machi 7aja ماشي حاجة
Algerian Darja · expression
“machi 7aja” (ماشي حاجة) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning it's nothing, no problem.
Meanings
- it's nothing, no problem
- not much, worthless
Usage
Machi 7aja plays something down: for example, it is the answer to an apology or a thank-you, like "it's nothing". The expression is also used to belittle: "had el film machi 7aja" means the film is not worth much. It can finally introduce a comparison: "machi 7aja 9eddam...", "it's nothing compared to...". The register is everyday. It should not be confused with walou, which means "nothing at all" in the absolute sense.
Example
سمحلي خويا — ماشي حاجة
sme7li khouya — machi 7aja
“Sorry, my brother. — It's nothing.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “machi 7aja” but also “machi 7adja”, “mashi 7aja” and “machi haja”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.