sa9si سقسي
Algerian Darja · verb
“sa9si” (سقسي) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to ask, pose a question.
Meanings
- to ask, pose a question
- to inquire
Usage
The verb sa9sa (imperfective ysa9si, imperative sa9si) is a very common Algerian Arabic verb for "asking" for information. It is not used for "asking for something to obtain", which is tleb. The construction is sa9si + person to question someone, and sa9si 3la + subject to inquire about something: sa9si 3la l'prix. The imperative sa9si often comes up as advice: "find out, ask around". The register is colloquial and neutral, understood everywhere in Algeria. The corresponding noun is sa9sia (question, request for information).
Example
سقسي باباك إذا يخليك تروح
sa9si babak ida ykhalik trouh
“Ask your father if he'll let you go.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “sa9si” but also “saqsi”, “sagsi”, “s9si” and “sa9ssi”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.