dreb ضرب
Algerian Darja · verb
“dreb” (ضرب) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to hit, beat.
Meanings
- to hit, beat
- to put on, play (music)
- to make (a phone call)
Usage
Dreb (imperfect yadreb) first means "to hit". It takes a direct object, and the instrument is introduced by b: "drebni b yeddo" (he hit me with his hand). It is also a very productive all-purpose verb. "dreb el musique" means to put on or play music. "dreb tilifoun" means to make a phone call. "dreb el bab" means to knock on the door. For an injection, one says "dreb ebra". The verbal noun darb, "blows", is heard in "klla darb", he got beaten up. Figuratively and colloquially, "drebha b tirra" means to run off.
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “dreb” but also “drab”, “dhreb”, “dhrab” and “dareb”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “dreb” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “to hit, to beat”; “to kick”: drab in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “to hit, beat”; “to kick”: dhrab in Tunisian.