t3allem تعلم
Algerian Darja · verb
“t3allem” (تعلم) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to learn, to study.
Meanings
- to learn, to study
- to get used to
Usage
A very common verb, pronounced t3allem; the imperfect is yet3allem. It takes a direct object ("t3allem dinek", "learn your religion") or a verb in the imperfect ("t3allem yesog", "he learned to drive"). In the imperative, it often carries a tone of advice or reproach. It can also mean "to pick up a habit", often a bad one: "t3allem 3la el-kasel". Pitfall: do not confuse it with 3allem ("to teach"). The same spelling without vowels can also be read as "you know" in Standard Arabic.
Example
راني نتعلّم السواقة
rani nt3allem sswaga
“I'm learning to drive.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “t3allem” but also “t3lem”, “ta3allam” and “t3alem”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.
Type “t3allem” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “to learn, acquire knowledge”; “to learn to do something”: t3llem in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “to learn, to be taught”; “to get used to, pick up a habit”: t3allem in Tunisian.