batel باطل

Algerian Darja · adverb

“batel” (باطل) is an adverb in Algerian Darja meaning for free, for nothing.

Meanings

1. for free, for nothing
2. in vain, pointlessly
3. false, unjust

Usage

The usual meaning of batel in Darja is "free, without paying": "dkhelt batel" means "I got in for free". It is also used as an invariable adjective after a noun: "kass batel", a free drink. With the preposition fi, "fi batel" means "for nothing, in vain": "tâabt fi batel", I tired myself out for nothing. The classical meaning "false, unjust" (opposite of el haqq, the truth) is found mainly in a religious or formal register. It is synonymous with "free" and with blech, which is more frequent in the East of the country.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “batel” but also “battel”, “baatel”, “batal” and “battèl”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “batel” on the Arabic keyboard

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “free, gratis”; “for nothing, in vain”: batel in Tunisian.