si سي
Algerian Darja · noun
“si” (سي) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning mister (title before a first name).
Meanings
- mister (title before a first name)
Usage
Si is a title of respect that always goes before a man's first name: si Mohamed, si Kaddour. It shows deference toward an older man, a teacher or a notable. It is also used in a teasing or ironic tone between friends, for example ya si Kada. It is not used on its own. The common feminine equivalent is lalla before a woman's first name. It is also a frequent element in the names of artists or characters.
Example
سي أحمد راه يستناك في الحانوت.
si Ahmed rah yestennak fel 7anout.
“Mr. Ahmed is waiting for you at the shop.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “si” but also “essi” and “ssi”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Its Arabic spelling is not fixed either: you will find سي and السي, all the same word.
Type “si” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “Mr. (title before a first name)”; “sir (when addressing someone)”: si in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “Mr (before a first name)”; “title of respect”: si in Tunisian.