9anoun قانون
Algerian Darja · noun
“9anoun” (قانون) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning law.
Meanings
- law
- rule, regulation
Usage
The word l9anoun, pronounced with a q or a g depending on the region, designates law in the legal and administrative sense. It is heard constantly in discussions about paperwork, work or emigration. Common constructions are l9anoun ta3 lebled, "the law of the country", and hadi machi f l9anoun, "that's not legal". By extension, it designates a rule specific to a place or a group, for example l9anoun ta3 dar, "the house rules". The plural qawanin is rather reserved for a formal register. The word presents no difficulty of meaning: it is neutral and used in all circles.
Example
هذا القانون جديد، ما كانش من قبل
hada l9anoun jdid, ma kanch men 9bel
“This law is new, it didn't exist before.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “9anoun” but also “kanoun”, “qanoun”, “ganoun” and “9anon”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.
Type “9anoun” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “law”; “regulation, rule”: 9anoun in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “law”; “rule, regulation”: 9anoun in Tunisian.