m3alem معلم
Algerian Darja · noun
“m3alem” (معلم) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning master craftsman, tradesman.
Meanings
- master craftsman, tradesman
- boss; expert, ace
- schoolteacher
Usage
The word m3allem mainly refers to the experienced craftsman who has mastered his trade and trains apprentices: a mason, carpenter or cook. By extension, it is used for the owner of a workshop. It is also a familiar compliment: m3allem !, "you're a pro!". The feminine m3allma can mean a primary-school teacher. For "teacher", however, people more often say oustad, prof or cheikh. Note also that Mouallem is a family name.
Example
هاد البلاطة داراها معلّم، شوف كيفاش مستوية.
had lblata daraha m3allem, chouf kifach mestwya.
“A real craftsman laid this tiling: look how level it is.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “m3alem” but also “m3allem”, “maalem” and “m3elem”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.
Type “m3alem” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “teacher, schoolteacher”; “master craftsman, workshop boss”: mo3allim in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “boss, champ (admiration, address)”; “master craftsman, boss”: m3allem in Tunisian.