bessif بالسيف
Algerian Darja · expression
“bessif” (بالسيف) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning by force, necessarily.
Meanings
- by force, necessarily
- against one's will
Usage
Bessif is a very common adverbial phrase in Algeria meaning that something is done under compulsion, whether one likes it or not. It often comes after the verb: "yrouh bessif" (he will go whether he likes it or not). It is also used informally to stress an unavoidable obligation: "lazem bessif". The tone can be authoritarian, playful or resigned, depending on the context. It does not refer to real violence. An English speaker would render it as "by force", "obliged" or "whether he likes it or not" rather than with a literal translation involving a sword.
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “bessif” but also “bsif”, “bssif” and “besif”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “bessif” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “by force, under compulsion”; “necessarily, no choice”: bessif in Moroccan.