يمينا وشمالا
yamīnan wa-shimālan
The phrase "left and right" in Arabic is يمينا وشمالا (yamīnan wa-shimālan).
In both directions to the left and to the right.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverbs يمينا (rightwards) and شمالا (leftwards) connected by the conjunction و (and).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many spoken dialects, the formal accusative endings (-an) are dropped, resulting in the shorter form يمين وشمال (yamīn wa-shimāl).
How do you pronounce it?
yamīnan wa-shimālan
Did you know?
- The word for 'right', يمين, is the same word used for a formal 'oath' or 'vow' in Arabic.
- Because of a traditional preference for using the right hand for eating and greeting, the 'right' side of يمينا وشمالا is symbolically seen as more auspicious.
- The word for 'left' شمال can carry a negative connotation in certain contexts, suggesting something is 'deviant' or 'wrong' compared to the 'right' path.
Examples in context
- نظر الطفل يمينا وشمالا.Naẓara al-ṭiflu yamīnan wa shumālan.The child looked left and right.
- تحركت السيارة يمينا وشمالا في الطريق.Taḥarrakat al-sayyāratu yamīnan wa shumālan fī al-ṭarīq.The car moved left and right on the road.
- يجب أن تلتفت يمينا وشمالا قبل العبور.Yajibu an taltafita yamīnan wa shumālan qabla al-ʿubūr.You must look left and right before crossing.
Example conversation
Maryam and Youssef are standing at a crosswalk.
- مريم Maryamيا يوسف، انظر يمينا وشمالا أولاً.Yā Yūsuf, undhur yamīnan wa shimālan awwalan.Youssef, look left and right first.
- يوسف Youssefنعم، الطريق فارغ الآن.Na'am, al-tarīq fārigh al-ān.Yes, the road is empty now.
- مريم Maryamحسناً، لنعبر الشارع بسرعة.Hasanan, lina'bur al-shāri' bisur'a.Okay, let's cross the street quickly.
- يوسف Youssefهيا بنا يا مريم.Hayyā binā yā Maryam.Let's go, Maryam.
