hmama حمامة
Algerian Darja · noun
“hmama” (حمامة) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning pigeon, dove.
Meanings
- pigeon, dove
- term of endearment (beloved)
Usage
Hmama means pigeon or dove; the word is often pronounced with a very brief initial vowel. The plural is hmam, which is also the collective noun: people talk about raising hmam, a widespread pastime in neighborhoods. In poetry and popular song, hmama serves as an affectionate image for a beloved woman, a symbol of gentleness and purity. The word resembles hammam (bathhouse), so watch the doubled consonant to avoid confusing them.
Example
كاين حمامة بيضا فوق السطح.
kayen hmama bida fouq stah.
“There's a white dove on the roof terrace.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “hmama” but also “7mama”, “hamama” and “7amama”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.
Type “hmama” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “pigeon”; “dove”: 7mama in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “pigeon”; “dove”: hmema in Tunisian.