bedra3 بالذراع
Algerian Darja · expression
“bedra3” (بالذراع) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning by force, against one's will.
Meanings
- by force, against one's will
- compulsorily
Usage
Bedra3 literally means "with the arm". The arm evokes the strength that makes the other person give way. The expression indicates that something is obtained or imposed against a person's will: "dakhlou bedra3", he went in by force. It also occurs without a preposition, as "dra3". The register is colloquial. It is close to "bezzour" and "belghasb". It does not necessarily imply blows: it can be pressure, a show of strength or insistence. The most natural English equivalents are "by force" or "willy-nilly".
Example
داهولو حقو بالذراع
dawlou 7a9ou bedra3
“They took what was owed to him by force.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “bedra3” but also “bdra3” and “bedhra3”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.