dima ديما
Algerian Darja · adverb
“dima” (ديما) is an adverb in Algerian Darja meaning always.
Meanings
- always
- often, constantly
- constantly, nonstop
Usage
Dima is the common equivalent of "always". It is used in all registers and in all regions of Algeria. It generally goes before the verb: "dima tji m3attel" (you always arrive late). It can express a reproach when it stresses an annoying habit. At the end of a message, it serves as a wish or encouragement: "dima l'avant". The expression "dima dima" reinforces the idea. To say "never", dima is not used with a negation: people say "3omri ma" or "gaa3 ma".
Example
ديما تجي معطّل، واش بيك؟
dima tji m3attel, wach bik?
“You're always late, what's wrong with you?”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “dima” but also “dayman”, “diima”, “daima”, “dayma” and “daymen”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Its Arabic spelling is not fixed either: you will find ديما and دايما and ديما دايمن, all the same word.
Type “dima” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “always, all the time”; “forever (support slogan)”: dima in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “always, all the time”; “constantly, nonstop”: dima in Tunisian.