asas اساس

Algerian Darja · noun

“asas” (اساس) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning basis, foundation.

Meanings

1. basis, foundation
2. supposedly, as if (3la asas)

Usage

Asas, often shortened to sas, refers to the basis or foundation of something. It is used mainly in the very common phrase 3la asas, which has two meanings. The first is "on the basis of, based on". The second, ironic, means "supposedly, as if": 3la asas rah fhem, "supposedly he understood". Only tone distinguishes these two meanings. In building, sas also refers to the foundations of a house. The register is neutral.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “asas” but also “assas” and “sas”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “asas” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “basis, foundation”; “supposedly, on the grounds that”: asas in Moroccan.

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “basis, foundation”; “supposedly, under the pretext that (3la asas)”: asas in Tunisian.