mumtaz ممتاز
Algerian Darja · adjective
“mumtaz” (ممتاز) is an adjective in Algerian Darja meaning excellent, very good quality.
Meanings
- excellent, very good quality
- perfect, great (approval)
Usage
Mumtaz is a Standard Arabic word, but it has entered everyday use in Algeria. It is used to congratulate or evaluate: a piece of work, a grade, an actor's performance, a dish. It is very common in online comments and in school settings (an excellent average). On its own, it also works as an approving reply, like "perfect!". The feminine is mumtaza. In casual conversation, more typical words like wa3er, mlih bezzaf or top are often heard instead, but mumtaz remains natural in all registers.
Example
الخدمة تاعك ممتازة، يعطيك الصحة
lkhedma ta3ek mumtaza, ya3tik saha
“Your work is excellent, well done.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mumtaz” but also “momtaz”, “mumtaaz” and “momtez”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “mumtaz” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “excellent, perfect”; “great! (approval)”: momtaz in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “excellent, very good”; “"excellent" grade (school)”: momtez in Tunisian.