sa7a 3idkom صحة عيدكم
Algerian Darja · expression
“sa7a 3idkom” (صحة عيدكم) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning happy Eid (festival greeting).
Meanings
- happy Eid (festival greeting)
Usage
Sa7a 3idkom is the most widespread greeting in Algeria for Eid el-Fitr and Eid el-Adha. Literally, it wishes that the festival go by "in good health". It is said when greeting each other on the morning of the festival, when visiting family, or by message. In the singular, one says sa7a 3idek. It is often followed by additions such as t3ayyedou bessa7a w lehna or snin dayma. The usual reply is w 3idek mbarek, or simply the same formula in return. It is not used for a birthday.
Example
صحة عيدكم، تعيدو بالصحة والهنا
sa7a 3idkom, t3aydou bessa7a w lhna
“Happy Eid, may you spend the Eid in good health and peace.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “sa7a 3idkom” but also “saha aidkom”, “sahha 3idkoum”, “sa7a 3aidkom” and “saha idkom”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent; 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.