In 15 Seconds
- A common way to give directions using local landmarks.
- Essential for navigating cities without consistent street numbering.
- Very helpful for delivery drivers and taxi rides.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe a location, specifically that something (usually an apartment or office) is situated on a floor directly above a pharmacy.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving directions to a friend
بيتي في العمارة اللي فوق الصيدلية.
My house is in the building above the pharmacy.
Telling a delivery driver where to go
أنا ساكن فوق الصيدلية الكبيرة.
I live above the big pharmacy.
Professional context describing a clinic location
عيادة الدكتور فوق صيدلية الشفاء.
The doctor's clinic is above Al-Shifa Pharmacy.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, the pharmacy is often called 'Agzakhana' (from Turkish/Persian). Even though 'Saydaliyya' is official, older people might say 'Fawq al-Agzakhana'. Pharmacies in Beirut are often used as meeting points. 'Meet me in front of the pharmacy' is as common as 'I live above it'. With rapid modernization, people use 'Fawq al-Saydaliyya' less for villas and more for 'Apartment Hotels' or office buildings. Due to the French colonial history, the word 'Pharmacie' is often used in daily speech instead of 'Saydaliyya'.
The 'Al' is Key
Always use 'Al-Saydaliyya'. Saying 'fawq saydaliyya' sounds like you are lost and just found a random pharmacy.
Don't use 'Ala'
Using 'Ala' (on) makes it sound like you are standing on the pharmacy's roof. Stick to 'Fawqa'.
In 15 Seconds
- A common way to give directions using local landmarks.
- Essential for navigating cities without consistent street numbering.
- Very helpful for delivery drivers and taxi rides.
What It Means
In many Arabic-speaking cities, street numbers aren't always used. People rely on landmarks instead. A صيدلية (pharmacy) is a perfect landmark. They are everywhere and usually have bright signs. When you say فوق الصيدلية, you are giving someone a visual anchor. It means your destination is in the same building, just higher up.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a predicate. It follows the subject of your sentence. For example, if someone asks where you live, you say: بيتي فوق الصيدلية. It’s simple, direct, and very effective. You don't need complex prepositions. Just the object and the location. It works for homes, clinics, and small businesses.
When To Use It
Use this when talking to a delivery driver. They will love you for it. Use it when inviting a friend over for the first time. It’s also great for describing a doctor's office. If you are in a taxi, this phrase is your best friend. It helps the driver narrow down exactly where to stop on a busy street.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this in a formal government application. They will definitely want a real street address. Avoid using it if there are three pharmacies on the same block. That’s just asking for a very confused pizza delivery guy. Also, if you live in a skyscraper, it might be too vague. You’ll need a floor number too!
Cultural Background
Navigation in the Middle East is an art form. It’s based on relationships between buildings. People remember the 'green building' or the 'bakery on the corner.' Pharmacies are special because they are often open late. Their neon green crescents or crosses are like lighthouses. Living فوق الصيدلية implies you live in a central, convenient area.
Common Variations
You can swap the landmark easily. Try جنب الصيدلية (next to the pharmacy) or ورا الصيدلية (behind the pharmacy). If you live below it (unlikely, but possible), use تحت الصيدلية. In some dialects, like Egyptian, you might hear فوق الصيدلية على طول which means 'directly above the pharmacy.'
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly neutral and can be used in almost any social situation. It is especially common in Levantine and Egyptian dialects where landmark-based navigation is the primary way people find their way around.
The 'Al' is Key
Always use 'Al-Saydaliyya'. Saying 'fawq saydaliyya' sounds like you are lost and just found a random pharmacy.
Don't use 'Ala'
Using 'Ala' (on) makes it sound like you are standing on the pharmacy's roof. Stick to 'Fawqa'.
Specify the Name
If there are two pharmacies, add the name: 'Fawq saydaliyya Misr' to be 100% clear.
Examples
6بيتي في العمارة اللي فوق الصيدلية.
My house is in the building above the pharmacy.
Using 'the building' adds extra clarity.
أنا ساكن فوق الصيدلية الكبيرة.
I live above the big pharmacy.
Adding an adjective like 'big' helps if there are multiple shops.
عيادة الدكتور فوق صيدلية الشفاء.
The doctor's clinic is above Al-Shifa Pharmacy.
Using the specific name of the pharmacy is more professional.
المكتب فوق الصيدلية، الدور الثاني.
The office is above the pharmacy, second floor.
Perfect for a quick, informative text message.
أنا دايماً مريض، أحسن لي أسكن فوق الصيدلية!
I'm always sick; it's better for me to live above the pharmacy!
A common joke about being conveniently close to medicine.
كان بيتنا القديم فوق الصيدلية في وسط البلد.
Our old house was above the pharmacy in the city center.
Evokes a sense of nostalgia for busy city life.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I live above the pharmacy'.
أنا أسكن ____ الصيدلية.
'Fawqa' is the correct preposition for 'above'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to give a taxi driver directions to your home?
كيف تصف مكان بيتك للسائق؟
Using a landmark like a pharmacy is the most practical way to give directions in this context.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the standard spatial prepositions used with landmarks.
Complete the dialogue between a delivery man and a customer.
الدليفري: 'يا فندم، أنا وصلت الشارع، فين العمارة بالظبط؟' أنت: 'يا أسطى، أنا في العمارة اللي ____.'
This provides the specific landmark the driver needs.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا أسكن ____ الصيدلية.
'Fawqa' is the correct preposition for 'above'.
كيف تصف مكان بيتك للسائق؟
Using a landmark like a pharmacy is the most practical way to give directions in this context.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard spatial prepositions used with landmarks.
الدليفري: 'يا فندم، أنا وصلت الشارع، فين العمارة بالظبط؟' أنت: 'يا أسطى، أنا في العمارة اللي ____.'
This provides the specific landmark the driver needs.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo. For a CV or official documents, use the street name and building number. This is for verbal directions and informal texting.
In many Arab cities, building numbers are small, hidden, or non-existent. Landmarks are much more reliable.
Yes! You can say 'fawq al-supermarket' or 'fawq al-makhbaz' (above the bakery).
You can still say 'fawqa al-saydaliyya' to identify the building, then add 'in the 10th floor' (fi al-dawr al-ashir).
Related Phrases
على الناصية
similarOn the corner
جنب الجامع
similarNext to the mosque
تحت البيت
contrastUnder the house
في وش الصيدلية
similarFacing the pharmacy
