The R Key on Arabic 101
Produces the Arabic letter ق (Qaf).
Last updated: May 2026 · Top row
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Move from reading to hands-on typing with Arabic Typing 101.
Finger position
- Hand
- left
- Finger
- index
- Row
- Top row
- Key code
- KeyR
On the Arabic 101 layout, the R key is struck by your left index finger. It sits on the top row — reach up and slightly forward from the home row.
The letter on this key: Qaf (ق)
Qaf — qāf
A "q" produced deep in the throat — further back than English "k".
Open the full Qaf guide →
Words you can type with the R key
Build muscle memory for every key
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 R key produce?
Pressing R on the Arabic 101 keyboard produces ق (Qaf, قَاف). Left index finger.
What does Shift + R produce?
Shift + R produces ٌ — the tanween damm (-un ending). Type the base letter first, then Shift + R to add this mark.
Which finger should I use for the R key?
Use your left index finger. The key sits on the top 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 Qaf part of the standard 28-letter Arabic alphabet?
Yes — Qaf (ق) is letter number 21 of the 28-letter Arabic alphabet. See the full Qaf guide for its four positional forms, pronunciation, and example words.
Other keys on the top row
Or see the full Arabic 101 keyboard layout.