rak chayef راك شايف
Algerian Darja · expression
“rak chayef” (راك شايف) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning you see? (to get attention).
Meanings
- you see? (to get attention)
- you see what I mean
Usage
Rak chayef literally means "you see". It is a very frequent discourse marker in speech, especially in Algiers and its surroundings. It is placed at the end of a sentence, or in the middle of an explanation, to check that the listener is following the reasoning and to emphasize what is being said. It does not refer to sight in the literal sense. Its use resembles "you see" or "you know" in casual English. It agrees in the feminine: "rak chayfa". The form "rak fahem" ("you understand") is a common synonym. It is informal and can become a verbal tic.
Example
هاذي الخدمة ماشي ساهلة، راك شايف
hadi lkhedma machi sahla, rak chayef
“This job isn't easy, you see.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “rak chayef” but also “rak chayf”, “rak shayef” and “rak chaif”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.