kach كاش
Algerian Darja · particle
“kach” (كاش) is a particle in Algerian Darja meaning some, a certain.
Meanings
- some, a certain
- is there any? (interrogative)
Usage
Kach goes before an indefinite noun with the meaning "a, some": "kach nhar" (one day), "kach wahed" (someone), "kach haja" (something). In questions it means "is there...?": "kach khobz?" (is there any bread?). The form "kach ma" (or kachma) is used to ask whether there is anything. This word is typically Algerian and very common in speech. Do not confuse it with the loanword "cash" (ready money), which sounds the same.
Example
كاش نهار نروح لوهران
kach nhar nrouh l wahran
“One day, I'll go to Oran.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “kach” but also “kech”, “kèch”, “kache” and “kash”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.