3la bali على بالي
Algerian Darja · expression
“3la bali” (على بالي) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning I know, I'm aware.
Meanings
- I know, I'm aware
- I have in mind, I remember
Usage
3la bali literally means "on my mind" and is used to say "I know" or "I'm aware". It is a very common expression throughout the country. It is conjugated with the possessive pronoun: 3la balek (you know), 3la balou (he knows), 3la balna (we know). In the negative, one says "ma 3la balich" (I don't know), which is a very common answer. The question "3la balek?" means "are you aware?". The tone can be neutral or irritated, like the English "I know, I know!".
Example
على بالي بلي راك تعبان
3la bali belli rak ta3ban
“I know that you're tired.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3la bali” but also “ala bali” and “3la bale”. 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 “3la bali” on the Arabic keyboard
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “I know, I'm aware”; “as far as I know”: 3la bali in Tunisian.