3awedh عوض

Algerian Darja · verb

“3awedh” (عوض) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to compensate, make up for.

Meanings

1. to compensate, make up for
2. to replace

Usage

3awwedh means to compensate for a loss or to replace something or someone. It takes a direct object ("3awwedh el khedma": to make up the work) or 3la ("y3awwedh 3lik"). The formula "rabbi y3awwedh" (may God compensate) is very common: it is said to console someone after a material loss, or to express condolences ("rabbi y3awwedh 3likom"). The related form 3wadh / 3oudh means "instead of": "3oudh ma yekhdem" (instead of working). Depending on the region, the final consonant is pronounced d or dh.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3awedh” but also “3awed”, “3awwed”, “3awad” and “awedh”. 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 “3awedh” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “to compensate, make up for losses”; “to replace someone or something”: 3awwed in Moroccan.

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “to replace something or someone”; “to compensate, make amends”: 3awedh in Tunisian.