bakraj بقراج
Algerian Darja · noun
“bakraj” (بقراج) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning traditional metal teapot.
Meanings
- traditional metal teapot
- kettle
Usage
The beqraj is the traditional metal teapot or kettle, often copper or silver-plated. The word comes from Turkish. It is brought out to serve tea or coffee to guests, and it is among the utensils given as wedding gifts. The plural is bqarej. Depending on the region it is pronounced with "q" or with "g": beqraj, begraj. The object keeps a decorative and heritage value, and the word evokes traditional hospitality. It should not be confused with a modern porcelain teapot.
Example
سخني الما في البقراج.
sakhni lma f lbeqraj.
“Heat the water in the kettle.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “bakraj” but also “ba9raj”, “begraj”, “bagradj”, “bekradj” and “ba9radj”. 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.