ma3rouf معروف
Algerian Darja · adjective
“ma3rouf” (معروف) is an adjective in Algerian Darja meaning known, well-known.
Meanings
- known, well-known
- favour, kindness
- food given as alms
Usage
Ma3rouf describes what is known or renowned. With b-, it means "known for": ma3rouf bel kerm ("known for generosity"). Used on its own, ma3rouf! means "that's obvious, of course". As a noun, it refers to a favour or a service rendered: dir m3aya ma3rouf ("do me a favour"). In some regions, it also refers to food handed out as alms or at a waâda. The feminine is ma3roufa.
Example
هاد الحانوت معروف بالخبز تاعو
had l7anout ma3rouf bel khobz ta3ou
“This shop is known for its bread.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ma3rouf” but also “m3rouf”, “maarouf”, “ma3ruf” and “ma3roof”. 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 “ma3rouf” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “well-known, famous”; “obvious, of course”: m3rouf in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “known, famous”; “obvious, of course”: ma3rouf in Tunisian.