The X Key on Arabic 101
Produces the Arabic letter ء (Hamza).
Last updated: May 2026 · Bottom row
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Move from reading to hands-on typing with Arabic Typing 101.
Finger position
- Hand
- left
- Finger
- ring
- Row
- Bottom row
- Key code
- KeyX
On the Arabic 101 layout, the X key is struck by your left ring finger. It sits on the bottom row — reach down and slightly back from the home row.
The letter on this key: Hamza (ء)
Hamza — hamza
Glottal stop — the catch in the throat at the start of "uh-oh".
Open the full Hamza guide →
Words you can type with the X 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 X key produce?
Pressing X on the Arabic 101 keyboard produces ء (Hamza, هَمْزَة). Left ring finger.
What does Shift + X produce?
Shift + X produces ْ — the sukun (no-vowel marker). Type the base letter first, then Shift + X to add this mark.
Which finger should I use for the X key?
Use your left ring 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 Hamza part of the standard 28-letter Arabic alphabet?
Hamza (ء) 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.