sir سير
Algerian Darja · verb
“sir” (سير) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning go! (imperative of "to go").
Meanings
- go! (imperative of "to go")
- go ahead, come on
- belt, strap
Usage
Sir is the singular imperative of "to go"; the plural is siro. It is very often used before another verb to give an order: sir jib el-khobz, "go get the bread". On its own, it is also used to send someone away (sir!, "go away") or to encourage them (sir, "go ahead"). Tone determines whether the nuance is neutral, impatient or curt. As a noun, sir refers to a belt or strap, including a machine belt. Not to be confused with the noun sayr, "movement, operation".
Example
سير جيب الخبز من الحانوت
sir jib el-khobz mel-hanout
“Go get the bread from the shop.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “sir” but also “ssir”, “seer” and “syr”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “sir” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “go! (imperative)”; “go and (do something)”: sir in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “go on, keep going (encouragement)”; “strap, thong”: sir in Tunisian.