ma fihach ما فيهاش
Algerian Darja · expression
“ma fihach” (ما فيهاش) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning no way, no chance.
Meanings
- no way, no chance
- there's nothing in it
Usage
Ma fihach literally means "there isn't in it". Used on its own, the expression marks that something won't happen or that there is no more hope: "ma fihach, ma ykhallsoukch", "no way, they won't pay you". The tone is resigned or categorical. Followed by a noun, it keeps its literal meaning: "ma fihach mochkil", "it's not a problem". Pitfall: depending on what follows, the expression can thus be negative ("it's hopeless") or reassuring ("no worries"). Informal register.
Example
ما فيهاش، الفيزا ما يعطوهاليش.
ma fihach, el visa ma ya3touhalich.
“No chance, they won't give me the visa.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ma fihach” but also “ma fihech” and “ma fihache”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.