saha صحا
Algerian Darja · interjection
“saha” (صحا) is an interjection in Algerian Darja meaning thanks, well done.
Meanings
- thanks, well done
- okay, agreed
- enjoy, to your health
Usage
Saha is a very versatile expression, typical of Algeria. It is used to thank or congratulate someone: "saha khouya". It also expresses agreement ("okay") or closes a conversation, on the phone for example. Followed by a noun, it forms good wishes: "saha ftourek" when breaking the fast, "saha 3idkoum" for Eid, "saha" after a meal, a shower or a purchase. Tone changes the meaning. Repeated curtly, "saha saha" can mean "that's enough" or signal "you'll see". It is a familiar, warm word, not to be confused with sahha (health).
Example
صحّا خويا، ربي يحفظك.
saha khouya, rabbi yahfdek.
“Thanks, my brother, may God protect you.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “saha” but also “sahha”, “sa7a”, “sa7ha” and “sahaa”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.