The N Key on Arabic 101
Produces the Arabic letter ى (Alif Maksura).
Last updated: May 2026 · Bottom row
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Move from reading to hands-on typing with Arabic Typing 101.
Finger position
- Hand
- right
- Finger
- index
- Row
- Bottom row
- Key code
- KeyN
On the Arabic 101 layout, the N key is struck by your right index finger. It sits on the bottom row — reach down and slightly back from the home row.
The letter on this key: Alif Maksura (ى)
Alif Maksura — alif maqṣūra
Long "ā" — identical in sound to the regular alif. Visually distinguished by appearance only.
Open the full Alif Maksura guide →
Words you can type with the N key
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Knowing which key produces what is the easy part. Typing the whole keyboard without thinking is the hard part. Our structured drills run through every key in the Arabic 101 layout.
Frequently asked questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which Arabic character does the N key produce?
Pressing N on the Arabic 101 keyboard produces ى (Alif Maksura, أَلِف مَقْصُورَة). Right index finger.
What does Shift + N produce?
Shift + N produces "آ".
Which finger should I use for the N key?
Use your right index finger. The key sits on the bottom row of the Arabic 101 keyboard layout. Touch typing with the correct finger is the difference between 20 WPM and 60+ WPM in Arabic.
Is Alif Maksura part of the standard 28-letter Arabic alphabet?
Alif Maksura (ى) is a variant or special letter, not part of the standard 28-letter Arabic alphabet. See its dedicated guide for usage details.
Other keys on the bottom row
Or see the full Arabic 101 keyboard layout.