nefs نفس

Algerian Darja · noun

“nefs” (نفس) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning breath, breathing.

Meanings

1. breath, breathing
2. same (nefs + noun)
3. self, soul; craving

Usage

In the sense of "breath", nefs is used in common expressions: ma 3andich nefs, "I'm out of breath, I have no breath left", or ddi nefs, "breathe, catch your breath". Placed before a noun, the same word means "same": nefs echi, "the same thing", nefs l'mouda, "the same length of time". This sense is very frequent, including in writing. In the sense of "self" or "soul", one says nafs, often with a religious or moral tone. Context is usually enough to tell these senses apart.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “nefs” but also “nafs”, “nfes”, “nifs” and “nefss”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “nefs” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “same”; “breath”: nefs in Moroccan.

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “same, identical”; “soul, self, ego”: nafs in Tunisian.