو طوالي

   Grammar Note

   An imperative; the masculine singular form

5. قريب ولا بعيد؟

   Garīb walla baʿīd?

   Is it near or far?

   Usage

   "A or B" is joined with ولا. Use it to check whether a place is within walking distance

   Grammar Note

   Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

6. كم دقيقة من هنا؟

   Kam dagīga min hina?

   How many minutes from here?

   Usage

   For asking how long it takes. Say the destination first, then add this

   Grammar Note

   Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended. Vowels are estimated

7. أنا تايه

   Ana tāyih

   I'm lost

   Usage

   Tells people you are lost. A woman says أنا تايهة

   Grammar Note

   Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended. Vowels are estimated

8. الطريق دا رايح السوق؟

   It-ṭarīg da rāyiḥ is-sūg?

   Does this road go to the market?

   Usage

   To check you are on the right road. رايح means "going"

   Grammar Note

   Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended. Vowels are estimated

9. ارجع

   Irjaʿ

   Go back

   Usage

   Say it to a driver who has passed the spot, or listen for it when you are given directions

   Grammar Note

   A masculine singular imperative

10. يمين

    Yamīn

    Right

    Usage

    "Right" in directions. For "left" usage varies, so point with a hand as you ask. يمين بالله also works as an oath, "I swear by God"

    Grammar Note

    Same form as Modern Standard Arabic; native review recommended

Browse all TravelPhrases languages