rja رجا
Algerian Darja · verb
“rja” (رجا) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to wait.
Meanings
- to wait
- to hold on, pause briefly
Usage
Rja (yerja) means "to wait" or "to be patient". It is heard mostly in the imperative: "rja" or "orja" (wait), "rjani" (wait for me), "rjaw chwiya" (wait a bit). It takes a direct object: "rani nerjak" (I'm waiting for you). It is common in the west and in part of the centre, while stenna is a widespread equivalent elsewhere. Do not confuse it with Standard Arabic rajâ' ("please"), which often appears in writing on social media.
Example
رجاني شوية نجي
rjani chwiya nji
“Wait for me a bit, I'm coming.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “rja” but also “orja” and “erja”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “rja” on the Arabic keyboard
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “please, I beg you”; “kindly (written notice)”: rja in Tunisian.