3abbaz عبز
Algerian Darja · verb
“3abbaz” (عبز) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to press, to push (a button).
Meanings
- to press, to push (a button)
- to squeeze, to press with the hand
Usage
3abbaz means to press, to apply pressure with a finger or hand. It is used mainly for a button, a key, a doorbell, or a screen: 3abbaz 3la... (press on...). The preposition 3la is almost always present, unlike French where the object can be direct. The present is y3abbaz, the imperative is 3abbaz, or 3abbzi for the feminine. It is an informal word, very frequent in speech, especially in the Centre. It is also heard for squeezing a fruit or packing something down. Possible synonyms depending on the region: ghmez, dghet.
Example
عبز على الزر باش تحل الباب
3abbaz 3la zer bach t7ell el bab
“Press the button to open the door.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3abbaz” but also “3abaz”, “aabbaz” and “3abbez”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.