akhla9 اخلاق
Algerian Darja · noun
“akhla9” (اخلاق) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning good manners, upbringing.
Meanings
- good manners, upbringing
- moral values, morality
Usage
Akhla9 is a plural used as a collective noun to refer to a person's good conduct, politeness and uprightness. It is a common compliment: 3andou l'akhla9, "he has good manners", and akhla9 3alya, "high moral standards". The expression terbiya w akhla9, "upbringing and good manners", often comes up in praising someone. Conversely, ma 3andouch l'akhla9 is a rather strong reproach. The word does not mean "morale" in the sense of mood: that is a trap. The register is everyday and slightly formal.
Example
هاد الطفل عندو الأخلاق
had t'fel 3andou l'akhla9
“This child is well brought up.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “akhla9” but also “a5la9”, “akhlaq” and “akhlak”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 5 is kha (خ), like the ch in Scottish loch; 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.
Type “akhla9” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “morals, moral values”; “manners, etiquette”: akhla9 in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “morals, good character”; “good manners, upbringing”: a5le9 in Tunisian.