3la9a علاقة

Algerian Darja · noun

“3la9a” (علاقة) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning relationship, connection.

Meanings

1. relationship, connection
2. romantic relationship

Usage

3laqa is a word from Standard Arabic but very common in darja. It refers to a link between two things or between people. The most usual expression is « ma 3andi hatta 3laqa », "I have nothing to do with it" or "it's none of my business". One also says « wach 3laqa ? », "what's the connection?", to challenge an argument. Without further detail, « 3andou 3laqa m3a… » can also mean a romantic relationship: context decides.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3la9a” but also “3laqa”, “3alaqa”, “3ala9a” and “alaqa”. 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; 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.

Type “3la9a” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “relationship, bond between people”; “relation, connection between things”: 3ala9a in Moroccan.

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “connection, link”; “relationship between people”: 3ala9a in Tunisian.

How to say “relationship” in Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian