أول شارع يمين
Awwal shari' yamin
First street on the right
Literally: First street right
In 15 Seconds
- Used to give clear, immediate directions for turning right.
- Works perfectly for taxis, delivery drivers, and helping tourists.
- A neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal settings.
Meaning
This phrase is the bread and butter of navigation. It simply tells someone to take the very first turn on their right-hand side.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving directions to a taxi driver
يا أسطى، خذ أول شارع يمين من فضلك.
Driver, take the first street on the right, please.
Helping a lost tourist
المتحف في أول شارع يمين بعد البنك.
The museum is in the first street on the right after the bank.
Giving directions to a business partner
مكتبنا يقع في أول شارع يمين عند الإشارة.
Our office is located at the first street on the right at the signal.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, people often use 'Nāṣya' (corner) instead of 'Shāri‘'. You might hear 'Awwal nāṣya yamīn'. Also, drivers are called 'Ya Osta' as a sign of respect. The word 'Mafraq' is very common for intersections. 'Awwal mafraq yamīn' is the standard way to describe the first turn. In the Gulf, 'Laffa' (turn) is the preferred term. Because of the many highways, 'Awwal makhraj' (first exit) is also frequently used. While 'Shāri‘' is understood, locals might use 'Zanqa' for smaller streets. 'Awwal zanqa yamīn' would refer to a smaller side street.
The 'Ya Osta' Rule
When giving this direction to a taxi driver in Egypt, always add 'Ya Osta' (O Master/Boss) at the end to sound like a local.
Left vs. North
In Modern Standard Arabic, 'Shimal' means North. In many dialects (like Egyptian), 'Shimal' means Left. Be careful!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to give clear, immediate directions for turning right.
- Works perfectly for taxis, delivery drivers, and helping tourists.
- A neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal settings.
What It Means
This is a fundamental phrase for giving or receiving directions. It literally translates to أول (first) شارع (street) يمين (right). You use it to pinpoint the exact moment someone needs to turn. It is clear, direct, and leaves very little room for confusion. Whether you are walking or driving, this is the gold standard for navigation.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence or part of a sequence. If someone asks for a location, you can say خذ أول شارع يمين (Take the first street right). You can also use it to describe where something is located. For example, المحل في أول شارع يمين (The shop is in the first street on the right). It is incredibly versatile and works in almost every dialect.
When To Use It
Use this when you are playing the role of a local guide. It is perfect for talking to taxi drivers or delivery people. Use it when you are giving a friend directions to your new apartment. It is also helpful when you are navigating a large mall or parking lot. Basically, if there is a turn involved, this phrase is your best friend.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if the turn is actually a left! That might seem obvious, but mixing up يمين (right) and يسار (left) is a classic mistake. Also, avoid using it if the street is actually a private driveway or a dead end. If the destination is further down, specify ثاني (second) or ثالث (third) instead. Accuracy is key when someone is behind the wheel!
Cultural Background
In many Arab cities, street names are not always the primary way people navigate. Landmarks like mosques, bakeries, or large trees are often used instead. However, the 'first street on the right' logic is universal. Giving directions is seen as a sign of hospitality and helpfulness. Don't be surprised if someone offers to walk you to that first street themselves!
Common Variations
In Egyptian Arabic, you might hear أول شارع يمين just like this. In the Levant, people might say أول دخلة ع اليمين (The first entrance on the right). In the Gulf, you might hear أول لفة يمين (The first turn right). Despite these small tweaks, the core phrase remains recognizable everywhere. It is a linguistic safe haven for any traveler.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and can be used with anyone. In some dialects, 'yasar' (left) is replaced by 'shimal', but 'yamin' (right) is almost universal.
The 'Ya Osta' Rule
When giving this direction to a taxi driver in Egypt, always add 'Ya Osta' (O Master/Boss) at the end to sound like a local.
Left vs. North
In Modern Standard Arabic, 'Shimal' means North. In many dialects (like Egyptian), 'Shimal' means Left. Be careful!
Landmarks First
Always mention a landmark before the phrase. 'After the mosque, first street right' is much better than just 'first street right'.
Examples
6يا أسطى، خذ أول شارع يمين من فضلك.
Driver, take the first street on the right, please.
Adding 'ya osta' is a common way to address drivers in Egypt.
المتحف في أول شارع يمين بعد البنك.
The museum is in the first street on the right after the bank.
Using a landmark like a bank makes the direction clearer.
مكتبنا يقع في أول شارع يمين عند الإشارة.
Our office is located at the first street on the right at the signal.
More formal structure using 'yaqa' (is located).
أنا ساكن في أول شارع يمين، البيت رقم ٥.
I live in the first street on the right, house number 5.
Short and direct for a text message.
قلت لك أول شارع يمين، مش أول بلد يمين!
I said first street on the right, not the first country on the right!
A joke used when someone misses a turn by a long shot.
يا خالة، بيتك في أول شارع يمين، سأوصلكِ.
Auntie, your house is in the first street on the right, I will walk you.
Shows respect and the cultural tendency to help the elderly.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word for 'First street right'.
أول _____ يمين.
'Shari' means street, which is the standard word used in this navigation phrase.
How do you tell a taxi driver to take the first right?
Choose the most natural phrase:
The ordinal 'Awwal' must come first, followed by the noun and then the direction.
Complete the dialogue.
Driver: أين منزلك؟ Passenger: بعد البنك، ادخل _______.
This is the most common way to specify a turn after a landmark.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a roundabout and need to take the first exit to the right.
Even in roundabouts, 'first street right' is often used to mean the first exit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأول _____ يمين.
'Shari' means street, which is the standard word used in this navigation phrase.
Choose the most natural phrase:
The ordinal 'Awwal' must come first, followed by the noun and then the direction.
Driver: أين منزلك؟ Passenger: بعد البنك، ادخل _______.
This is the most common way to specify a turn after a landmark.
You are at a roundabout and need to take the first exit to the right.
Even in roundabouts, 'first street right' is often used to mean the first exit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is neutral. It's perfectly fine for daily use, but in a formal speech, you'd say 'Al-shari' al-awwal 'ala al-yamin'.
Specify 'أول شارع رئيسي' (first main street) or 'أول دخلة' (first entrance) to be clear.
Not necessarily. Just saying 'Awwal shari yamin' is enough for a driver to understand.
This is a dialectal variation common in Egypt and the Levant. In the Gulf, 'Yasaar' is more common for left.
Related Phrases
على طول
contrastStraight ahead
ثاني شارع يمين
builds onSecond street right
أول لفة يمين
synonymFirst turn right
على اليمين
similarOn the right
