mezyan مزيان
Algerian Darja · adjective
“mezyan” (مزيان) is an adjective in Algerian Darja meaning good, fine.
Meanings
- good, fine
- nice, pretty
- well, properly (adverb)
Usage
An adjective meaning "good, fine". In Algeria it is used mainly in the West (Oranie, Tlemcen region), whereas in Algiers and the East people tend to say "mlih". It agrees in gender and number: "mezyana" in the feminine, "mzanine" in the plural. On its own it expresses approval: "mezyan!". It also works as an adverb after a verb: "fhem mezyan" (understand properly). Not to be confused with "zin" or "zwin", which put more emphasis on beauty. Many people associate it with Moroccan, but the usage in western Algeria is genuine.
Example
هاد الماكلة مزيانة بزاف
had lmakla mezyana bezzaf
“This dish is very good.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mezyan” but also “mziane”, “mzyan”, “mezian” and “mzyen”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “mezyan” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “good, of good quality”; “well (manner)”: mzyan in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “beautiful, pretty”; “good, fine”: mezyen in Tunisian.