9adrou 3ali قدرو عالي
Algerian Darja · expression
“9adrou 3ali” (قدرو عالي) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning highly respected, esteemed.
Meanings
- highly respected, esteemed
- of high standing, well regarded
Usage
The expression 9adrou 3ali literally means "his worth is high". It is used to say that a person is held in great regard. The possessive follows the person: 9adri, 9adrek, 9adrha, 9adrhom. The phrase 9adrek 3ali is also used to show respect to the person you are speaking to, for example before a criticism or a polite refusal. Its register is respectful, sometimes a little solemn. The word 9adr means rank or esteem here, not fate. Do not confuse it with 9der, "to be able".
Example
هاد الراجل قدرو عالي في الحومة
had rajel 9adrou 3ali f el 7ouma
“This man is highly respected in the neighbourhood.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “9adrou 3ali” but also “qadrou 3ali”, “kadrou 3ali” and “9adro 3ali”. 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.