dherwek ضروك ضرك
Algerian Darja · adverb
“dherwek” (ضروك ضرك) is an adverb in Algerian Darja meaning now.
Meanings
- now
- right away, this instant
Usage
One of the most frequent adverbs of time in Darja. Pronunciation varies by region. In the East and part of the interior, you hear dharwek or dhork, with an emphatic d. In Algiers and its surroundings, it is rather dorka, drok or dork. The word means "now", but also "right away": dherwek nji (I'm coming right away). At the start of a sentence, it can also mark a transition, like "well, so". In context, "dherwek" can be a vague promise: it does not always guarantee immediate action.
Example
ضروك نجي، استناني.
dherwek nji, stennani.
“I'm coming right away, wait for me.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “dherwek” but also “dhork”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Its Arabic spelling is not fixed either: you will find ضروك ضرك and ضروكضرك, all the same word.