makach ماكاش
Algerian Darja · particle
“makach” (ماكاش) is a particle in Algerian Darja meaning there isn't, there is none.
Meanings
- there isn't, there is none
- no way, it's no use
Usage
Makach is the negative form of kayen (there is) and one of the most frequent particles in darja. It is used alone as an answer ("makach": there is none) or followed by a noun: makach khobz, there is no bread. It also expresses refusal or impossibility: makach, it won't happen. The long form makanch exists and has the same meaning. Note: makach is not conjugated and does not depend on a subject. It is not the equivalent of "I don't have", which is ma3andich.
Example
روحت للحانوت بصح ماكاش الحليب.
rouht lel hanout bessah makach lhlib.
“I went to the shop, but there was no milk.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “makach” but also “makache”, “makch”, “maakach” and “makash”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.