smana سمانة
Algerian Darja · noun
“smana” (سمانة) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning week.
Meanings
- week
- about a week, roughly seven days
Usage
Smana is the usual word for "week" in Algeria, borrowed from Spanish semana. The form simana is also heard. People say "had smana" (this week), "smana jaya" (next week), "smana li fatet" (last week). The plural is smanat. Standard Arabic "osbou3" is understood, but it is reserved for writing or the media. "Kach smana" is also often used for a vague duration of about a week. The register is neutral and everyday.
Example
نرجع من السفر بعد سمانة
nerja3 mel safar ba3d smana
“I'll be back from my trip in a week.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “smana” but also “simana”, “semana” and “smanat”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.