mli ملي
Algerian Darja · conjunction
“mli” (ملي) is a conjunction in Algerian Darja meaning since, ever since.
Meanings
- since, ever since
- when, whenever
Usage
Mli introduces a time clause. It mostly means "since": "mli bdit, ...", "since I started...". It can also mean "when", for a specific moment or a habit. It is followed by a conjugated verb and should not be confused with the preposition men ("from, since") followed by a noun. The word is common in speech, especially in the west of the country. Elsewhere, other constructions are preferred, such as ki for "when".
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mli” but also “meli” and “mlli”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “mli” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “when, as”; “since (time)”: mli in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “since (time)”; “than (after a comparative)”: mli in Tunisian.