b7al b7al بحال بحال
Algerian Darja · expression
“b7al b7al” (بحال بحال) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning the same, identical.
Meanings
- the same, identical
- equal, even
Usage
B7al b7al means "the same", "kif-kif". It is used to say that two things or two people do not differ, or that it comes to the same thing: "hadi wella hadik, b7al b7al", this one or that one, it's the same. The expression can also mark equality in a division or in a match. The word b7al on its own means "like". The expression "kif kif" is more widespread across the country. B7al b7al is heard mainly in western Algeria. The register is colloquial.
Example
هادي ولا هاديك، بحال بحال
hadi wella hadik, b7al b7al
“This one or that one, it's the same.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “b7al b7al” but also “bhal bhal” and “be7al be7al”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.