bel-merra بالمرة
Algerian Darja · adverb
“bel-merra” (بالمرة) is an adverb in Algerian Darja meaning at the same time, while at it.
Meanings
- at the same time, while at it
- completely; not at all (with negation)
Usage
Bel-merra is mostly used to say that one takes advantage of one action to do another, like "while you're at it" or "on the way": you ask someone to bring something back "bel-merra" since they are going out anyway. The word usually comes at the end of the sentence. In a more formal register, or in writing, it can also mean "completely." With a negation, it then means "not at all." Do not translate it as "once": the usual meaning is simultaneity or an opportunity taken.
Example
كي تخرج جيب معاك الخبز بالمرة
ki tokhroj jib m3ak el-khobz bel-merra
“When you go out, bring back bread while you're at it.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “bel-merra” but also “belmerra”, “bilmarra” and “belmara”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.