janib جانب
Algerian Darja · noun
“janib” (جانب) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning aspect, side (of a matter).
Meanings
- aspect, side (of a matter)
- area, respect
Usage
A form close to Standard Arabic, used in darja mostly in the abstract sense: "fih janib ta3 lfokaha" (there is a humorous side to it), "ljanib ssalbi" (the negative side). It often appears in comments and somewhat argued discussions, in phrases like "men janib" (from the point of view of). For the physical side, in the sense of "next to", darja prefers "jenb" or "7da": "9a3ed 7dah" (sitting next to him). The register is neutral, slightly more formal than everyday conversation.
Example
ما شفتش هاداك الجانب تاع القضية
ma cheftech hadak ljanib ta3 l9adiya
“I hadn't seen that aspect of the case.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “janib” but also “janeb” and “jaanib”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “janib” on the Arabic keyboard
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “aspect, side of an issue”; “side, flank”: jeneb in Tunisian.