nchef نشف
Algerian Darja · verb
“nchef” (نشف) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to dry, become dry.
Meanings
- to dry, become dry
- to be worn out from talking
Usage
Nshef is an intransitive verb meaning "to become dry". It is used for laundry, earth, bread or a plant. For example, laundry that has dried is le7wayej nshfou. The transitive form is neshshef, meaning "to dry (something)" or "to wipe". The expression nshef ri9i ("my saliva has dried up") means one is worn out from talking too much or insisting without result, and can also express intense thirst. The participle nashef means "dry". For example, stale bread is khobz nashef.
Example
الحوايج نشفو، نحيهم من الحبل
l7wayej nechfou, n7ihom men l7bel
“The laundry has dried, take it off the line.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “nchef” but also “nshef”, “nchaf”, “nechef”, “nshaf” and “nachafa”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “nchef” on the Arabic keyboard
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “to dry, to become dry”; “to wither, to become gaunt”: nchef in Tunisian.