3allem علم

Algerian Darja · verb

“3allem” (علم) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to teach, instruct someone.

Meanings

1. to teach, instruct someone
2. to educate, train

Usage

3allem, with the doubled consonant, means "to make know, to teach". It takes a suffixed pronoun for the learner and an imperfect verb for what is being learned: "3allemni nsouq" (teach me to drive). Note: without the doubling, 3ilm is the noun "science, knowledge", and the verb "to learn" (for oneself) is t3allem. Confusing "teaching someone" with "learning oneself" is the main pitfall. The register is everyday, at home as well as at school.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3allem” but also “3alem”, “allem” and “3allam”. 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.

Type “3allem” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “to teach, instruct”; “to mark, flag”: 3allem in Moroccan.

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “science, knowledge”; “flag (pronounced 3lam)”: 3elm in Tunisian.