The U Key on Arabic 101
Produces the Arabic letter ع (Ayn).
Last updated: May 2026 · Top row
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Move from reading to hands-on typing with Arabic Typing 101.
Finger position
- Hand
- right
- Finger
- index
- Row
- Top row
- Key code
- KeyU
On the Arabic 101 layout, the U key is struck by your right index finger. It sits on the top row — reach up and slightly forward from the home row.
The letter on this key: Ayn (ع)
Ayn — ʿayn
A voiced throat sound with no English equivalent — like a strained "uh" from deep in the throat.
Open the full Ayn guide →
Words you can type with the U 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 U key produce?
Pressing U on the Arabic 101 keyboard produces ع (Ayn, عَيْن). Right index finger.
What does Shift + U produce?
Shift + U produces "'".
Which finger should I use for the U key?
Use your right 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 Ayn part of the standard 28-letter Arabic alphabet?
Yes — Ayn (ع) is letter number 18 of the 28-letter Arabic alphabet. See the full Ayn guide for its four positional forms, pronunciation, and example words.
Other keys on the top row
Or see the full Arabic 101 keyboard layout.